Every year, Pantone announces its Color of the Year—a hue that inevitably influences fashion, beauty, décor, and yes, wedding design. For 2026, the chosen shade is Cloud Dancer, a soft, understated white that leans more toward neutral minimalism than expressive color.

Here at hamptonBRIDE, we have to admit: it’s an unexpected—and for many newly engaged couples, perhaps disappointing—direction.

A Color That Risks Upstaging the Bride?

Past Pantone shades (think Viva Magenta, Peach Fuzz, Living Coral) offered couples a fresh palette that complemented the bride—not competed with her. Cloud Dancer, by contrast, walks a fine line. Its stark, bright neutrality can overshadow the subtlety of a gown, especially in photos where a bride’s silhouette should be the undeniable focal point. Many brides look forward to the Color of the Year as inspiration… not competition.


White Can Be Elegant—But Does It Spark Joy?

But when the wedding world looks to Pantone for inspiration, couples often expect energy, emotion, and color stories that bring joy, depth, and personality. A pure white tone doesn’t deliver that same feeling. Instead of uplifting a celebration, it risks leaving couples searching elsewhere for the color direction they crave.

Brides Want Personality—Not Another Neutral

One of the most exciting shifts we’ve seen on the East End is the embrace of colorful moments. citrus brights in Montauk, vineyard greens in the North Fork, sunset tones in the Hamptons, and soft pastels inspired by the dunes and ocean.

Cloud Dancer, while beautiful, lacks the expressive emotion many couples now prioritize. Weddings in 2026 are about storytelling—about vibrancy, joy, and individuality. Color helps deliver that. A neutral, even a gorgeous one, simply can’t carry that narrative alone.

For couples who still love the idea of incorporating this shade, Cloud Dancer can bring a refined, textural beauty to the day when used thoughtfully. Here’s how to incorporate it—without letting it overpower the bride or the celebration.

Lace details (a major trend returning for 2026)
All-white tablescapes, layered with texture
Floral clouds and architectural installations
Textured linens paired with metallic accents
Minimalist stationery suites
Soft candle arrangements and ceramic details
Signature Cocktail called the Cloud Dancer- frosted-white martini, a coconut mojito or a velvety coquito-style cocktail

Used sparingly and intentionally, Cloud Dancer can add refinement without stealing the spotlight.

Our Take? Pantone Missed an Opportunity for 2026

While Cloud Dancer is elegant in its own right, it doesn’t bring the vibrancy, inspiration, or originality many couples look forward to each year. Weddings—especially here on the East End—are celebrations of life, color, place, and emotion.

A white-based Color of the Year may feel too safe, too subdued, and ultimately… a bit uninspiring.

We anticipate many brides turning to other palettes instead, seeking hues that reflect joy, personality, and the beauty of their surroundings—rather than a color that blends into the background.

Pantone may have chosen Cloud Dancer for the world, but as far as East End celebrations in 2026 go, we suspect our brides will continue to choose color, character, and creativity over a shade that feels more like a blank canvas than a statement.