December 31, 2025

PANTONE Color of the Year 2026: Cloud Dancer

Pantone has selected an ever so slightly controversial color of the year this year. To all of us at Willowdale Estate, it's more symbolic than you might think. 

PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer was the Color of the Year for 2026. What was the thought behind a color that's so incredibly neutral? Leatrice Eisman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, talks about the inspiration behind this color: "At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity. The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences."

One quick glance at Cloud Dancer and you'll find that it's shockingly...just white. But to us, it really is more. After all, it is the color of a traditional wedding dress. The added symbolism behind the color puts emphasis on clarity, enhanced focus, zero distractions. Softness, calm, a sense of ease. It's a blank canvas, or a fresh start. It's timeless beauty and simplicity. All are things we love about our couples and our work. 

If you're looking for wedding inspiration and want to implement this color into your decor, florals, or additional details, you can check out PANTONE's palette exploration for more colors to compliment Cloud Dancer. (Hint: most of them will work!)

 

 PHOTOS: DANIELLE JENNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY, RHODE PHOTO AND FILM, BRIANNA RITOLI PHOTOGRAPHY,  JESS HERRERA,  DAN AGUIRRE PHOTOGRAPHY, NINA WINSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY

White cake with textured icing on a wooden stand, knife and server beside it.
Man in suit adjusting floral boutonniere.
Outdoor wedding setup with white chairs facing a rustic stone building.
Rows of wooden chairs in a decorated wedding tent.
Two-tier white cake on a wooden stand, surrounded by greenery.
Couple kissing under a clear umbrella on a rainy day.
Elegant wedding tent with round tables and floral centerpieces.
Elegant table setting with flowers, wine glasses, and a tall candle.
Plates of chocolate and vanilla cake slices on a wooden table.
White wedding dress hanging in a cozy living room.
Wedding arch of greenery and white flowers behind a round table.
Round table with white tablecloth, elegant glassware, and floral centerpiece.
Bride and groom in snowy courtyard outside rustic stone house.
Bride in white dress holding a bouquet of white roses.
Snowy entrance sign surrounded by frosted trees and shrubs.
Newlyweds feeding each other cake under string lights at night.
A person in a flowing white gown with sheer, ruffled sleeves.
Large white event tent on grass, surrounded by trees, with tables and chairs inside.
Bride and groom standing at altar in a sunlit conservatory wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom embrace outside a snowy, stone house at night.
Mini cupcakes with white frosting on a wooden tray in a colorful tiled setting.
Elegant dining table with wooden chairs set for an event, in a warmly lit room.
Elegant table setting under a canopy, with white chairs and floral centerpieces.
Bride and groom dancing under a decorated tent with silver ornaments.
White flowers in a clear glass vase on a white table.
Elegant high heels and pearl accessories on a black surface near wooden railing.
White floral arrangement on a pedestal, candles in background.
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