anyone got any ideas for designs for a 1940's inspired black and white wedding cake???

How about black with white polka dots with a single bright red rose?

Or something like this: http://favoride-sitepics.favorideas.com/black-and-white-mon1-lg.jpg
or this: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.jeaniecakes.com/cake.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.jeaniecakes.com/&usg=__T0_8CRB9QTaj8cMisHVYc_pj1XU=&h=700&w=700&sz=223&hl=en&start=13&itbs=1&tbnid=D0ne89DrbPNsoM:&tbnh=140&tbnw=140&prev=/images%3Fq%3DCakes%26hl%3Den

Copy any fabric from the period.

I think black and white polka dots would be gorgeous~or damask!!!!!!
Either one would be very nice!!!!!!

I agree with the vivid color idea.

Fashions in those days consisted mostly of tailored classics. But accessories were colorful and very feminine, e.g. veiled hats, gloves, buckles, high heels, etc.
And big, bold flowers tucked in the hair, or on a collar, were also popular...or so I'm told.

Here's a link to some art deco cakes. They may have something that would be fitting.

http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/art-deco-wedding-cake.html

this one of my top favorite black and white cakes. http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1320745

I would wet my pants if someone showed up to my wedding with a cake that looked like that !!

I found this. Maybe it will give you some ideas. The one cake on here was so simple and elegant. I thought it would be pretty with the little bouquet of flowers on the other side of the page.

http://inthedetailsblog.com/2009/02/1940s-glam/

I found this one under 1940s weddings I LOVE it! ( I will try to attach)