I was happily surprised when I ran into one of Diva Dialogue’s readers the other day. Planning her own wedding, she was having some trouble deciding a color theme. With a preference for black, she asked me how to incorporate this palette into her wedding. Here’s my take on this dramatic, chic and formal hue.

Photos top row: Black escort cards from The Knot, Color favor boxes from Beau-coup, Ethel silk halter dress from Ann Taylor, Black tie bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, Black and white cake from Pink Cake Box, Simple Elegance Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, Black satin sandals from Brides, and White Gold Black and White Diamond Earrings from Macy’s.

Cream and beige hues offer a distinct, natural look, one that is often overlooked. Here are a few ideas on how to add these elegant, understated tones to your wedding for a style that is anything but vanilla.

Candy buffet and escort cards photos from In Style Weddings.

In the eighties, a white wedding referred to a popular Billy Idol song. Today it signifies a popular color choice for couples look for a chic, modern theme. Why save white only for your dress? White goes with everything and when used consistently adds light and fresh style to your wedding.

Adding a hint of gold or silver transforms a refreshingly white wedding into an elegant affair. Here’s a few invitation design options for couples wanting a white theme.