From 40s Fantasy to Designer Deco: the New Black and White Wedding
The black and white wedding theme hummed along for years, occasionally dipping just below the radar. But as every wedding planner knows, it never really left us — and it's coming back up in a big way.
Still, we're not talking yesterday's black and white wedding. We're talking one that reflects today's greater sophistication in combining shades, textures, prints. And at its best, it leaves guests with the sense that your event was a full-fledged experience.
That's why we asked two prominent wedding planners you've seen on Style Network's Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, Baltimore's Linnyette Richardson-Hall (Premiere Event Management) and Philadelphia's Mark Kingsdorf (The Queen of Hearts), to give us the scoop on "Black and White Weddings 2.0."
"Ten years ago," says Richardson-Hall, "there was no concept of textural interest, and no depth. Today, everything's about depth and texture: looking beyond the obvious, digging down, thinking outside the box.
"With a black and white wedding done right, you can knock it right out of the park. But done wrong, the look can be stark and boring. White tablecloths and chair covers, black chair sashes and table runners, red roses on the table — there's nothing fascinating about that. You want to turn that around: for example, zoot suits and pinstripes instead of the usual tuxes."
A Star is Born: How Black & White Hit the Big Time
if you've paid attention to wedding palettes, the question probably crossed your mind: why black and white? How did this retro palette ever manage to muscle in on an endless sea of chocolate brown?
"It's fun, clean and contemporary," says Mark Kingsdorf, chief planner at Queen of Hearts Weddings. "Brides are drifting away from that very frilly look, and if you're looking for another direction and want something almost Deco, this is it."
It's all about a stylized blast to the past, confirms Richardson-Hall. "The 40s craze, the return to high glamour, that retro look — you've seen it on runways, and it's definitely driving event planning."
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Sultry Sirens and Classic Cars: Richardson-Hall's Fantasy 40s Wedding
Both Kingsdorf and Richardson-Hall agree: the black and white trend leans heavily toward old Hollywood, 40's Harlem, smoky jazz clubs and sultry stars. They also suggest that when going for this look, keep it pure. Skip the accents, except for shimmer — and maybe the most classic of reds.
"When I'm designing around a retro, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie type of thing, I'd never suggest color," says Richardson-Hall. "This is all about the absence and presence of light. I'd blend in metallics, though. And if the client really felt a color, I'd bring in red roses, for a very, very classic look.
"My ultimate black and white wedding re-creates the 40s, and not just the look, but the feel. I'd be thinking timeless elegance: elegant women in hats, gloves, jewels, classic pumps, cocktail dresses with the crinolines. And the men in white dinner jackets and black bow ties, like Casablanca — or in pinstripes. Even the transportation is part of it: you can show up and leave in vintage cars.
"As far as the bride, you probably want a classic, sleek gown cut on the bias. You want to get away from pooffy, and lean toward the sleek chignon with a gardenia in the hair — and sultry red lips."
But picking the right venue is critical, reminds Richardson-Hall. "Your average hotel ballroom won't cut it." Instead, she suggests ornate, traditional nightclubs or restaurants. "Lots of heavy molding, starched white table linens, even jeweled table lamps."
Of course, you can hold a big wedding in the traditional ballroom, she says — but skip the chair covers, which disrupt the feel. "Stick with the black Chiavari chairs, or gorgeous velour-back chairs." Then, bring in a 10 piece (big) band or a jazz band, a hefty dance floor, and you're well on your way.
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All Deco'd Up and Someplace to Go: Kingsdorf's Hot-Mod Wedding
While Richardson-Hall envisions a glammed-up fantasy straight from the jazz age, Mark sees an event fusing strong classic roots with fresh flourishes.
"Black and white offer a huge advantage when dealing with a typical ballroom," he says, since ballrooms tend to be both colorful and patterned. "If you do black accents and white flowers, you're not fighting your surroundings."
But don't run too rampant with black, he warns. "You can use black chair covers and tablecloths, and set them off with red sashes and flowers. But you need to pick the right room, and you need to watch your light levels."
In other words, if you turn the lights down to low or the walls are too dark, the black "just sucks all the light out of the room." So turn up the lights, he advises, use plenty of red or white, and load up the tables with candles.
"Red works really well with black and white. Red roses are classic, and bring a lot of depth to the room, in addition to having a great velvety texture. I've also seen black and white done well with silver and gold.
"The other thing that works beautifully — and it's just a little twist, but still a very clean line — is black and ivory instead of white. The bride goes with an ivory or champagne gown, and ivory china, and avoids stark white." In that case, he suggests, good choices for the flowers include creamy hydrangeas, lisianthus, and stock, which in this case transcends its "always a bridesmaid" status as a filler flower.
A bonus to the black and white scheme, says Mark — plenty of bridesmaids are using it to raise the fashionista quotient of their bridesmaids' gowns.
"Brides are telling bridesmaids, 'It's a black tie, nighttime affair. Go find a little black dress that flatters you.' Then they give them the little restrictions involved: it needs to be floor-length, or the chapel wants the shoulders covered. The bridesmaids go to any boutique they like and buy a dress that works for them. They can wear it anywhere, and have it shortened afterward.
"Most of these kinds of dresses have an interesting cut, a bit of glittery ornamentation on the straps, and very clean lines. The final look is completely tailored and elegant."
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My, How Times Have Changed
We decided to really press Kingsdorf on what sets today's black and white wedding apart from the ones we saw ten years ago. (Of course, he was up to the challenge.)For one, he says, he's seeing a lot more patterns — toile, for example. "In a room that's a blank canvas, a toile overlay on a white cloth adds a lot of character." He's also seeing black and white checkerboard prints and stripes.
"We have a popular venue here that's an old warehouse with huge windows and huge white walls. It's perfect for bold solids and polka dot accents."
The wedding cake is an especially fun place to mod it up, he says. "The round white cakes with round black dots: they're sleek, modern, and Deco-y. So are the black satin bands on a bright white cake — it doesn't look like everyone else's. And it matches the type of sleek silhouettes you see in couture gowns — I'm thinking of an A-line gown by Vera Wang with a black satin sash."
(A more traditional but still current look, he points out, is the bridal bodice embellished in black, and the white cake piped all over in a matching black, lacy design.)
Another plus for this theme: trendy touches like the candy buffet are a perfect match. "Monochromatic candies are gorgeous, and there are so many retro kinds of licorice." And let's not forget the appeal of a crisp white or black favor box paired with a dotted grosgrain ribbon.
But what about the flowers for this hipster spin on black and white?
"Actually," he laughs, "carnations. I used to be a carnations snob, but now I'm finding there are so many cool, hybrid colors of carnations. Naturally-occurring purples and greens," he says, emphasizing the natural. "And when you bunch them up tight — pavéed — you can't even tell what kind of flower they are — it's just a great, super-saturated punch of color."
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Black and White Brides: Talk Back!
Now tell us about your black and white wedding: the venue, the flowers, the everything.
Tags:
July 6th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I am planning a black and white wedding with crimson accents next October 2009. My fiance is Mexican, so he desperately wants to forgo tuxedos in favor of zoot suits (which he suggested long before I read the above suggestion LOL). My bridesmaids will be in floorlength empire waist, black dresses with crimson sashes and bouquets, my MOH will be in a different variation of the same dress but with a crimson sash and bouquet to match. Thats what I have so far!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
I am planning a black and creme November wedding and I think that it will work! It can be whatever you imagine it to be! My girls are wearing balsck and creme dresses, the guys are wearing those colors too. My reception will be themed those colors as well. I am using pink and purple flowers to add some color. Right now I am searching for the right favors! Good Luck to you and your fiance’. I’m sure that it will be a great wedding!
June 27th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
My fiance’ and I are leaning toward a Black & Creme Colored wedding accompanied by bright and colorful floral arrangements like teal, dark pink, purple, yellow, etc… I know this sounds really ambitious, but I want it to look creatively elegant not Punky Brewster-ish. I want the creme color because I am dead set against white. I love the richness and softness of an antique white, ivory, or butter color. I am however having a very hard time finding a wedding that existed anywhere to give me an idea as to how to make this work and…it would be an October wedding, are these colors too crazy for a fall wedding? I do visualize a 1940’s theme as well…can this work
June 25th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I am just starting to plan my wedding and I love the black and white theme. I have already convinced the other half that it is a great way to bring a bit of style to our garden (his folks gum tree plantation) wedding. I have decided to add an apple green colour to keep it a bit more funky though so I’m trying to look for some bridesmaid dresses that are either 1.) Black with apple green on them 2.) Apple green in colour with black on them.
Any idea’s where I could look?
I am in Australia but I’m not beyond buying from anywhere else as my bridesmaid is tiny so things will fit her easily.
June 24th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Hi my hollywood glamour themed wedding black and white any one have pics or suggestions for dramatic bouquets. I wanted something with rhinestones or pearls just something to add drama not sure whether to go with red roses or ivory flowers any ideas appreciated
June 24th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Thanks Roxanne, so are u just doing the white lillys and that it no color?? I dont know what color or kind of flowers to have, were did u get those pics form??
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I’m having a b/w wedding on Sept. 13th of this year. I’m wanting to use burgundy, dark purple, bright blue, and white/bright green hydrangeas for accent colors. I want to also use LOTS of spring green greenery like Belles of Ireland in all arrangements. I think I’ve got the reception covered but am having a hard time with the ceremony at our Baptist church. I don’t want to the black to come across too “hard” at the ceremony but don’t just want white only. How would you decorate candleabras and pew markers? We are using lots of white tuile but what else? Any suggestions or pictures?
June 21st, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Hey Steph,
Nope I think just black and white is perfect. I’m having a black and white wedding on September 20th. I’m very excited and its going to look great. I was just think about having my boyfriend wearing a black taxe but I wasn’t sure. Thats a good idea having him a ivory tie. Thanks again!!
I put a picture of what my girls are wearing but I can’y decide between the two flower arrangement. Please let me know
June 20th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Hello my girls are wearing a two piece ivory on top and black on the bottom, and the men are wearing all black tuxes with an ivory tie, does anyone think i need and accent color and im not sure what color flowers to have the wedding is 11/8/08
June 20th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Hello ladies-
I am looking at doing a black and white wedding with a blue accent? Do you think this will work out? I need some ideas I have looked online at a few but haven’t really found very many. So that is where I need help! I love this color pallet it is very elegant together! The only thing is I am just short on ideas- can someone please help me out?! Thanks so much!!
June 19th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Thank you millions, Dawn P! You have really made me feel better about the whole thing! We really love the place, the owners are fantastic and the prices can’t be beat for what you get! The colours were just making me a little nervous, but you’re absolutely right. Especially since we’re having it on a Friday night, it should be awesome. And I LOVE the cherry blossom idea. Big kudos for being so helpful! By the way, I LOVE those cupcakes you posted. SO flippin’ cool!
June 19th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Hi Karen! I love your venue! It is going to be fantastic!!
Ok, here’s my feeling. Seasonal-type weddings are OPTIONAL. You don’t have to change your color scheme just because your wedding is a few months later.
Black & white is timeless. It doesn’t belong to fall or winter or anything. If you’re having an indoor, evening wedding, it is perfect! It’s simply a chic, formal scheme. I can’t imagine going to a stylish b&w evening wedding any time of year and thinking, “huh, this is really odd for spring” or whatever. It will be dazzling!
And, I think it’s a perfect fit for your venue. Like you said, it’s a strong red. If you try to put baby blues and butter yellows in there, that would be tough. But your original idea is great.
I just had another thought. If you still aren’t sold on black & white, see if the manager can’t show you some photos from previous events. It would be very helpful to see how other planners and couples have worked their color schemes in this environment.
One more thought … what if you worked a spring motif into red, black and white? Perfect example: cherry blossoms! They would be so chic … and you can find lots of cherry blossom decor in those colors.
Regardless, you made a great choice of venue! It is truly going to be amazing.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I was planning a February wedding and picked out the perfect venue. My problem is that we have moved the date to April 17th and the venue has its own colour scheme and I’m afraid it’s too “red” for a spring wedding. It has a lot of red accents, chairs, lights, etc… it’s really gorgeous and tasteful and I was planning a black and white wedding to match it. Now that it’s in the spring, I wanted to “lighten” it up a little, but am afraid of clashing with the club we’ve chosen. Any ideas would be INCREDIBLY appreciated!
June 12th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Hi Brittni
*I got married last year in August we did black and white with hot pink and hot orange accents (everyone’s flowers were gerbras hot pink and orange) girls dresses were black with just a touch of white around the trim of the dress. a colous POPPED off the black. we did black table dressings and chair covers (I know sounds like a lot of black but it looked so elegant) you could do ceter pieces that have lots of colour…good luck
June 9th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I am doing a black and white wedding with hot pink accents, any ideas on dresses or reception accessories.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hello, I’m getting married May 2009. I’ve decided to go with Black and White with Lavendar accents. Does anyone have any ideas or pictures they can send me? I’ve decided my bridesmaids will have black dresses with white around the waist and an idea for the reception, black table cloths with white runner and some kind of flowers in the middle with candles and either acrylic diamonds confetti or lavendar petals… Any suggestions or pictures or ideas would be great. E-mail victorias1911@yahoo.com
May 31st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
i bought 2 dress for my black and white wedding!!! i finaly decided on 1 so i have the other for sale!!! its a plus size gown ! BEAUTIFUL!!! any one interested email me ! lilcrissy03@yahoo.com
May 29th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Hi Jen, great!! Glad to hear it!
For photos, Brides and WeddingChannel are pretty good for searching by color. Lavender is a HARD search. I also add search terms like lilac, even eggplant, aubergine, orchid, heliotrope(!!) and esp. purple to try to catch more lavender photos. Also, googling “inspiration board” and your colors, or “real wedding” + colors tends to turn up some good hits. Then, there’s always Google Images
May 29th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Wow!
Thanks for the ideas!
Where did you find all the pics? I have been looking everywhere and can’t seem to find anything with all 3 colours…
I love the ideas about the favours with the m&ms.. some B&W and some W&L
I will definatly use some of your ideas!!!
Thanks again!
May 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am
This message is for jentaylor
First of all congrats! Second, I love your colors. Purple (any kind) is fabulous. But it really needs to be toned down or it overpowers. A black & white background is perfect.
Okay, your flowers. You have two really different ideas. Your first set are "black tie" flowers. The second, really casual. I think this reflects indecision in how much formality you want. That’s fun to dig into.
OK, so your chairs are black & unadorned and your linens are white. I assume they are "plain" white and not textured. You have some nice ideas, the use of ribbon will be great. Here are some thoughts to find more of a style to flesh this out. (If you look at the pic below, the bridesmaids with white flowers … as nice as they are, you can see how quickly B&W can become flat. Thus, you see a lot of pattern or texture in today’s B&W weddings to give life and style to this combo.)
There is so much pattern you can draw from to really make this your own and give it a flavor. Let’s say you really want formal (callas): modern damask, modern toile, some paisleys. Or you want funky (gerbers): swiss or polka dots, stripes. Saddle stitch ribbon is fantastic. Or go wild: zebra, mendhi patterns.
You can also use texture to deepen the B&W: pintucked white linens, grosgrain black ribbons. That gets very sophisticated. All this is a great opportunity for someone like you who has the skills to make their own runners.
If you add any pattern or texture, now you have a direction for the cake. Yay! Across the bottom are some great examples (gorgeous toile cake on left from Stellar Cake Co., right two from Charming City Cakes.)
OK, my suggestion is to create your own boards. Put in as much pattern/texture that appeals to you as you can stand. This really helps set your direction. Then you can dial it back, refine it. Obviously B&W toile and damask have lots of mileage. Other ideas:
Parisian (formalish). Cottage flowers (fluffy peonies, roses). Pale lavender shimmer overlays, swagged, for your white tables. Lavender toile accents (napkins, table cards, somewhere in the favors). Fleur-de-lis accents, like jeweled napkin in photo above from BBJ Linen. Crisp B&W stationery.
Black Tie modern (formal). White callas, purple/black callas, white lilies. Sleek lines for flowers, like that purple bout pic from Wedding Channel. High-gloss black plate chargers and vases. Black rimmed glassware. Pearly overlays. Embossed silver trays and stands. Lav phalaenopsis orchid head set on each napkin/plate.
Funky. Gerbers! White swiss dots/black grosgrain ribbon, stationery. "Geometric dots" style cake. Combine with paisley, stripes or other modern pattern. Pics from Brides & others above show great ways to tie your whole scheme into a simple square or cylinder vase using ribbon. The Brides pic above left (white bouquets reused as CPs) also shows how repetition gives simple arrangements a big punch.
Oh, one last thought … you always see in the pro arrangements some color variation in things like favors. For example, if you made half your M&M favors white & lav, and half B&W, you suddenly have an awesomely rich look that’s still completely coordinated. Very subtle touch.
I hope this helps a little. Would love to hear what you come up with!
May 29th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I am having a black and white wedding next year. The accent color is green (similar to the color of a baby green hydrangea). It is a spring wedding. I would love to get some ideas for decorating the reception site, which is very modern and open with beautiful glass staircase and huge glass windows. We will also have a monogram theme.
Thanks.
Angela
May 29th, 2008 at 6:24 am
How freakin’ wonderful are these Black Tie cupcakes by Just Cupcakes? I love them!
May 28th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Hi everybody!
I too am doing a black and white wedding (September 6th,2009) however we are adding in a little bit of lavender (this is all I can get out of my husband to be)
So we have decided on a venue.. next step…..
I can’t decide on flowers 9white tiger lilies with white and pruple calla lilies, or white and lavernder gerber dasies)
don’t know what to do about the tables at the reception
table cloths will be white and we are not paying the extre for chair covers so the chairs are black ( i can’t decide what to do should I make table runners?? (these would be black with a thin lavender strip sown the middle) black napkins or lavender?
favors.. mini jars of black white and lavender m&ms or a white box with a thick black ribbon wrapped around and a thing lavender ribbin (like the table runners) we will be making placecards black with white or white with black? Also need ideas for the cake (3 teir max) and invitations etc. any other idease would be great!!! also pictures if there are any out there..
May 28th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Hello. I am getting married on July 12th 2009. I am thinking about going with a black and white wedding theme. I also want to throw in one more color. I’m thinking a bright yellow. I saw some pictures on this website but I would like to see some more. If anyone finds any pictures or has any pictures could you please send them to be at juleann401@aol.com. thank you.
May 28th, 2008 at 6:26 am
http://www.weddingbycolor.com/dd977chic
May 18th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
to all these elegant ladies planning a black and white wedding. those are the best two colors that can go together. i had a black and white wedding in 1993 and it was beautiful and elegant. if you are going to add color, just add a bit. don’t mess up that black and white theme too much. go all out from black invites with white writing to, black and white flowers. keep your dress, black isn’t necessary for you, but your man should have a white top with black trim and the black pants. the bridal party should be black with white. it would be cool if you guys could agreed on some black and white shoes. i always like black dress with slit, with the white stocking coming through.
older please will ask you why, alot of people will ask you why, but don’t be intimidated by anyone. have your black and white wedding. they might not say anything about how elegant it was in the end, but they will be thinking it. its your day, but try not to act like it too much, because its something about that day, that says its yours and your mind may take over, so keep it cool, everybody knows its your day. have fun. mybe one day i will upload some pictures, for now picture it for yourself. latasha
May 16th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Hi Everyone,
I’m Jade from Sydney, Australia.
Well I never in a million years would have thought I’d be going for a Black and Ivory Laced Themed wedding.
I have attatched a pic of the dress I fell in love with- La Sposa Madame
I will be having a black sash around the waist, converting it to a sweetheart neckline and getting black buttons sewn down the back and wearing either a black or white bird cage veil.
Can anyone give me ideas on a contour colour for wedding theme.?????
I love the yellows which I found on this website but am also thinking what about Turquoiuse or Coral/orange colours.
Will these even match ????
I am having trouble finding pictures of these sorts of colour schemes so if anyone has any please upload asap.
I am having the bridesmaids in black lace cocktail dresses - just need to find some that are within budget
I am getting married in March 7 09 but am trying to organise as much as I can so I’m not running around like a mad woman when the time comes’.
My man at fist totally declined the thaught of having a black and white themed wedding(as he’s italian) but I have eventually swayed him so I have to make sure everythings perfect and tastefull or I’ll never hear the end of it.
So all ideas are will be helpful either upload pics or e-mail me on jade12king@yahoo.com.au
Thanks guys
Jade
May 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Hi, I am getting married this summer on July 26th. I am having a black and white wedding, with a very slight red accent. I have desperatly been looking for simple black cupcake liners, and can’t find them anywhere! Does anyone have any ideas for what I could do instead?
May 7th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Hi Lyn, I will see if I can turn up some ideas. Rebecca, those gowns are gorgeous, thank you for posting them!
I wanted to point to a black, white and red candy buffet that bride-to-be Corinna posted in the candy buffet page, it is really, really amazing and shows tons of hard work and personalization. check it out! (link)
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
i’m getting married 0n april 2009, my theme is black/whte/silver .My reception will ba at a community center however I want an elegant wedding. I’m thinking of havings sheer draping throughout the room and have some lighting. Is there any pictures of these colors. Do you any ideas? Some are worried about using black in a wedding due to funeral colors.HELP!!
April 28th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I hope I attached the pictures correctly…here are a few dresses with black detailing I found at forverbridals.com They don’t show their prices but they have simple to very unique styles so it may be worth a look! Good luck!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Oh, Teresa, there is so much that’s wonderful going on in the world of black/white/yellow! This is probably in my top three favorite color combos right now, others involving steel gray and aubergine. It’s truly fresh and novel … at the same time, totally pulled together.
If you close your eyes and imagine the most beautiful black/white/yellow wedding the mind could ever dream up, the result will be Matt & Hannah, snapped by Jessica Claire. This unbelievable wedding is all of row one, below. I couldn’t pick a favorite. The patterned chargers, the sexy glittering vases, the subdued tone and sophisticated draping and collars of the bridesmaids gowns, the sweet initial made of rose petals. (Cry.)
Then, first two pics of row two are a gorgeous b/w/y and damask wedding by knottie SpringChic. I think her wedding introduced and lured many people to this combo. And the bridesmaid gowns ROCK.
The rest of these mostly belong to great inspiration boards. Row two, pic 3 is from a board by PolkaDotBride. Highlights include a yellow-tinged gown to make you weep, intriguing stripes and ultra-pale yellows. Pic 4) is from an inspiration board by Bee Miss Chickadee. Miz Chick is doing her whole wedding in this scheme, so if I were doing same I would definitely subscribe to her posts via RSS and read everything she puts down the pike. Needless to say she has some great pics and ideas in there.
Last row, pic 1) is from a lovely cake/stationery joint effort by Bride Design & She Takes the Cake. Pics 2, 3 and 4 are (as always) unmissable boards from Snippet & Ink: Not So Mellow Yellow, Budget-Friendly #1, Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres, and Ariella-Inspired, Part 3. From her I’ve grown convinced that the way to add dimension to a B/W & Y wedding is not just to draw on those lovely damasks and slinky patterns, but to let gray and rusty golds sneak their way into the palette too, to give it depth and sophistication.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Have you seen the color combo of white, black and yellow? I;m getting married May 9, 2009. I like that color combo , but not sure for a wedding. Can you send me some pics?
April 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I have the allure wedding dress 8264 and I added black beading to it as well as a black sweetheart edging on the top of the dress so that it was not too loud. I also am having black and white jelly beans on the table in martini glasses. All decor is black and white but I am also having orchids of all sorts coming for color. I will put pics up soon for my dress. We wre getting married in aug 08.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Hi everyone! Some new pink/black/white ideas for your consideration starting here in Pink theme weddings, plus, we have a bride with a hot zebra theme going there.
April 17th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Hi red, black & white brides … Staci, Babygirl! … here’s some inspiration to hopefully get you started! Please, anyone else with some finds, post away.
Okay, top to bottom, L to R: Scarlet rose & orchid bride’s bouquet + pink rose and white mums bridesmaid bouquet, Brides.com. Stunning red velvet cake by Michelle Doll. Hollywood Glamour/Silver Screen moodboard by Snippet & Ink. Light-hearted groomsmen by Pixzlcreative.
Row 2: Old Hollywood Glamour inspiration board by The Bridal Party LLC. White hydrangea, coffee berry, and black magic roses bouquet from Brides.com. Black and white tablescapes by Wildflower Linens.
Row 3: "Cocktails in Silhouette" event by BBJ Linen. Dress detail from inspiration board by Shawna Schaub photography. Rose and silver table design, by Sarah McGee Photography.
A few more thoughts about these weddings:
To vamp up the Old Hollywood look, pour on the crystal, silver, white feather boas, shiny black satin ribbon.
To add a paradoxical modern/retro flair or a touch of Euro swank, add damask or paisley patterns.
If your red, black & white theme is looking more Asian/Goth/sort of cold than you’d like, add generous doses of champagne, blush pink or ivory to warm it up. YES, you can mix those with white, to great effect.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Whitney, your wedding sounds AMAZING. Please post pics if you have a chance! I would LOVE to see some of your ideas. I have a real soft spot for that 50s/early 60s retro feel in weddings.
April 16th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
My wedding is 2-14-09 and we are having a black and red wedding. Do you have any ideas or pictures for reception decorations etc?
April 14th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
HI LADIES AND GENTS MY WEEDING IS SCHEDULED FOR 7-25-09 BLACK AND WHITE WITH ACCENT OF RED IM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING PICTURES OF RECEPTION SET-UPS (TABLE DESIGNS) IS THERE A WEBSITE THAT CAN HELP US WE PLAN ON DECORATING OUR RECEPTION… THANK YOU
April 14th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Thanks for all the responses to the favor tags. I am glad to help out all I can. I am looking for some hair ideas relating to the 40’s. I found a fab site:
www.haircomesthebride.com/
I might but one of the flowers from this site for my hair for the wedding. Still up in the air.
-Dea
dd977chic@aol.com
Wedding 8-16-08 (Muskegon, Michigan)
April 10th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
What is the process for black buttercream designs on white buttercream so there is no black fading onto the white?
April 9th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
So, if the wedding is black and white, and the bridesmaids are wearing black, is it inappropriate for the Mother or Mother-in-law to be to wear something with black in it?
April 9th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Hi all, Maria just posted pics of a top-of-the-line black & white candy buffet over on the Candy Buffet page (naturally enough!) Lots of inspiration there, great presentation! Click image to go …
April 5th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Hi Melissa! Valerie below found the dress, it’s a Christina Wu, #5321. Really very beautiful and striking dress, esp. if you ignore the scary makeup job on the model …
April 4th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I’m doing a 1950’s theme wedding using black and white no accent color!! We are getting married April 26th, 2008!! 23 days!! Anyway….I have a vintage inspired all lace mermaid dress with a really cool cage veil that is 50’s-ish! We are using TONS of black and white polka dots!! Even our cake has polka dots on it!! It’s really all in the details….my tables have floor length white table cloths with a black topper…we are having a seated dinner so we have black and white polka dot napkins on the tables and menu cards..the centerpieces are all white BIG gerber daisy’s in a tall vase to give it height and are tied with sheer black and white polka dot ribbon with tons of votive candles around the centerpiece….the chair backs also have sheer black tie backs on them! It is very 1950’s looking!!! I cant wait!
March 31st, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Kayla, this is a tough one! Why is this so hard? The closest I found was some sheer fabric on ebay. One thing, it’s lavender … not the hottest thing going when your accent is lime green, maybe! Still, I think this fabric actually plays white unless you scrunch it up. If nothing else, it’s something to look at until someone finds something better! Pretty anyway!
sheer polka dot netting (link)
March 31st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I got married on 7-1-07 and had a black, white and bright teal wedding. The blue poped against the black and white! My brother and sister in law are having a black, white, and lime green polka dot wedding and I was wondering if anyone knew of where I can find polka dot sheer fabric or tulle?? We are having the hardest time! I am the matron of honor and therefore cannot ler her down! LOL! THANKS!
March 27th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
im so in love with the first pic of a black and white dress beside a cake!! can you tell me who makes it so i can find it for my wedding. please. thank you so much!!! it s what i have beem looking for!!!
March 24th, 2008 at 2:04 am
Dea, you are on a roll! Your tags are gorgeous. Thank you so much for offering them!
What seems like ages ago, I saw a very cool patterned black & white plus lime wedding in Brides (or some such), with typical but always stylish choices like kermit mums, and less expected ones, like glass cylinders filled with dried green peas. I’ll try to find it and see what else they came up with.
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I have also made ones that are 3X5 in size and one tag that has more white background which might use less ink than the first one I posted.
Danng, I already got 4 replies already!
Go me!
March 20th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
If anyone is inteterested and wants to print their own favor tags…… I have posted a favor tag that I made with a damask print. If you would like one with your name and date or mongram on it, I will make one and send it to you in microsoft word document. Then all you need is some card stock and you set to go!
If I have time and anyone wants a different pattern or something, I might be able to make you something.
Happy wedding planning!
-Dea
@
dd977chic@aol.com
March 20th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
If people want to save their money on buying flowers or silk flowers and perhaps go for a modern feel, the recent trend is using lighting by puting LED lights in vases.
I have found a site that you can order LED and immerse these in water if you like. I ordered from this company. Many colors to choose from. Or like me, I ordered white, and you can use food coloring to change the color of the water.
www.flowersandsupplies.com/Submersible-Floralytes_p_4-5.html
If you dont want to buy bags and bags of crystals, gems or rocks, you can order some water beads. (Even if you are using flowers or not) These you have to set up the night before the wedding. As you see, you can order different colors, or again, using food coloring or different color led lights to have color effects.
www.flowersandsupplies.com/Water-Beads_p_32-828.html
I might float a few flowers on top, depends what kind of flowers I find before the wedding that wont be too expensive.
I ordered the clear beads, with white led lights. I might later make use green food coloring to make some have a green color.
I looked forever for squared vases online and found some that were not out of stock, and they were plastic, which will probably be easier to ship, without breaking. They are 9″ high, $2.45 a piece.
www.flowersandsupplies.com/9-Plastic-Tapered-Square-Open-45-x-45-Clear_p_56-669.html
To get an idea how much these will all cost, here is an example of my bill.
Item SKU: 828
Item Name: Water Beads
Color: White
Price: $1.99
Qty: 20
Item SKU: 669
Item Name: 9″ Plastic Tapered Square Open 4.5″ x 4.5″ Clear
Price: $2.45
Qty: 18
Item SKU: SFLWHI
Item Name: Submersible Floralytes
Color: White
Price: $2.00
Qty: 20
———————————–
Payment Type: Credit Card Payment
Subtotal: $123.90
Tax: $0.00
Shipping Cost: $23.44
Credit: $0.00
Order total: $147.34
Various accents
www.flowersandsupplies.com/Accents_c_32-1.html
www.save-on-crafts.com/partyideas.html
March 20th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Hello Girls!!!
I just got engaged and started planning a wedding for May 2009. I love the idea of having a classic elegant wedding using black, white and lemon green.
I know Kelly posted a comment and some pictures using these colors…bw those pictures look great!!!!
Any inputs or ideas using these colors will be greatly appreciated. My email is katcolio@hotmail.com
March 18th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I am having a black, white and lime green wedding in Aug 08. My inspiration came from seeing damask type invitations and from some napkins and cake plates I bought from Tuesday Morning in Orlando, FL. (last pic is a scan of my napkins I bought) I found these napkins go well with these favors.
www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/purchase/productId/401/categoryId/52/
I have searched over 10 hours for bridesmaid dresses and found these to be the cutest without spending high dollar!
www.keepmeinstitches.biz/maid769JN.htm
www.keepmeinstitches.biz/maid5598.htm
I am using acrylic diamonds for table decorations. They are good price on this site:
www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/purchase/productId/401/categoryId/52/
I also found this site to be reasonable and I might order a few things from them:
www.save-on-crafts.com/
Here is a site dedicated to black/white/ green….some could use these pics for inspiration. The second pic with the cake table is awesome!
s13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/arr-gee/BWGreenLLL/
Hope this will help some people!
If anyone has ideas for me, let me know!
March 7th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I love this HOT, HOT black & white wedding with a young, smokin’ couple! Those cutaway coats are adorable. LOVE the little touch of plaid there … and cute, graphic cupcake cake!
March 6th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Does anyone know of a good web site to look for black and white brides maid dresses. I haven’t seen a very good selection from the web sites that I’ve been to. My wedding is in the evening and it’s on the river so I’m trying to keep it formal. Thanks for any help!!!
March 5th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
can you tell me where the black and white tablecloth at the bottom of the page came from?
March 5th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Hi Everyone,
My wedding planned for next year will also be black and white. And since my favorite flower is pink roses, pink will be my accent color. My bridesmaids will wear black with pink roses (one or three roses) for their bouquet. The men will wear black with and white with a pink rose boutanier. I’m just trying to figure out how the reception is going to look and this website is helping me out tremendously.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Nikki…
Here is an idea…
Use black tuxes with dark purple west for groomsmen…get a ivory wedding dress, and your bridesmaids can have either black or ivery dresses with either black or ivory belts or somethings alike, and just have some white and purple flowers for bouquet.
Your cake can have all three colors included …
Also coorporate all three colors into invatations maybe…
Black base table clothe followed by ivory maybe and have maybe purple favors..or mix that any way you like.
What I did…I just played around until it made sense to me..go to different places and get samples, fotos, or anything you can find and just work with it.
March 1st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I was just wondering, me and my fiance had a black, ivory and Dark purple wedding scape in mind, does any one have any ideas that I can do to incorperate these colors into my wedding? table scapes, decore, etc?
February 29th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
My wedding is happening this year (May 24,2008). I always tought I wanted these crazy colors, but I decided on Black, White, and just like Kimberly, RED.
It’s comming together just fine, and the red gives it a little bit of extra.
Just wanted to tell Kimberly…good choice and good luck.
February 21st, 2008 at 4:35 am
I’m getting married May 9, 2009. My favorite colors are black and red, so when it came time to make decisions about the colors, there was no other choice. Black and white weddings look so elegant and beautiful. i’m adding a touch of red, by adding red to my flowers. red roses, as my middle name is rose. It’s amazing all the detials you can find…any ideas and thought that are unique would be so appreciated!
February 18th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Im getting married on 13th June 2009.
I’ve just found this website and I’m glad! Loads of fab links for me to search through! I think a black and white themed wedding is chic and elegant.
xx
February 18th, 2008 at 2:04 am
Hi my name is vanessa, I am getting married in July 26 2008. well I hope I do. just got prapose to this month. And I dont know where to start. So many things to do. We are in a budged! my dream wedding has always been near a beach and in black and Ivory ?… HELP anyone please. thank you
February 17th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I’m getting married on March 2009. Me and my fiance decided to have a black & white wedding with a touch of teal for color accent. Our center pieces might be white flowers, with black vase, and a teal ribbon tied around the vase. I found some black & white cup coasters as our wedding favors. It’s about 2.00 for two coasters and it already has a white ribbon tied around them, we’re just gonna insert our photos in the middle. It’s different, practical, and re-useable…rather than your typical wedding favors. My bridesmaids are going to wear a black dress (in which they can re-use at other events) with a teal sash. I think black and white weddings are crisp, clean, and elegant.
February 12th, 2008 at 12:27 am
I DECIDED TO HAVE A BLACK AND WHITE WEDDING SOMETHING THAT I ALWAYS WANTED…I AM TRYING TO COME UP WITH SOME DECORATING IDEAS THAT ARE DIFFERENT…THE ONLY THING THAT I HAVE FOUND ARE THE PLACECARD HOLDERS AND POSSIBY SOME CAND;ES TO PUT ON YHE TABLES TO SHOW THE THEME, DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL IDEAS???
February 7th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I am also having a black & white wedding….next week in Las Vegas. Been planning since last March. I have a solid black dress (David’s Bridal) with pale pink. My bouquet is white roses with a touch of pink and pale pink ribbons. My bridesmaids are also wearing all back with pink pashminas. The cake is white with black scroll work and small pink flowers. I have pink & white M&M’s that are personalized as favors! So far everything is looking great and we are leaving a week from Sunday for Vegas!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Best sites i’ve found for black and white dresses for a reasonable price is www.mrk.com.au and the bhs website (although its british and might be difficult to get it delivered/sized)
The mr k one has an amazing black and white dress under ‘bridesmaids’
February 4th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hi everyone. I am planning a black and white with silver accent wedding for November and cannot find a wedding dress! Ahhh! Does anyone have any ideas or know any good websites I should check out? Please help!
January 31st, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Rachel,
Congrats on your wedding! I have lots of pictures I could email you w/the black/white/red theme, if you want.. just let me know! I would be glad to send them to you! I have been planning our wedding for the past year and I have lots of pics and ideas!! My email is crystalnickels@aol.com!! Good luck on your planning!! Enjoy it.. It goes so fast!!
January 30th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Rachel,
I’ve found a few websites that offer some ideas of table settings and dresses. www.weddingstar.com/us/pagebypage?page=108
January 30th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Well hello everyone….im so glad i found this website….i just decided on having a black and white wedding after going threw so many other colors….well im deciding on black and white with a splash of red or something bright….im trying to find pics of tables and center pieces, dresses, ect…Please someone helo me…..im lost i have like nothing planned and have 6months to go…ahhhhhhh
January 26th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I am getting married may 08 and I also am doing the black and white themed wedding with a red accent. I added a few pics of my bridesmaid dresses(which I found for $89 at target.com) and my flowergirl dress (www.cottoncandydresses.com for $40).. congrats to everyone!
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Hey All!
I’m going for a black, white and red themed wedding. I’m looking for a gown like the one Audrey Hepburn is wearing above. Does anyone have any ideas of where I could find one like it? I think it would look perfect with the zoot (zuit) suits the guys are planning are wearing. Thank you and Best of Luck to everyone!!!
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
heyya me and my other half have desided on a white and balck wedding theme for june 2010 we are so excited!!
it looks dead classy!! my mother hates it so much but then thats mums for ya lol!!
i have seen such amazing black and white weding dresses bhs do seperates collection with a black ribbon for £80 check out bhs website/!! they do black bridesmaids dresses too!!
we have seen black and whte silk flowers on the net too!!! great alternitive!!
good luck to everyone!!!
January 21st, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Im doing a b&w wedding. Im having problem finding black flowers. Do anyone know where I can find them and what ideas do you have for reception centerpieces
January 20th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I am planning a Black and White wedding, (more like, classy 1930-40s jazz and big band and something along those lines wedding). My question is: Is it a rule that the center pieces on the tables be in uniform, or am I allowed to have a different one for each table? Anything helps. Thank you.
January 19th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I was wondering where you got the black fabric with the white flowers in the pic
January 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Just a few more cute B&W wedding pics with a touch of pattern, which I love … plus a black & white wedding dress from the streets of Paris.
January 18th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hello! i’ve decided with my fiancé to have a black and white wedding! actually, my fiancé had the idea! i was just wondering if anybody knew about any other websites to give some ideas! im also trying to get a white dress with a black satin belt to have a touch of black on my dress (my mom HATES the idea of me having black on my wedding dress!)
thank you in advance!
January 11th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
wow I didn;t know ther were so many doing a black and white wedding!, I am also planning a black and white wedding for October, I love these colours together so classic and elegant. here are some pics I’ve found as well, some probally came from this site
January 8th, 2008 at 1:57 am
For everyone who loves them a little pattern with their black & white, here are some gorgeous creations I saved to my hard drive a while back (WITHOUT any info about where they came from — so sorry! If anyone knows, please let me know so I can credit them.)
Look at that gorgeous handpainted toile in the top middle, and that amazing ivory-and-black vintage French guy! Enjoy!
January 8th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Hi Vicky, here are some suggestions to start you out …
Toile Border B&W invite
‘Falling Petals’ invite
Invitation Lane B&W (cute grosgrain ribbon)
I’ll keep an eye out for more contemporary B&W invite ideas.
January 7th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I love your website. Im getting married on 5th June 2008, and Im having a black and white themed wedding, however, I am finding it impossible to find black and white wedding invitations. Im looking something very contemporary. Can you help??
January 6th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Hi Kelly,
I’m having a black and white wedding in Oct 08, too, and I live in Australia as well! Coincidence. It depends on what you want for your bridesmaids dresses, mine will be wearing all black in whatever style they want, so we’ll just be going to regular stores like Myer. But if you’re looking for something really exceptional or couture, then try some of the little bridal salons. If you’re in Melbourne, look around the Hawthorn or Armadale area, or Sydney Rd. Or try this site:
directory.weddingcentral.com.au/vic/bridalcouture.htm
Good luck!
January 6th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
I am having a Black and White wedding in October 2008. I have my dress but know looking for bridesmaid dress. I live in Australia does anyone know somewhere to go?
January 4th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Kelly, I Love Love Love your idea of black, white with lime green. I’m wondering if you have more pictures. Or if anybody have pictures of the same color, please send it to roxbourdeau@yahoo.com
it would be very much appreciated
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I love this website I had found a wedding dress by Maggie Sottero. The black and white wedding theme is elegant and vintage. I am considering having a black and white wedding thank you for the wonderful ideas!!!!!
December 14th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Yay– glad to see a post about black and white weddings. I’m having a new year’s eve wedding and this is the sort of concept I’ve been looking at.
December 11th, 2007 at 2:50 am
Im getting married on January 26, 2008. The colors I chose are ivory, black and sage. My dress is a dupioni silk ivory ball gown with sage green trim at the hem, waist and bodice. It comes with this cute bolero jacket with sage trim at the cuffs and collar. My girls will be wearing black with ivory sashes. We;re having and evening wedding and reception. Our invitaions are black and cream and the bridal shower tea colors are black and pink with white accents. I think black is now the new brown!!
December 11th, 2007 at 2:49 am
I’m getting married on may 08. A black and white wedding is so elegant and nice, but we decided to go with black and champagne the only hard think is that I don’t know what kind of flowers and color of flowers would be best. If anybody has any suggestions I would love to know.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Oh my God, Kelly. DROOL. That was my style hit for the morning!!
December 5th, 2007 at 11:58 am
I had a Black, White, & Lime Green Wedding in May. I loved the color choice! I got the bridesmaids dresses at White House, Black Market in Black Lace ontop white dresses.
November 15th, 2007 at 1:35 am
Heather:
After trying on way too many dresses, the only thing that makes a wedding dress a “wedding dress” is the color (white, off white, etc) and the price tag. This being said, somethign you might want to look into is some of the brides maids dresses….Alvina Valenta makes a black matte taffeta drop waist gown (Style #AV9780) that is lovely, if you are into that style. Apparenlty Mon Cheri also has the option of black dresses, depending on the style.
If you go to brides.com, and search through the gowns, you can narrow down on color. They don’t necessarily show any in black, but they do list black as an option.
Impressionbridal.com has some pretty fancy brides maids dresses that are fancier than some wedding dresses.
Pnina Tornai designed a very funky black and white couture dress for Kleinfelds.
Rina diMontella has some amazing evening gowns in black that could easily pass for wedding gowns.
happy hunting!
November 14th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
does anyone think that it is okay for my flowergirl to wear a black dress with a hot pink sash just like the maid of honor only a different style dress.
November 14th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Hi Ladies,
Im getting Married in 2008 not sure what month yet. I love the hole black and white theam. I was thinking of the 40’s. I just havnt found any dresses or ideas. I Think that the black and white falls into the 40s theam. what do you think? I want this day to be amazing and one of a kind. If someone could get back to me and give me some ideas that would be GREAT!!!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I love the pix of the polka dot/striped/lace/ wedding cake- do you know who made it so I can get details- it is EXACTLY what I am looking for.
Thanks!
October 25th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
I found that dress next to the cake
It can be found here:
www.christinawu.net/instockbbb/pages/5321.htm
I am SO excited!
October 18th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Yes! I’ve been waiting for someone to say this. I wish I had the guts to wear a black wedding dress; it’s the only color that looks good on me - and I just love black. Luckily I found a nice black and white one.
But if you’re looking for all black, you want Essence of Australia. Dress D444, shown above in red, comes in black. I think they have a few others that come in black. Also try Maggie Sottero. Aussies make beautiful wedding gowns!
October 18th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Hi Heather, that sounds intriguing. I hope you’ll post a few snaps here when all is said and done.
I’m sure you know that Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Connolly married in black! I just ran across this black wedding gown the other day and an interesting BM gown with it. All I know about these is that they’re European. The ‘damaskness’ of the fabric gives the wedding gown a much more gothic look than you’re probably looking for, but I thought it might be interesting to peek at.
October 18th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I am getting married in next year. I want a black and white wedding, only I want MY dress black and my bridesmaids white. I like different and I think that is very different. Only, I can’t find a black wedding dress! can anyone help?
October 11th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I cant wait for my black and white wedding with lime green accents.. It looks really chic together and the lime green just pops against the black and white.. The date is 6/7/08.. Kinda cool huh? I dont think my groom will be forgeting our anniversary..The groom and I are going to be in White and he will have a black vest with a lime green long tie and 2 pocket squares, one is lime green and one is black. It looks so good in person. Some people cant imagine it, and I am kinda glad becuase it is unique and looks really modern. The groomsmen will be in black suits, white vests, and the same lime green tie. I am only having them do the one pocket squar in lime green. The bridesmaids will be in black and white dresses.. Not sure which ones.. I am having the centerpieces at the reception have cut up and sliced limes and the flowers will all be lime green colrs, white and a few splashes of hot pink…I am surprised how many people are d