16 Black Wedding Decor Ideas to Bring Out Your Dark Side

Black is a daring yet surprisingly versatile and elegant choice for your wedding color palette. There's a reason why black is one of the most timeless and universal colors of all—depending on how you style it, a black wedding theme can be formal, dramatic, modern, romantic, or even bohemian. Wondering how to incorporate this bold hue into your own big day? We've rounded up some of our favorite black wedding decor ideas to add to your wedding inspiration folder.

How do you decorate for a black wedding theme?

Moody wedding theme

If you love boho style, you can give your wedding a dramatic twist by choosing a moody color scheme. Pair black with other deep, muted colors, like mauve, navy blue, and burgundy to achieve an edgy but gorgeous result. 

Gothic wedding theme

Whether you're having a Halloween wedding or you're simply into theatrical, spooky details, black is a must-have wedding color for any gothic-inspired theme. Red and purple are two accent colors that will complement the overall creepy chic aesthetic. 

Great Gatsby wedding theme

Since black is a timeless color, it's also a perfect choice for a glamorous or vintage-inspired wedding. For a Great Gatsby-inspired wedding theme, pair black with metallic colors, like gold and silver, to create a glitzy vibe.  

Black Wedding Theme Ideas 

Ready to see even more ways to pull off a black wedding theme? Use these black wedding ideas and wedding decorations from real weddings to inspire your own bash.

Invitation suite 

Offset the barely-there feel of a pale pink or white wedding invitation suite by including dramatic black inserts. When paired with swooping calligraphy, gold accents, and ethereal laurel wreaths, the black details don't feel overwhelmingly harsh or edgy, but instead add just the right amount of oomph.

Vow booklet

The vow exchange is one of the most special parts of your wedding day, especially if you are writing your own (here's a vow template, just in case). Jot down your words in a vow notebook with a sleek black cover to keep them preserved and ready to go for the wedding ceremony. When you look back at your photos, you'll appreciate the notebook, which is much more stylish than reading from your cell phone or a piece of scrap paper—trust us.

Lace wedding booties

Dare to be bold with your wedding shoes by opting for a pair of black high heels or flats. These sheer lace booties are just one example of how black can look oh-so-elegant. The added benefit? Compared to traditional white bridal accessories, black shoes are much easier to re-wear again and again after the wedding day is over.

Black wedding dress

If traditional white isn't quite your style, no problem. A black wedding dress can look just as stunning, while giving you a sartorial edge that's undeniably cool.

Black bridesmaid dresses

Don't feel pressured to outfit your 'maids in colorful bridesmaid dresses if you don't want to. Black styles can work for almost any theme or occasion—floor-length gowns are ideal for formal dress codes, while short and midi styles are more casual.  

Leather jacket

Black leather jackets are another one of our favorite accessories for the fearless couple. Get matching moto jackets and recreate this adorable photo op with your partner.    

Black velvet loafers

Just because you're wearing a suit or tuxedo doesn't mean you can't have fun with your shoes. A pair of embroidered black velvet loafers are appropriate if your dress code is black tie with a twist.

Chalkboard welcome sign

Black chalkboards are excellent for rustic and casual weddings. This calligraphed wedding welcome signage is a gorgeous option for a laid-back ceremony in the garden.

Wedding reception chairs

Chairs are an excellent way to give your basic wedding decor a stylish boost. These metal Marais chairs are modern and sleek.

Lace table overlays 

Lace overlays are an alternative to plain tablecloths if you want to incorporate a lot of black into your wedding tablescapes. This adds a gothic romance vibe to your tables, especially if you stick to a monochromatic black & white color combo. Since the overlays will stand out plenty on their own, you have the option of keeping the rest of your table decor fairly minimal.

Wedding table setting

Black napkins and charger plates will make your place settings pop. Keep the moody, contemporary vibe going by adding sleek black and gold wedding flatware and scattering dark rose petals around your centerpieces.

Black taper candles 

No matter how you use them, decorative candles will immediately change the ambience at your wedding reception. Instead of traditional white taper candles, opt for black ones, which will bring a sense of mystery and moodiness to your wedding centerpieces. Pair the black candles with accents in dark colors, such as burgundy and purple, to create a tablescape that is perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Acrylic seating chart

Chances are you've seen clear acrylic wedding details, but opaque black acrylic takes this wedding trend to an entirely new level.

Crescent moon photo backdrop

An oversized crescent moon backdrop is an eye-catching statement piece for a boho or celestial wedding theme.

Lightbox sign

A light box sign is an unexpectedly fun addition to black wedding decor if you're having a minimalist or modern wedding theme. Use it to display an important message (like "Treat Yo Self") or get creative by using multiple light boxes as non-traditional table numbers.

Black wedding cake

A black wedding cake may not be the norm, but that's what makes it so fabulous. Wow your wedding guests with a decadent black fondant cake that's decorated with ruffled tiers and hand-piped flowers.