By Jennifer

Pantone, the go-to expert on color trends, recently announced turquoise to be Color of the Year for 2010. "Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being." 

This calming color is a reflection of optimism and poses a contrast to the bright mimosa yellow color of 2009. Turquoise is the birthstone of December (my birthstone!) and also representative of fifth and eleventh wedding anniversaries. Some cultures believe the stone brings wealth, love, and happiness.

Why not bring some of that wealth, love, and happiness to your wedding?  We predict destination weddings and beach weddings with their beautiful landscapes and breezy attitudes will be a hit with this color. Bridesmaid dresses in turquoise can be found in many designer lines including Alfred Angelo and After Six.

We've found some inspiring turquoise palettes -- check them out on the following blogs:

• OneWed.com - Using the Dessy/PANTONE color collaboration, OneWed's style board features a classy turquoise, black, and white combination
• GreenWeddingShoes (summer pastel) (winter aqua) - The summer pastels board has hints of turquoise and looks beautiful and calming. Meanwhile, the snowy winter board brings some warm red into the picture
• The Bridal Party - This turquoise/teal/blue color combination has a unique inspiration: peacock feathers! Amazing wedding cake and great inspiration board.
• mywedding.com - Turquoise and raspberry look great together on this color board. I love the raspberry colored drink cans!
• papercouturiere - What about Tiffany & Co? Their signature color is a light turquoise and brings about this Tiffany-inspired board.