Wedding Trend: Dramatic Black Décor Elements

Pastels may be popular, but ebony hues are making an appearance at modern fêtes.

Just as in fashion, the color black is timeless and evokes a certain level of formality when used in the right way, which is why it's such a wonderful addition to details and décor for your wedding.

wedding-invitation-black-and-white-color-palette-invite-with-black-stationery-and-black-lettering
Photo: Erika Delgado Photography

While ivory, blush, and pastel tones will always be popular choices for wedding color palettes, we've seen an increase in couples incorporating darker, moodier hues into their celebrations. Just as in fashion, the color black is timeless and evokes a certain level of formality when used in the right way, which is why it's such a wonderful addition to details and décor for your nuptials.

Dramatic ebony wedding décor is typically popular during fall and winter celebrations or for formal fêtes, but it's also perfectly acceptable to incorporate onyx elements into your sunny summer soirée. We've seen brides wear black gowns – or change into them for the reception when they prefer wearing traditional white for the ceremony – and it's a popular choice for flattering bridesmaid dresses! Couples are also covering reception tables in ink-hued linens, serving slices of obsidian wedding cakes, and even placing dark-colored drinkware at place settings.

For more ideas, take a look at these ways to incorporate black details at your wedding, below! To discover additional inspiration, click on each image to see more photos from these real weddings.

Wedding Invitation

Black and gold wedding invitation dark decor ideas

Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography; Invitations & Calligraphy by Ceci New York

Bridal Bouquet

Bride and groom portrait dark black bridal wedding bouquet flowers

Photo by Heather Nan Photography

Wedding Dress

Bride in black wedding dress with white skirt

Photo by Joseph Lin Photography

Bridesmaid Dresses

Bride surrounded by bridesmaids in black bridesmaid dresses

Photo by John Solano Photography; Planning & Design by Levine Fox Events

Flower Girl Dresses

Black and white stripe flower girl dresses walking down petal aisle

Photo by Paige Jones; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events

Ceremony Program

Black wedding ceremony program with gold lettering

Photo by Milanes Photography; Floral & Event Design by Akeem Clayton Designs

Aisle Runner

Black aisle runner for wedding ceremony the original runner company gold monogram

Photo by Kortnee Kate Photography; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; Planning & Design by Viva Bella Events

Signage

Wedding signage wedding ceremony black background white lettering

Photo by Heather Kincaid; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Table Runner

Black table runner at wedding reception long reception tables

Photo by Todd Pelowe Photography

Reception Tables

Black wedding reception table terrace outdoor wedding in Malibu

Photo by Brian Leahy Photography; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

Charger Plates & Menus

Black charger plate and circle menu card at wedding reception

Photo by Callaway Gable; Planning & Design by Bob Gail Special Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

Linens

Wedding linens black at wedding reception skirball cultural center

Photo by Kristina Lee Photography

Drinkware

Black goblet glassware drinkware at wedding reception long table

Photo by Blue Rose Photography

Cocktail Napkins

Black cocktail napkin beverage napkin gold lettering wedding ideas

Photo by KingenSmith

Reception Chairs

Black wedding reception chairs wedding ideas

Photo by Kortnee Kate Photography; Planning & Design by Viva Bella Events

Drapery

Wedding reception with black drapery around ballroom

Photo by KingenSmith

Wedding Favors

Black champagne bottle wedding favors with bows

Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography

Wedding Cake

Black wedding cake with gold base and white sugar flowers on side

Photo by Brianna Wilbur Photography

For more wedding ideas, discover inspiration from the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year, learn what the most popular wedding styles are, and see modern clear details to include in your wedding décor. Also, find out when it is possible to wear black for a wedding.