I would go with your idea of cream brown back. Leopard prints might be too trendy and you'd want your quilt to be timeless.

Your work is beautiful and it's so thoughtful you would even make the quilts. What a special gift! Wow, you could make me a quilt any day.

Just my opinion, but unless you asked about what color the bride- to- be would like, the mother who was giving suggestions was rude. If it were me in a nice way, I would tell her when I make a gift unless I ask I enjoy deciding the colors and patterns of the gift I'm making.
My ex mother in law use to cross stitch a baby blanket for all her grandchildren. She was going to do it for great grandchildren. The granddaughter picked out a twin spread to be crossed stitched instead of a baby blanket size. It took my MIL 3x's as long to complete it and she didn't enjoy as much.

For the life of me, I don't understand. When I give a gift, part of the gift is the thought I put into making or buying the gift. Unless I ask particulars, I want to decide what to buy or make.

What a wonderful thing for you to do! Your quilt is absolutely Beautiful! I think I would purchase the yard of fabric and work it in With the others, if it's one of her favorites why not. That is me, But totally up to you. Either way I am not convinced "mother" was intending harm,I know a lot of quilters/piecers that are unsure of what colors may be liked when putting a quilt together and feel she was just suggesting what her daughter might like more. My opinion of course. I think she would be thrilled with whichever and whatever quilt you decide to make. I applaud your endeavor and be sure and show us pictures of all of your beauties!

Wonderful memories you are creating.

I love this quilt...... the colors are awesome...... :-)

Very nice!

You are just the sweetest! I love your label. I decided that you must embroider your labels to get the white letters.