We have been seeing a large usage of color alternatives for weddings over the last few seasons. Designers have been choosing to use more “earthy” shades for their designs. We’ve seen a lot of browns, oranges, and gold. But no one can deny our most sultry shade any longer. Black is back and it’s taking the 2010 wedding season by storm. With brides all over riding the “vintage” wave, black has really stepped back onto the scene. This season, expect to find all areas of wedding themes using (at least) a trace of this color.

Black accents, not goth

A popular trend right now is using black accents on your wedding gown. Remember, I said black “accents”, not a black gown…Goth is still not cool! Glam up your wedding ensemble by adding a black sash to your dress. Use black beads to enhance your ears, neckline, or wrists. Wear black shoes even! You can make black accessories work with almost any accent color you decide to choose. Which means, black can be used all season long. I love the idea of putting your wedding party in all black. Let the girls pick out some fun colored shoes, and instantly your wedding pics will pop!

Black diamonds are at a record high on the trend list. They don’t have the same sparkle and glitz as our tradition gems do, but they make a bold statement all on their own. Many of the men’s fashion rings are reflecting the black diamond trend. The look is subtle. It may be a good fit for your man if he wants a little “bling”, but not too much! Some of the ladies pieces are lovely, but they don’t really speak “bridal” to me. Call me old fashion because I love things that sparkle, but if you really like this trend you can always get your shine on by choosing a platinum setting.

Invitations, favors, cake, and table decor

Don’t stop with just fashion, incorporate black into your entire wedding motif, starting with your save the dates and invites all the way down to your wedding favors, cake, and table décor. Hot color combos right now are black, white, and hot pink. For a more retro feel, replace pink and substitute shades like turquoise, orange, or red. I love pairing black and white with yellow. If you choose a darker hue of yellow and use an interesting damask pattern, you can avoid the “bumble bee” effect, which is not attractive! If you choose to use stripes (which I adore!), use them responsibly. I think they look great on linen for table covers or on accessory tables used for your cake, favors, or tables for drinks around the bar area. Stripes are crisp, clean, and bold…which will make for amazing photographs.

Almost anyway you pair this season’s trend, it will be a hit. Try using black with a variety of colors. We love it with white, but their relationship is not exclusive! Black is a dynamic color and will look best early in our wedding season and the later half of summer into fall. Spring will make it tough to use, but if you are planning an evening wedding you shouldn’t have a problem. I am so happy to see that black is back. It shares an intimate place in our hearts and makes for some beautiful scenery!

Images from instyleweddings.com, furthers.com, erineverafter, inspiredbythis.com, bride.com, projectwedding.com, and articles4brides.ca

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 at 9:26 am and is filed under Color Palettes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.