Throw a Black and White Damask Wedding

As the pro designers know, pattern is a brilliant way of deepening your design. But sometimes, pattern just doesn't want to cooperate — see some recent attempts in bridal magazines showing bridesmaids in silk stripes or even plaid, if you want an eye-jangling illustration of pattern gone wrong!

But damask never lets you down. Used traditionally, it adds a haunting hint of old French to your tablescapes, setting off black candelabras and white linens to perfection, and invites you to indulge in plenty of crystal, spangle and sparkle.

It's amazing how a little artfully-picked damask can elevate your overall design to a work of art. How about those cappucinos?

Credits: pink wedding bouquet by gastemp. Chandelier-theme bridal shower invite at FavorIdeas. Damask table runner by floratouch.

And don't resist the temptation to dip into damask for your invitations, wedding favors, card boxes and ribbons. Some of the most beautiful pocketfold invitations ever made start from a damask card base, and accent with luxury ribbon and sheer fabric.

The wedding cake, too, is an unbeatably dramatic way to display damask. Choosing just one or two display tables to drape with damask, like your escort card or gift table, is a stylish choice. Of course, a little splash of your monogram here and there never looks amiss with damask, and some of the more daring brides even include it in their gown or train, via some clever embroidery.

Of course, plenty of brides just love to play with convention, and that's where you'll see damask pop up in unusual hues, such as sky blue or chocolate brown. This requires more of a roll-up-your-sleeves, DIY effort since the color versions of damask are harder to come by, but the results are worth it.

Want to preserve the spare beauty of black & white damask but put your own spin on it?

Then browse around for the black damask wedding, where the white pattern shows up on a black background, instead of vice-versa. Just this little tweak adds an ocean of sophisticated to an invitation, ring pillow, centerpiece vase or even an extra-dramatic cake.



Reversing expectations — with a white pattern on a black background — gives a sophisticated little tweak to damask.

Credits: Invitation by embellished by tiffany, garter by garter lady.

Ever wonder what types of bridal bouquets coordinate best with damask designs? Try bright white roses dotted with dramatic black feathers, or if red's one of your colors, a tight-packed nosegay of scarlet blooms.

This gorgeous tablescape illustrates the epitome of contemporary damask design, using the up-to-the-minute palette of black, white and yellow. Note how the black candelabras aren't even remotely goth against the large splashes of white linen and the sprays of bright yellow gerberas.

Credits: Overlay from PetitExtra.

And finally, here's a hint if you want a splash of color with your monochromatics. Favorite pairings with black-and-white damask (other than that classic favorite, red) include a bright, grassy green, canary yellow (ultra-modern!), or an alluring aqua blue.

Fuchsia might be the fifth most popular choice, with purple rounding out the color wheel for especially adventurous couples. Let us know your favorite hue below!

Dessy offers some unbelievably gorgeous gowns tailor-made for damask lovers.

No look at damask weddings is complete without a peek at the work of Wedding Main St., maker of luscious card boxes.

Favors are a classic way to weave in damask! Head to FavorIdeas for damask wedding favors and a complementary collection of black & white wedding favors.