47 Black-and-White Wedding Ideas for a Classic and Modern Palette

No pairing is more chic.

black-and-white globe wedding guest book

Photo: Clary Pfieffer Photography

Updated Aug 06, 2024

The black-and-white wedding color palette is a timeless pairing that would fit seamlessly with just about any theme, venue or aesthetic. But with a minimal look, it can be easy to feel worried the event may end up flat and one-note. That's why we're sharing plenty of inspiration to demonstrate you can effectively pull off a black-and-white affair. The classic wedding color coupling is one no to-be-wed should overlook while making their wedding vision board. Keep reading because we promise everyone will be talking about your celebration even after the day has passed.

Pros You Need to for Your Black-and-White Wedding

Black-and-White Wedding Invitations

Introducing your chosen color palette from the get-go with on-scheme wedding invitations is a must. This sets the tone for your design and gives guests a feel for what they can expect to see at the wedding. When it comes to sourcing those black-and-white wedding invitations, The Knot Invitations is a great option to peruse.

Pros You Need to for Your Black-and-White Wedding

1. Disco-Themed Black-and-White Wedding Invitation

Black and white disco-themed wedding invitation

For those having a disco ball-centered affair, use these black-and-white invitations that say "'Til death do we Disco." Your names are displayed in dramatic lowercase lettering below. Put your monogram on the back in an art deco-style font.

2. Black Wedding Invitation Envelopes With White Calligraphy

modern black-and-white wedding invitation

When guests received these wedding invitations, they were greeted with dramatic black envelopes and elegant white calligraphy. We love the beautiful white wax seal and frosted vellum wrap.

3. Garden Inspired Black-and-White Wedding Invitation

This invitation comes from The Bridgerton x The Knot collection and is perfect for couples who want a Regency-era-inspired look. Add elegant accents to your stationery with these rose-covered options for the perfect romantic look.

4. Wedding Invitation With Black-and-White Floral Patterned Envelope Liner

black-and-white wedding invitation suite with calligraphy

We love this black-and-white invitation suite with elements of green throughout. To spice up your stationery, steal this personalized envelope liner look by adding your favorite blooms.

5. Classic Black-and-White Wedding Invitation

The foil frame and white font pop on these black invitations. On the back, add your initials in classic calligraphy for a sophisticated look.

6. Western Gothic Black-and-White Wedding Invitation

Couples planning a black-and-white wedding theme with a Western flair, this invitation is for you. Use the dramatic Gothic serif font to let guests know the details about your event.

Black-and-White Wedding Decor

Finding the right decor for your ceremony and reception doesn't have to be hard. Use these 10 classic and modern black-and-white wedding decor ideas to inspire you.

7. Lounge Area With Black-and-White Furniture

Finding the right decor for your ceremony and reception doesn't have to be hard. Use these 10 classic and modern black-and-white wedding decor ideas to inspire you.

8. Personalized Black-and-White Altar

Personalized black and white altar at wedding

At this waterfront venue, the grooms had minimalist ceremony decor. The black grids holding the baby's breath flowers and white block letters allow guests to see the scenic view beyond the couple.

9. Black-and-White Reception Table Linens

An eye-catching leaf pattern on a black table runner beckoned guests into this reception space. White tablecloths, white dinnerware and black napkins folded also contributed to the black-and-white theme.

10. Black-and-White Ceremony Seating

Black and white ceremony seating at wedding

Not all your ceremony seating has to be the same color. At this terrace wedding, the couple decided to have alternating black-and-white chairs.

11. Glam Black-and-White Wedding Reception

Glam black and white wedding reception decor

Even if black and white are anchoring your decor, that doesn't mean that all other colors need to be entirely avoided. At this Malibu wedding, the tablescape was predominantly black and white but included accents of gold and pink.

12. Tented Wedding Reception With Black Chairs

These comfy black chairs brought an air of elegance to this tented wedding reception. White table linens, black taper candles and white roses were also perfect additions.

13. Black-and-White Place Setting

Black and white place setting at wedding

Black dishware, paired with silver flatware and crystal glassware, looked great against the tablecloth. The gold chargers add a touch of glam and elegance to the black-and-white wedding table setting .

14. Alternative Black-and-White Wedding Decor

Alternative black and white palmistry themed wedding decor

Couples hosting a Halloween wedding have black-and-white options too. Black taper candles and a white palmistry hand model were just the right eclectic decorations for the celebration.

15. Patterned Black-and-White Band Stage Backdrop

Patterned black-and-white stage backdrop at wedding

A dramatic stage design ensured the live band was the center of attention while performing at this wedding reception. The black paper flowers and white marble pattern complement each other nicely at this outdoor event.

16. Black, White and Gray Wedding Tablescape

Black, white and gray tablescape at wedding

Gray linens, black candlesticks and white taper candles worked harmoniously in this tablescape design. If you want more black, put your flower centerpieces in black vases.

Black-and-White Wedding Cakes

Enlist your cake baker to create a wedding cake with perfect design for your affair. Use one or more of these eight dessert images below to show your baker what you're looking for.

17. Glam Black-and-White Cake With Gold Leafing

Black and white wedding cake with gold leaf

On this unique wedding cake, each tier is different from the last. Each tier of this cake was stunning on its own, but together the monogrammed dessert was a masterpiece.

18. White Cake With a Black Bow

Just because you want a white wedding cake doesn't mean you can't include some adornments. Check out how this couple added an acrylic black cake topper and black tulle ribbon to their two-tier confection.

19. Black-and-White Wedding Cake With Song Lyrics

A black-and-white cake doesn't mean plain. The groom added a special touch to this white dessert by requesting the baker to include lyrics from a song he had written for the bride.

20. Black-and-White Star Wars Wedding Cake

Get in touch with your dark side with a Star Wars-inspired cake. From the cake toppers to the icing, the black-and-white palette shines through.

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21. Black-and-White Striped Cake

Black strips of fondant adorned the top two tiers of this elegant wedding cake. You can steal this idea or black base and white fondant strips.

22. Abstract Black-and-White Wedding Cake

Match your black-and-white cake to your modern wedding venue, as this couple did. We're really impressed with the silver foil, black paint and geometric pieces decorating this dessert.

23. Houndstooth Patterned Black-and-White Cake

There were two wedding cakes on display at this black-tie fete. The other had a plaid pattern, while the lemon thyme and ginger cake sported a houndstooth design.

24. Dramatic Black-and-White Wedding Cake

As a surprise to his new spouse, the groom took care of the cake's look. Each tier was unique, with ornate silver piping, tufted accents and pinstripes.

Black-and-White Wedding Flowers

There are plenty of options when it comes to filling your flowers with pops of black and white. After looking at these ideas, speak with your florist so you can recreate one of the unique flower looks below.

25. Black-and-White Ceremony Arrangements

Black and white ceremony floral arrangements

Give your black-and-white wedding aisle decor some height. Bundles of white hydrangeas and green amaranthus were placed in small black vases and then ontop of black boxes.

26. Simple Black-and-White Boutonniere

A classic wedding boutonniere doesn't have to be boring. White ranunculus was the flower of choice, with a black wrap, which stands out against the white jacket.

27. Black-and-White Hanging Flowers

Industrial ceremony space with hanging flowers

At this industrial venue, the couple had two parts to the floral altar. One section was a black-and-white flower liner and the other was a hanging installation of white flowers, candles and greenery.

Black-and-White Wedding Bouquets

Wedding bouquets come in all different shapes and sizes. Whether it's for a classic wedding or nautical-themed, use the options below to find the best black-and-white bouquets for you.

28. Black-and-White Bouquet With Red Accents

The bridesmaids didn't hold basic bouquets at this winter wedding. White roses, black feathers, red berries and sparkling jewels were part of this arrangement.

29. Simple Bouquet With Black-and-White Ribbons

Small bouquets can be just as stylish as a conventional one. Black-and-white ribbons were beautifully wrapped around these white blooms.

30. Gothic Black-and-White Bouquet

Striking and romantic, this cascading black-and-white bouquet is breathtaking. The arrangement was made of crimson ranunculus, dahlias and greenery.

Black-and-White Wedding Centerpieces

Enhance your tablescape by adding wedding centerpieces that stand out. Below are a few looks that couples have tried at their celebrations.

31. Black-and-White Mirrored Candelabra Centerpiece

Black and white mirrored candelabra wedding centerpiece

There are many ways you can have an elegant wedding vibe. A black mirrored candelabra draped with pearls graced this reception table.

32. Low Black-and-White Centerpieces

Black and white floral centerpiece at wedding

Every part of the reception was black and white. The long family-style table had black linens and candles, and a white anemone flower runner.

33. Black Lantern and White Hydrangea Centerpiece

Black lantern and white hydrangea wedding centerpiece

The bride and groom had decorative lanterns throughout their decor. The black lantern, white candle and white hydrangeas suit the palette and rustic theme they were going for.

34. Black-and-White Floating Candle Centerpiece

Black and white floating candle wedding centerpieces

Nothing says romance like a candle centerpiece. Filled with black stones, white calla lilies, orchids and floating candles, this centerpiece is timeless.

35. Black-and-White Vase Centerpiece

Black and white vase centerpiece at wedding

A couple decided on a Great Gatsby theme for their wedding. The white flowers, black vases and draped clear crystals were the perfect option for the look.

Editor's Black-and-White-Themed Wedding Favorites

Not everything can fit into the categories above. Here are the top modern black-and-white wedding ideas we can't stop thinking about.

36. Custom Black-and-White Cookies

Custom black and white cookies at wedding

There are lots of wedding cake alternatives out there. Ask your baker to make personalized cookies as this couple did for their event.

37. Black-and-White Acrylic Bar Menu

Black and white acrylic bar menu at wedding

Tasty signature drinks were printed on this black acrylic menu. Our favorite addition to the space is the black poodle statue.

38. Elegant Black-and-White Table Number

Elegant black and white table number at wedding

A modest table number is all you need if you want your centerpieces to shine. The small custom details on the table number are a nice touch too, like the couple's name and wedding date.

39. Black-and-White Wedding Welcome Sign

Adding a food and love quote is a must for any foodie couple wanting a welcome sign. The quote the couple picked says: "Find me a man who's interesting enough to have dinner with, and I'll be happy."

40. Candlelit Black-and-White Seating Chart

Candelit black and white seating chart at wedding

If you have a big guest list, let your seating chart display be just as big. The romantic vibes come through with the pastel-colored flowers and candles.

41. Black-and-White Wedding Welcome Basket

This couple didn't let anyone go thirsty or hungry with their welcome baskets. Custom black-and-white stickers labeling the food and beverages brought everything together.

42. Designer Black-and-White Wedding Shoes

The groom wanted to step into comfortable shoes for the reception. These black-and-white Dior sneakers were the perfect fit for the occasion.

43. Black-and-White Wedding Ceremony Sign

After being together for 38 years, the couple was finally about to say, "I do." The black-and-white sign says, "Welcome To Our Wedding."

44. Black-and-White Globe Guest Book

Black-and-white globe guest book at wedding

A wedding guest book alternative is what you need if you want to make your reception unique. You've probably seen the "love is the greatest adventure" quote many times, but it works best on this black-and-white globe.

45. Black-and-White Guest Buttons

Black and white guest buttons at wedding

The newlyweds found a way to avoid awkward conversations. Glass jars of buttons with different pronouns were available at the reception.

46. Black-and-White Dog Wedding Accessory

Black and white dog accessory for weddings

Not only is this accessory adorable, but it also fits the color palette. Now you know you should take your dog's wedding attire seriously.

47. Black-and-White Escort Card Display

Black and white escort card display at wedding

Don't be afraid to be playful with your escort cards and keepsakes. To go with the Mexican wedding destination and color scheme, white maracas were offered to the guests.

Additional reporting by Hannah Nowack.