If you are looking to create a wedding design that is both modern and elegant, you may want to consider a black and white color scheme. Far from being too stark or harsh, black and white can be used together to create a wedding that is sophisticated and yet accessible. There are many fantastic ways that you can use black and white to light up your wedding.

Those with an eye for fashion and high style have long known that the combination of black and white can be used to very dramatic effect. You only have to look at the famous Ascot scene in "My Fair Lady", or at the photos of Truman Capote's triumph of the 1960s, the Black and White Ball. Without a bright color to serve as a distraction, you are free to use a myriad of intricate patterns and designs while still maintaining a fresh and crisp overall look. The limited color palette will provide a wonderful sense of unity to your entire wedding.

The first place to start is with the wedding attire. A black and white color palette will naturally lend itself to a black tie wedding. If you are having a daytime affair, a well-tailored black suit will is a good alternative for the groom and his attendants. It is up to you if you would like to extend the theme to include the attire of the guests; if so, a simple request on the bottom of the invitation will do the trick.

The white part couldn't be easier for the bride. Of course her wedding gown will be white, and most brides also wear white pearl bridal jewelry. It is the black part of the color theme that is more unique for a bride, but it is also in fact quite simple to pull off. One of the most dramatic ways is by choosing a white wedding gown that has black embroidery or appliques. An elegant damask pattern will make your gown very chic and stylish, or perhaps you would prefer the classic look of a black cumberbund at the waist, almost like a tuxedo in reverse.

The bride and her bridesmaids can also add touches of black to their jewelry. Take your traditional pearl bridal jewelry to the next level by selecting a bold black and white pearl strand. Accents of jet black crystals can be added to the bridesmaid jewelry for an effect that is stylish and very wearable.

The bride's bouquet and the rest of the flowers can also tie into the black and white theme. White anemones with black centers are a terrific place to start. If you would like to add a slight contrast, mix a few green flowers in with white ones to add a fresh and unexpected touch. The bouquets can be tied with a wide sash of black and white ribbon. A striped ribbon would be breezy and fun, or for a more formal effect, a tailored tuxedo inspired cuff is a wonderful way to finish a bouquet.

You can carry the black and white theme through the rest of your wedding by choosing one or two main prints to use. Some excellent options include toile, stripes, damask, a graphic floral, or even tiny Polka Dots. Your signature print can grace everything from the invitations to the linens to the favors, and it will help to keep your restrained color palette feeling lively and festive.

For the height of modern elegance, you can't beat black and white. Black and white will always look sharp and sophisticated. It is a palette that is very easy to work with, and offers infinite possibilities for how you use it to create your own unique wedding.

Laura helps brides with their wedding plans by offering advice on selecting bridesmaids gifts,reception ideas and other aspects of planning a wedding. Bridal jewelry is the perfect finishing touch for the bride.

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