As you begin wedding planning, one of the most important tasks on your to-do list will be nailing down your color palette. The shades can help guide you in choosing wedding elements ranging from your fashion to your florals. While bold, bright colors are certainly stunning, there’s one color palette that will always be in style: black and white.
An all-white palette is entirely timeless, but adding black details to the mix is an easy way to elevate your décor. With a black and white wedding palette, you can go for a modern aesthetic or stick to something that's classic and romantic. It’s all about adding contrast throughout your venue to ensure a stunning look.
Think a black and a white color palette is perfect for your celebration? Read on for 45 black and white wedding décor ideas to incorporate into your big day.
Avoid These 10 Mistakes When Choosing Your Wedding Color Palette
01of 45
Set the Tone With Invitations
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jessica-charisse_02-037583d905c44110b0bb2bb0c8b5c641.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (1)")
Give guests a preview of your black and white color palette with your invitation suite. Whether you have a modern or elegant aesthetic, you can find a design that fits with your minimalist color scheme. For their modern wedding in Washington, D.C., this couple chose to invite guests to the celebration using a bold, typography-heavy stationery suite.
02of 45
Choose a Modern Arch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYJAMILAREEJESKEY4-6c64996c0170491b816c790dae68f2b4.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (2)")
Ditch a traditional altar and opt for something that feels right for your ceremony. We love how this couple chose a unique geometric design that's painted in black and white to create a bold contrast against the city skyline behind them.
03of 45
Pop the Bubbly
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AlexandriaMonettePhotography-82bcb139bd764e93b2a159bd628df984.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (3)")
Have your guests grab a glass of Champagne from a chic black wall as they enter your reception. Enhance the look even further by decorating the installation with a stunning white floral arrangements.
04of 45
Choose Anemone Centerpieces
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYTAMARAGRUNERPHOTOGRAPHY-7b0d7a13c72d419aa6d6c4e4fd73cbf4.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (4)")
Anemones are one of the most unique blooms, with light petals and a bold dark center. They're the perfect addition to any black and white color palette, and we particularly love when they're used in centerpieces or to line your aisle.
05of 45
Make an Entrance
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amabyaisha-995712a26f7a4a6ba8e39e13400628f5.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (5)")
A custom welcome sign will make your big day feel even more special. Opt for a black vinyl sign as the base and use a creamy white text for contrast. You can further enhance the look by displaying it with an arrangement of blooms.
06of 45
Hang Chandeliers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BeccaCannon-67fc7f5bcba74c3599e3283bb3c731ef.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (6)")
How can you immediately add black and white detailing to an otherwise simple tent? Hang black chandeliers for a beautifully lit look.
07of 45
Design Your Menus
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYDUSOLEILPHOTOGRAPHIE-a704b85ba00b4075951ed2944a833e71.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (7)")
Black and white menu cards are am easy way to bring the color palette into your tablescapes. Elevate the look even further with baby's breath and gold accents.
08of 45
Opt for Black Glassware
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EtherSmith-07c9b3ed8a0c4fca9236fc06c9b4952e.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (8)")
Don't forget to factor wine glasses and water cups into your tablescape design. The whimsical anemones on this reception table are absolutely lovely, but choosing to enhance the palette with black glassware is the perfect final touch.
09of 45
Decorate Your Aisle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/danielle-nick_18-475591b63eeb40cb949607ed755f9ac6.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (9)")
Place a palette-appropriate runner down your ceremony aisle for a unique accent that ties together the design. We love how this couple had their monogrammed initials added to the runner for a personalized touch.
10of 45
Choose Black Plates
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Maya-Lanto_25-1d01c58427e141bc82dc9488745e4d5b.JPG "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (10)")
If you're hosting a seated dinner, consider using your black and white color palette in your table settings. We love the look of black dinner plates against a clean, white linen tablecloth.
11of 45
Add a Wax Seal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mashaidacoandleabremicker-6a45e86a968947b8bce04908d00fce46.jpeg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (11)")
Add a special flair to simply printed place cards. A black wax seal with your monogram creates a beautiful contrast against white paper.
12of 45
Embrace Your Venue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/eva-bobby_22-1eb5726ffdd84493a20602aabe4e611c.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (12)")
Make it easier to highlight your color palette by selecting a venue that already showcases those hues. For example, this courtyard with striped tile served as a beautiful anchor for the design of a Santa Barbara wedding ceremony. White florals and chairs were the only necessary additions to enhance the space’s décor.
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
13of 45
Carry a Lush Bouquet
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JessieCaballeroPhotography-6b5ad80ea19642238f396da613331db5.JPG "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (13)")
Many couples have florals play a large role in their wedding décor, so why not infuse your black and white palette into your bouquet? After all, plenty of eyes are on it as you walk down the aisle.
14of 45
Have Black Chairs at the Ceremony
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Carolyn-Vic_09-eb0d01f6ed5d460e8c45ff58829b0d20.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (14)")
Selecting black seats is an easy way to bring your palette to the wedding ceremony. Paired with white baby's breath and a beautiful ocean backdrop, the chairs at this Newport wedding lend drama to the design.
15of 45
Serve a Black and White Cake
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYLAVELMARIEPHOTOGRAPHYCAKEBYHONEYSALTCAKECO.-e74154aa753443079a6074450f8a9768.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (15)")
Why not coordinate your wedding cake with the rest of your black and white color palette? We love how this watercolor-inspired confection was paired with pretty white blooms and taper candles.
16of 45
Go All Black
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/11-70c1389e9d14437daa373e0ead12770e-7e7d40974ee94ccfb0886fce7d9bec01.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (16)")
Don't want to include both hues on your cake? Don't be afraid to commit to an all-black cake, which can be paired with white florals for a sleek look.
17of 45
Use Patterned Rugs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sydneyblissphoto-81a124e3785c4ff39ed8630022a4a15a.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (17)")
We love the way this entire ceremony setting embraces a black and white color palette from top to bottom. A patterned rug or two can easily lend a bohemian touch to the base of your design.
18of 45
Create Contrast on co*cktail Napkins
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MORGANHYDINGER-e3325fe6def445d7a181bdb41380869a.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (18)")
Custom napkins are an excellent way to personalize your celebration and showcase your palette. Add a playful note to these bar essentials while also sticking to a black and white color theme.
19of 45
Light Black Candles
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NikiMariePhotographyanddesignbyFestoonsandFlourishes.-30e8311818694377bd2accc80962472b.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (19)")
While the long centerpiece of lush white blooms makes a statement here, the contrast from the taper candles takes the tablescape to another level. We can't get enough of the romantic glow they bring to the reception.
20of 45
Theme Your Escort Card Wall
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jessica-charisse_22-d490c84e8df943cf94ba26b5c45b2947.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (20)")
Your escort card display is another great opportunity for you to highlight your palette. Couples looking for a modern look should take note of this wedding in Washington, D.C.. For a bold design moment, the brides had black miniature chairs sourced from IKEA placed on a white backdrop, along with calligraphed names of all their guests.
21of 45
Select Printed Pillows
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYOLIVIARAEJAMES-9960acedcaa14106b4bb17626dd7b0cd.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (21)")
Hosting a co*cktail hour before your seated dinner? Create a cozy lounge area in your preferred color palette. Adding black and white patterned pillows are the perfect way to make a space more stylish and comfortable.
22of 45
Customize Menu Signs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYCHRISANDRUTHPHOTOGRAPHY-97277897c95341d39efd35d0bfe61684.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (22)")
Want bold, modern signage? Black and white is the way to go. Print menus for food stations on large, white boards with black ink for a chic look.
23of 45
Make It Marble
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYJAMILAREEJESKEY-d55e574873384434af0f829c9f1ca8a6.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (23)")
Incorporate a bit of texture to your design and have marble serve as the perfect white base for everything from table numbers to coasters. Add black numbering or lettering to make these pieces pop.
24of 45
Deck Out the Bar
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MORGANHYDINGER2-ea6413f985e4470db33e545e4328f8da.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (24)")
Don't forget to deck out your bar design. Customize a black acrylic table with your monogram or a unique phrase to enhance your co*cktail hour aesthetic. We recommend adding in light florals as a final accent.
25of 45
Play With Patterned Plates
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYHEATHERKINCAID2-b2c4dbe9a9f94f5f97822c55d49977da.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (25)")
Take black and white to a whole new level by incorporating items that already showcase both colors. The patterned plates on these reception tables are the perfect example.
26of 45
Choose a Black Table
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYJAMILAREEJESKEY3.-19792279cb2a48328737c3a2d9a3edeb.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (26)")
Ditch the tablecloth and embrace a colored table at your wedding reception. Here, a shiny black table pairs with acrylic ghost chairs for a stylish contrast.
27of 45
Take It to the Tropics
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYJANAWILLIAMSPHOTOGRAPHY2-db17037fc54b4a9194e195ab973ea5de.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (27)")
Think you can't incorporate black and white details into a tropical wedding? Think again. One couple used coconuts paired with black and white tags to create a modern-meets-tropical escort display at their Palm Spring wedding.
28of 45
Incorporate Printed Textiles
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYJANAWILLIAMSPHOTOGRAPHY-f0637817a75d4c28ac80687334a61d20.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (28)")
For a black and white palette, a tablescape set accordingly is a must. To make it even more interesting, introduce a patterned cloth napkin to each setting.
29of 45
Decorate the Dance Floor
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYHEATHERKINCAID-c26388942cd34f5da2841b5bb8c9986e.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (29)")
An easy way to dress up a plain white dance floor? Add a playful message with a black ecal. We love the personality this lettered design provides.
30of 45
Create Contrast With Furniture
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYLEOPATRONE-c746b359a0884084920d0c048cea6cf3.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (30)")
You can make an immediate colorful statement by incorporating your color palette into your reception furniture. Consider pairing long white banquet tables with black chairs for a bold look.
31of 45
Choose a Black Chuppah
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYMIRELLECARMICHAEL-291a4f5631844f01ab89bf59e9f29a68.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (31)")
While chuppahs and altars decked out in blooms are common, don't be afraid to switch it up and select one made from black metal. We love the look of this modern chuppah against a pastel ocean backdrop.
32of 45
Serve Monogrammed Chocolates
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYSARAHNATASHA-d05df20847a643b9a30f914f415e5768.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (32)")
Want a sweet treat to serve your guests? Offer up a square of white chocolate decorated with your new monogram as an edible favor. We love the contrast that the black letters add to this confection.
33of 45
Light It Up
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYJAMILAREEJESKEY2-44be1dc4f024445ba9ec59d06d8144d6.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (33)")
Light up your venue with white light. We love the look of this white neon sign hanging against black windows for an industrial vibe.
34of 45
Play With Texture on Your Cake
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYSYLVIEGILEVENTPLANNINGBYELISEJOHNSONFORSHANNONLEAHYEVENTSCAKEBYJASMINERAECAKES-65961075b7c1453e930fbc29aa31663e.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (34)")
If you're hoping to stick to an all-white colorpalette with just a few pops of black, this is the perfect sweet to pair with that aesthetic. Tiers of cake with pretty textured ruffles are highlighted with black blooms crafted from sugar.
35of 45
Light Up Black Lanterns
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PHOTOBYTELLCHRONICLESPHOTODESIGNBYA.GRIFFINEVENTS-ae5da89c1a954a06933d785436371457.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (35)")
Want to bring in a beautiful glow to your reception? Black glass lanterns paired with white candles make for beautiful centerpieces.
36of 45
Add Baby's Breath
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PrepSTYLEDshoot-Vanessa-Renae-44stonehousecreative-b87884e33f384570b0fd9c344de48659.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (36)")
While the moody black napkins certainly pop on this reception table, it's the centerpieces that steal the show. Pair white baby's breath and black taper candles for a lovely display.
37of 45
Keep It Simple
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/StephanieNachtrab-7ec8ee246e6e4534aa87f68c552e97c1.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (37)")
Black and white décor doesn't have to be all about intricate designs. You may want to work the color palette into your reception by including something simple, such as acrylic table numbers in a minimalist font.
38of 45
Incorporate a Vintage Vibe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sydneybliss-53175bd766204dd7abc3316f3ed3ad3c.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (38)")
Want to have a vintage aesthetic at your celebration? Incorporate black and white details with a retro feel, like this old trunk accented with pretty blooms.
39of 45
Look to Lush Centerpieces
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/susieandwill.com-bb10fe5a7c824236b1d29544b42596f8.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (39)")
While this reception utilizes black chairs paired with white tablecloths to lay the base of the palette, the centerpieces enhance it further. Consider incorporating plenty of lush, white blooms for an elevated look.
40of 45
Bring the Palette to Your Attire
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-f0b76351874346d9be7e6de155443cfe.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (40)")
While black and white suits and tuxedos are commonly seen at weddings, consider adding an on-palette gown to your wardrobe as well. We love how this bride chose a spotted black and white strapless Monique Lhuillier dress for her California wedding reception.
41of 45
Consider Your co*cktails
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AmberTony_15-ce05ba272906462fb2f101a4c7499eed.JPG "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (41)")
A light signature co*cktail created a unique black and white design moment at a Cincinnati wedding. Paired with dark linens and crisp florals, the drink display definitely stood out at the reception.
42of 45
Top Your Cake
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/danielle-nick_48-332613ad404042de9e865d7057673920.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (42)")
A custom cake topper with your initials formed in sleek acrylic black is an excellent way to tie your confection in with your palette. We love how this four-tiered white cake at a New Jersey wedding was placed on a table covered in white roses.
43of 45
Create Program Fans
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jeanine-chris_16-f11604611bb345c58616a9bc721c141c.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (43)")
Hosting an outdoor affair? Give guests black and white program fans with your monogram so they can keep cool during the ceremony. This idea works perfectly for a modern rooftop wedding in New York City.
44of 45
Select Black Vases
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jeanine-chris_38-2f55260631534af18aeb935d7e75a6d5.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (44)")
Tall black vases were the perfectly complement to large white floral arrangements at a black and white wedding reception. Enhance the centerpieces with votive candles to create a moody glow.
45of 45
Dress Your Wedding Party in Black
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/taylor-arran_09-8a6320a55dca4ecd8b8d6e0a667a804d.jpg "45 Beautiful Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas (45)")
You can never go wrong with a black dress, so why not have your wedding party don the shade? Have your bridesmaids wear a similar style, like this chic one-shoulder design at a Chicago wedding. You can also have the party select their own silhouette in the neutral hue.
