45 Black and White Wedding Décor Ideas

Wedding escort card wall in black and white with miniature chairs and "You Can Sit With Us" text in calligraphy — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

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.

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Set the Tone With Invitations

Black and white invitation suite with large font and designed envelope liner — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

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.

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Choose a Modern Arch

Bride and groom kiss at black and white geometric wedding arch with floral arrangement — PHOTO BY JAMI LAREE

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.

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Pop the Bubbly

Black champagne wall with "The Party Starts Here" text in white cursive and white floral arrangement — Photo by Alexandria Monette Photography

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.

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Choose Anemone Centerpieces

black and white anemone flower centerpiece — PHOTO BY TAMARA GRUNER PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

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Make an Entrance

Black vinyl wedding welcome sign with gold font and orange and white floral arrangements — Photo by Ama by Aisha; Design by Shawna Collins; Vinyl by Laced Vinyl Shoppe

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.

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Hang Chandeliers

Black chandeliers with hanging bulbs and greenery over long wedding reception tables — Photo by Becca Cannon Photography

How can you immediately add black and white detailing to an otherwise simple tent? Hang black chandeliers for a beautifully lit look.

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Design Your Menus

Baby's breath wedding place setting with black and white menu with bride tag — PHOTO BY DU SOLEIL PHOTOGRAPHIE

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.

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Opt for Black Glassware

Wedding reception table with anemones, black taper candles, and black glassware — Photo by Ether & Smith

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.

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Decorate Your Aisle

Indoor wedding ceremony with white chairs, white floral backdrop, white floral aisle arrangements, and white runner with black "ND" monogram — Photo by Jessa Schifilliti

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.

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Choose Black Plates

Wedding tablescape with white linens, green and white floral arrangements, and place settings with black plates and white place cards — Photo by Hannah Forsberg

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.

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Add a Wax Seal

Black wax seal on wedding escort cards — Photo by Mashaida Co and Lea Bremicker

Add a special flair to simply printed place cards. A black wax seal with your monogram creates a beautiful contrast against white paper.

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Embrace Your Venue

Ceremony setting outside with an aisle lined with white flowers and black and white architectural details — Photo by Natalie Bray

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.

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Carry a Lush Bouquet

Bride holding a black and white floral bouquet with anemone, roses and greenery — Photo by Jessie Caballero Photography

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.

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Have Black Chairs at the Ceremony

Outdoor ceremony space on the water with black chairs and white baby's breath floral arrangements — Photo by Henry + Mac

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.

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Serve a Black and White Cake

Black and white three-tier wedding cake with white florals and greenery next to candles — PHOTO BY LAVEL MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY HONEY & SALT CAKE CO.

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.

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Go All Black

Three-tier black cake with anemone flower — Photo by Samantha Kleven Photography; Cake by Ink Sweets

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.

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Use Patterned Rugs

Black and white rugs on wedding ceremony aisle with altar with black vases and white florals — Photo by Sydney Bliss Photography

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.

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Create Contrast on Cocktail Napkins

black and white napkins — Photo by MORGAN HYDINGER

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.

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Light Black Candles

Tall black taper candles with gold holders on table with white floral arrangements — Photo by Niki Marie Photography; Design by Festoons and Flourishes

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.

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Theme Your Escort Card Wall

Black and white escort card wall with small chair figurines and "You Can Sit With Us" text with lanterns and greenery — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

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.

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Select Printed Pillows

Cocktail reception lounge area with gray chairs and black and white patterned pillows — PHOTO BY OLIVIA RAE JAMES

Hosting a cocktail 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.

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Customize Menu Signs

Black and white ice cream menu sign and white floral arrangements — PHOTO BY CHRIS AND RUTH PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

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Make It Marble

Back and white marble table numbers on wedding tablescape — PHOTO BY JAMI LAREE

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.

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Deck Out the Bar

Black and white wedding bar with "Sips about to GO DOWN" text — Photo by MORGAN HYDINGER

Don't forget to deck out your bar design. Customize a black acrylic table with your monogram or a unique phrase to enhance your cocktail hour aesthetic. We recommend adding in light florals as a final accent.

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Play With Patterned Plates

Wedding tablescape with black and white patterned plates, black napkins, and tall white florals arrangements — PHOTO BY HEATHER KINCAID

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.

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Choose a Black Table

Long Black Wedding Reception Table with Ghost Chairs and Tall Taper Candles — PHOTO BY JAMI LAREE

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.

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Take It to the Tropics

coconut escort cards with black name tags and gold straws — PHOTO BY JANA WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

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Incorporate Printed Textiles

Wedding tablescape with patterned black and white napkin, black menu, and palm leaf print runner — PHOTO BY JANA WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

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Decorate the Dance Floor

Custom White Wedding Dance Floor with "Shut Up and Dance With Me" Song Quote Printed Across — PHOTO BY HEATHER KINCAID

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.

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Create Contrast With Furniture

Long Wedding Reception Tables at Rustic Outdoor Venue with Black Chairs, Neutral Linens, and Floral Arrangements — PHOTO BY LEO PATRONE

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.

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Choose a Black Chuppah

Black metal wedding chuppah with bride, groom, and officiant — PHOTO BY MIRELLE CARMICHAEL

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.

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Serve Monogrammed Chocolates

Back and white chocolates with monogram in glass cloche on plate — PHOTO BY SARAH NATASHA

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.

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Light It Up

White neon sign that says "The Spencers" against black windows — PHOTO BY JAMI LAREE

Light up your venue with white light. We love the look of this white neon sign hanging against black windows for an industrial vibe.

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Play With Texture on Your Cake

white wedding cake with black flowers — PHOTO BY SYLVIE GIL; EVENT PLANNING BY ELISE JOHNSON FOR SHANNON LEAHY EVENTS; CAKE BY JASMINE RAE CAKES

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.

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Light Up Black Lanterns

black lantern centerpieces on reception tables with pink glassware and flowers — PHOTO BY TELL CHRONICLES PHOTO; DESIGN BY A. GRIFFIN EVENTS

Want to bring in a beautiful glow to your reception? Black glass lanterns paired with white candles make for beautiful centerpieces.

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Add Baby's Breath

Baby's breath centerpiece on table with black napkins and black taper candles — Photo by Vanessa Renae Photography; Design by Stone House Creative

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.

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Keep It Simple

Black and white table number signs with candles — Photo by Stephanie Nachtrab Photography

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.

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Incorporate a Vintage Vibe

Black trunk with white flower arrangement in gold vase — Photo by Sydney Bliss Photography

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.

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Look to Lush Centerpieces

Indoor Wedding Reception with Rectangular Tables Topped with White Linens, White Flowers, and Black Chairs and Plates — Photo by Susie and Will Photography; Design by I Do Details

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.

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Bring the Palette to Your Attire

bride in a cocktail-length dress by Monique Lhuillier for her wedding portrait with groom — Photo by Larissa Cleveland

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.

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Consider Your Cocktails

Lemonade vodka signature cocktails on display on black table with black risers and white florals — Photo by Amanda Donaho

A light signature cocktail 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.

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Top Your Cake

Four-tier white wedding cake with "ND" black topper and white flowers — Photo by Jessa Schifilliti

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.

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Create Program Fans

Black and white wedding program fans with the couple's intials — Photo by Rachel Rodgers Photography

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.

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Select Black Vases

Tall black vase with white floral centerpiece and hanging glass globes with votive candles on black table — Photo by Rachel Rodgers Photography

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.

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Dress Your Wedding Party in Black

Bridesmaids in black one-shoulder gowns holding bouquets with bride in strapless white gown in front of ceremony altar — Photo by Niki Marie Photography

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.

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