Black Wedding Dresses – From Simply Chic to Daring & Bold
Black wedding dresses are daringly different and the perfect way to express your individual style as a bride. Some choose a black wedding dress as a way to rebel against the traditional wedding “rules” and status quo. Some are inspired by celebrities who have rocked gorgeous dark gowns (more on that below). Others just love the dramatic appeal or have always dreamed of one-of-a-kind black and white wedding dresses.
“Black wedding dresses are having a moment,” says Miami wedding stylist Lisa Mannon. “More brides are opting for looks that are less traditional and expected. European-gothic is a very hot theme right now, so we’re seeing a lot of gowns that are exciting and dramatic. Black wedding dresses, by nature, are surprising and edgy. I worked with a client recently whose entire celebration was rather traditional. Her dress was traditional too, a classic mermaid style gown. But it was black. It was surprising in a really fun way, and she enjoyed that bit of stand-out appeal, I think.”
This post is all about black wedding dresses.
Celebrity Style
Many celebrities have chosen to stand out with a black wedding dress for their ceremony and party, including:
- Ellen Pompeo: The Grey’s Anatomy star got married in NYC’s city hall in 2017, wearing a Yves Saint Laurent LBD she had bought in Paris the summer before. Pompeo explained her laid-back approach to Allure Magazine: ” “I completely understand women wanting a wedding, because most people don’t get to dress up in gorgeous dresses and have their hair and make-up done…I, however, am fortunate enough that I get to put on beautiful dresses and make-up and jewels all the time.”
- Shenae Beech Grimes: The 90210 actress wore a black Vera Wang gown at her small wedding outside of London in 2013. Featured in Wang’s 2012 collection, the black wedding dress showcased a plunging neckline and dramatic layered gray tulle full skirt (Glamour did a feature on her celebrity black wedding dress).
- Avril Lavigne: Always known for her edgy style, the singer wore an Italian goth-inspired black lace wedding dress designed by Monique Lhuillier, along with matching black roses.
- Chloë Sevigny: One year after the ceremony, the fashion-forward actress posted an Instagram pic of her “private wedding in “secret” wedding to art dealer Siniša Mačković. She’s wearing a black turtleneck frock, with a white veil. Here’s a Vogue feature on her simple black wedding dress.
The Black Lace Wedding Dress
A black lace wedding dress is one of the most popular choices for brides who have decided on a dark-hued gown. Lace is feminine and romantic, which can help black wedding dresses from coming off as too severe or serious. Lace just adds to the dramatic allure of the whole look. There are many lacy options- you might choose a dress with just a lace bodice, or lace embroidery throughout.
The lace bell sleeves on this black eloping ceremony dress transform this gown into a much more chic and special-feeling choice:
“I wanted a dress to elope in that was celebratory but also not too stiff or formal. I really fell in love with this simple lace black wedding dress, and I got nonstop compliments on it. Love, love, love, the lace touch. Ir was perfect for our tiny ceremony and I still felt like a gorgeous bride all day and night.”
The type of lace, and its placement, can change the whole look of the dress. Heavy embroidery throughout the entire dress will create a more formal look that’s especially distinct in all black. A touch of lace (or a more subtle floral lace) might help to add some texture and detail to a wall of black fabric. A flair like this can be especially helpful with a more pronounced silhouette, like a ballgown-style dress or trumpet gown.
The ballgown-style shimmering gown below features a lace bodice and embroidery that leads into a full tulle-layered skirt. The look is bold and stunning. Think Black Swan Princess. This is how someone described Shenae Beech Grimes‘ Vera Wang black wedding gown. A gown similar in style, especially with the layered full tulle.
Boho Black Dresses for Weddings
Whether you’re a bride looking for something truly eclectic, relaxed, and comfortable, or a party guest in search of something uniquely chic to wear to the event (and after), bohemian black dresses for weddings are a feminine and fun choice. Some are distinctly casual and laid back (ideal for a beach wedding or offbeat reception), while others may be more formal with a boho flare.
“I’ve seen a lot of gorgeous floral embroidery, styles that are really very free and super feminine, kind of a Suki Waterhouse aesthetic,” says LA stylist Jess Stroffe. “Some of these lace gowns might also have an almost rustic vibe too, like you can wear them with cowboy boots and it’s a totally different look.”
This flowy black boho wedding dress is soft and whimsical. It’s cheap (under $100!) but (reviewers agree) feels and looks more expensive; it’s also really flattering. Beyond a wedding dress, it’s great for photoshoots and those inevitable moments when you just need some general poufy boho glamour in your life.
Check out the reviews to see the dress on different body types, and in different colors.
Black Gothic Style Wedding Dresses
Many brides who are looking for a raven-colored gown have black gothic wedding dresses in mind. Which makes sense- gothic style wedding dresses are dark and glamorous. Bringing black to the mix just adds a whole new level of drama and “wow” factor. Indeed: no one’s going to forget your black gothic style wedding dress. These are stunners.
What is a gothic wedding dress? It’s not so clearly defined…but you’ll likely know it when you see it. Gothic style is rooted in gothic art & architecture from the mid-12th to 16th centuries, as well as Victorian literature. It’s a style open to interpretation, and one that has evolved through different eras. Regardless of the details, the vibe of gothic is darkness, and the beauty within that darkness.
This black gothic style wedding dress is fit for a fairy tale, with exquisite applique detailing, an eye-catching black lace bodice, and tulle for days. The deep V-neck and squared back create a super-romantic silhouette, and the train is show-stopping. This is an affordable dress that’s surprising in its high quality (several reviewers note it’s the perfect dupe for some well-known black gothic wedding dresses).
You can see the dress on many different body types– and with many accessories and shoes (including boots, you love to see it!) in the Amazon reviews.
Plus Size Black Wedding Dresses
Most of the dresses featured in this post are plus size black wedding dresses. They’re all-sizes friendly and most are super flattering and comfortable for different body types. If you’re looking for a plus size black wedding dress, these should work as options. The reviews on Amazon have a lot of helpful pictures of these dresses on real people, which is so helpful.
Another plus size black gothic wedding dress (it comes in a wide range of sizing) is this gorgeous and highly-rated black goth dress from Mouccy. This off-the-shoulders black long sleeves wedding dress features a lace-up back, beading detail, and dramatic layers of tulle. It’s handmaid and brides LOVE it (seriously, read the reviews).
"This dress looks and feels much more expensive than what it is. I put this dress on and immediately video called my mom while she was at work, and I cried, and so did my mom- I’ve never looked so stunning, felt so beautiful- and I’ve never been happier with a purchase. You want a black dress for your wedding? Absolutely get this one."
Black and White Wedding Dresses
Black and white wedding dresses are perhaps even more unique than black wedding gowns- and they’re just as daring and unique. They come in many different styles and fabrics. Some have a more classic look that’s effortlessly cool and rebellious simply because of the bold black-and white aesthetic. Others, like this one, have a gorgeous black and white pattern that’s elegant and eye-catching.
This off-the-shoulder black and white dress has a complex and bold pattern, but also a traditional mermaid silhouette.
Conclusion
Going with a black wedding dress can be a big decision. If it’s just something you’re thinking about on a whim, you may want to really give it some thought and consider all of your options. But if you know in your heart that you want to wear black at your wedding, don’t let fear hold you back! Your wedding day is all about you. If there was ever a time to express your unique style, this is it. Step boldly down the aisle in a dress that’s true to you.
This post was all about black wedding dresses.
