87 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.
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Molly Allen is a previous bakery owner with expertise in wedding orders, as well as a former event planner. She is now a freelance writer focused on lifestyle, travel, and food and beverage.
Ready to choose the décor for your wedding day? There are so many beautiful options! But before diving in, you’ll want to determine the overall aesthetic and color palette for both your ceremony and reception.
While an all-white wedding will always be timeless, and a neutral palette is certainly gorgeous, there's such a wide range of color choices to make your wedding feel entirely you. And for many couples, that may include a bold look, with plenty of black elements in the mix.
Black details can add the perfect chic or glam touch to any aesthetic. And you can go for nothing but dark details, or just sprinkle in a few. It’s all up to you!
Think including black is the perfect fit? Read on for 26 ways to use black and dark details in your wedding décor.
White or wooden bars are lovely, but black will make that much more of a statement. We love the glam look of this black backdrop with gold detailing.
Photo by Ashley Ludaescher Photography
Just a touch of black can truly dress up a table setting. Although this color palette wasn't terribly moody, the addition of black-handled flatware made it so beautifully chic.
Want an entirely moody look? Go for a black place setting. This combination of black plates, napkins, and even menus is absolutely stunning.
Going for glam? While an all-white wedding cake is classic, add a pop of dark décor with a cake topper like one couple did with their initials in black.
They're not terribly common, but black cocktail tables can truly dress up a space. We love the way these tables popped amongst tropical décor.
Photo by Alex Ashman Photography
Matte black dinner plates? Yes please! These plates certainly stood out against a neutral table setting.
Photo by Abby Jiu Photography
Whether it's the only black element on your table or you're pairing them with other details, black candlesticks certainly make a statement. Of course, pairing them with other black décor such as lanterns, table numbers, and votive holders will enhance the look even further.
Want just a touch of dark detailing in your ceremony space? Why not add it to the aisle! One couple featured their initials in bold, black font as the perfect way to mark the beginning of the aisle.
Make an entrance with something bold! This black wedding welcome sign certainly made a statement, with white text and white blooms that really stood out.
Lanterns are one of the simplest décor elements to add to dress up a space. Use black-framed lanterns to introduce another touch of dark detailing to match your table design.
Photo by Alex Ashman Photography
Tall centerpieces certainly make a statement, but the stand they're on can change the look and feel of a space, too. Skip gold or white and go for black!
Photo by John & Joseph
Even the smallest details can be black! Go for custom cocktail napkins with a black base and gold monogram for a bespoke look.
Photo by Jami Laree Jeskey
Why not really make a statement and ditch traditional wooden tables? Even better? Skip a tablecloth too! This long black reception table certainly commanded attention and served as the perfect backdrop for other décor to stand out.
PHOTO BY ABBY JIU PHOTOGRAPHY
Make your desserts entirely chic with a touch of black. The black strip and gold detailing on these macarons are absolutely stunning.
There are so many options for rentals when it comes to bar carts, and many services have designed their carts to perfectly match certain aesthetics. Go for a black bar cart for a big statement, no matter where you're hosting your outdoor reception.
Photo by John & Joseph
One of the simplest ways to make your aesthetic darker? Ditch a colored or white tablecloth and go for black. Everything else on the table will be sure to pop against it.
A dark or black altar will certainly stand out, no matter the setting for your ceremony. We love the way this altar provided the perfect contrast to an otherwise light and bright setting.
PHOTO BY NORMAN & BLAKE
Go for a moody backdrop for the band! This dark, abstract backdrop paired with unique lighting was the perfect look for this wedding band stage.
photo by The Day Weddings; Cake by Sukar
Want to really command attention? Your cake will always make jaws drop, but a black cake will take it to the next level. Work with your baker to choose black buttercream, paired with moody florals to match.
Photo by Abby Jiu Photography
Looking for a unique escort display idea? We love this clever design! With a white background, the black chairs and font on this display truly pop.
Photo by Plum & Oak Photography
Colored glassware is stunning, but black will make even more of a statement. Incorporate black goblets or other glasses during cocktail hour and for serving wine with dinner.
Chairs are one of the most plentiful items you'll need to set up a reception space. Make a splash with black chairs for any wedding.
It's all in the details! While a minor thing to consider for a dessert table, the stands and serving utensils do matter. Choose dark colors or black to match your overall design.
Photo by Second Shots Photography
Skip light linen papers and go for black instead. This menu design, complete with gold detailing, truly popped against an off-white linen napkin.
No matter your aesthetic, black velvet tablecloths have a place. They can add such a simple touch of elegance to any space, whether used for a welcome table or your reception tables.
Photo by Shelly Anderson Photography
As you're considering how to incorporate black elements into your overall décor, think about smaller items as well. Small black food or dessert signs will pop better against a white backdrop thanks to the beautiful contrast.
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