Black and White Wedding: The Ins and Outs of This Timeless Theme

Black and White Weddings at a Glance

A black and white wedding offers couples a timeless quality that never goes out of style. This classic color combination creates an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that photographs beautifully and allows for creative flexibility in décor, attire, and details. From the ceremony to the reception, the contrast between these two shades delivers a polished aesthetic that feels both modern and steeped in old world charm.

Some wedding themes come and go with the trends, but the black and white wedding has remained a favorite for generations. There's a reason this color palette continues to captivate couples planning their big day: it works. The simplicity of black and white creates a canvas where every detail stands out, from the bride's white dress to the sharp lines of a black shawl lapel tuxedo.

Planning a black and white wedding means embracing elegance without the stress of coordinating complicated color schemes. It means wedding photography that captures emotion in its purest form and a wedding album you'll treasure for decades. This guide covers everything you need to know about hosting a black and white wedding, from the history behind the tradition to practical tips for bringing your vision to life.

The History of Black and White Weddings

The association between weddings and the color white traces back to 1840, when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress to marry Prince Albert. Before this royal moment, brides simply wore their best dress regardless of color. Victoria's choice sparked a trend that spread across Western culture, and the white wedding was born.

Black entered the wedding scene through formal menswear traditions. As dress codes became more standardized in the 19th and 20th centuries, black tuxedos and suits became the expected attire for grooms and groomsmen at formal evening ceremonies. The pairing of the bride in white and the groom in black created a natural contrast that photographers and guests alike found striking.

Black and white photography dominated wedding albums throughout much of the 20th century, not by choice but by technological limitation. Yet when color photograph options became widely available, many couples and photographers continued to appreciate the timeless quality of black and white images. The distraction of colour fell away, leaving only the raw emotion and composition of each moment.

How to Plan Your Black and White Wedding

Bringing a black and white wedding to life requires thoughtful coordination across several elements. Here's how to approach each aspect of your planning.

Attire for the Wedding Party

The bride's white dress serves as the natural focal point, with options ranging from pure white to ivory and cream shades. For a dramatic twist, some brides choose a black wedding dress, flipping the traditional script while staying within the theme.

Grooms and groomsmen look sharp in black tuxedos or suits. A black shawl lapel tuxedo offers a particularly elegant option for formal ceremonies. Bridesmaids can wear black dresses for a sophisticated white look against the bride, or white dresses if the bride opts for black.

For LGBTQ+ couples, this color palette offers particular flexibility. Two partners can both wear white, both wear black, or mix and match in whatever way feels authentic to their relationship. Nonbinary partners can select from the full spectrum of formalwear options, from suits to dresses to jumpsuits, all unified by the black and white theme.

Attire considerations include:

• Mixing textures within the black and white palette (satin, matte, velvet)
• Coordinating accessories like ties, pocket squares, and jewelry
• Allowing the wedding party to choose their own styles within the color scheme
• Considering comfort and fit for all body types and genders

Ceremony and Reception Décor

Black and white décor creates drama through contrast. White flowers against black tablecloths, black candles in white holders, or alternating chair covers down the aisle all play with this dynamic.

Popular décor elements include:

• White floral arrangements with greenery accents
• Black and white striped table runners or linens
• Clear glassware that lets the color scheme shine
• Metallic accents in silver or gold for subtle warmth
• Black frames displaying white signage for table numbers and menus

Your venue choice matters here. A space with neutral walls and floors lets your black and white décor take center stage, while a venue with existing character (exposed brick, wooden beams) adds texture to the palette.

The Wedding Cake

A white wedding cake decorated with black details offers a stunning centerpiece for your reception. Think black fondant ribbons, hand-painted black florals, or elegant black and white marbling. Some couples opt for a classic all-white cake with a dramatic black cake stand, letting the contrast come from the display rather than the dessert itself.

Photography Style

Discuss your vision with your wedding photographer early in the planning process. Many couples planning a black and white wedding request a mix of colour photograph and white photo edits in their final gallery. The ceremony might be captured in full color to preserve the richness of the moment, while black-and-white edit portraits create artistic contrast.

A skilled photographer will use the natural contrast of your wedding theme to create compelling compositions. The interplay of light and shadow, the stark lines of formal attire against soft white fabrics, all of these elements translate beautifully into your wedding album.

Tips for a Stunning Black and White Wedding

After the planning comes the execution. These tips help your black and white wedding feel cohesive and intentional.

Consider a pop of color: While the core palette stays black and white, a single accent color can add personality. Deep red roses in the bridal bouquet, gold flatware at place settings, or emerald greenery throughout the décor prevents the scheme from feeling stark.

Play with shades: Pure black and bright white aren't your only options. Charcoal, ivory, cream, and gray all fall within the palette and add depth to your overall aesthetic.

Light it right: Lighting dramatically affects how black and white elements appear in photography and in person. Work with your venue and vendors to create lighting that enhances contrast without washing out details.

Communicate with guests: Include dress code guidance on your invitations so guests know whether you'd like them to wear black, white, or either. This creates visual cohesion in your ceremony and reception photos.

Focus on texture: Without color variation, texture becomes more important. Mix matte and glossy finishes, soft fabrics and structured materials, smooth surfaces and intricate patterns.

Trust your vendors: Share your vision with your florist, baker, photographer, and other vendors. Professionals who understand your theme can suggest ideas you might not have considered.

Making Memories That Last

A black and white wedding creates a celebration that feels both current and connected to tradition. The simplicity of the color combination allows the true focus of the day, your love and the people celebrating with you, to shine through without distraction.

From the first dance captured in dramatic white photography to the candid moments of laughter among guests, every element of your day benefits from this classic color combination. Years from now, when you flip through your wedding album, the images will feel just as fresh and elegant as they did the moment they were taken.

Find Your Perfect Black and White Wedding Attire at SuitShop

Ready to bring your black and white wedding vision to life? SuitShop offers suits and tuxedos for men, women, and unisex styles perfect for your elegant celebration. Unlike rentals that get returned after your big day, these are pieces your wedding party will own and wear again for years to come.

With inclusive sizing, multiple fit options, and services like our group suit fittings and virtual styling, coordinating your entire wedding party has never been simpler. Explore SuitShop's collection of black suits, tuxedos, and accessories to find attire that matches the timeless elegance of your black and white wedding theme.