12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (2024)

  • Wedding Dresses

By

Sophie Moore

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (1)

Sophie Moore

Sophie Moore is a former Brides editor and current contributing writer. With over five years of experience in bridal, she is an expert on all things fashion.

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Updated on 04/17/23 09:22PM

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12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (2)

Don't get us wrong, we'll always have an affinity for the traditional ivory gown, but with so many gorgeous black wedding dresses out there, from dramatic ballgowns to slinky slips, it's easy to see why this flattering hue has quickly become an instant classic suited for any bridal style. And, we're not the only ones crushing on this ultra modern and sleek bridal look either. Celebrities and influencers are hopping on the black wedding dress train, too. Can we ever forget the ever-stylish Sarah Jessica Parker saying "I do" in a ruffled black wedding gown?

Not only are black wedding dresses sleek and stylish, they're also very versatile and can easily be worn again and again long after you say "I do."

Whether you consider yourself an unconventional bride or you're searching for a sleek and statement-making alternative to bridal white, we've rounded up the best black wedding dresses for every style, body type, and budget. We looked for high quality materials, flattering cuts, wide size ranges, and various styles to fit every wedding theme and location.

Our Top Picks

For the Minimalist Bride:

BHLDN Serephina Dress at Bhldn ($220)

Jump to Review

Best Budget

Lulus Ruffled One-Shoulder Dress

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (3)

Size range: XS-XL |Material:Polyester, Spandex | Neckline: One Shoulder

With its one shoulder ruffled design, this dress looks way more expensive than it actually is. Made from polyester and spandex, this dress has a nice weight to it that makes you feel supportive but it's still stretchy enough to be comfortable. It's also extremely flattering—the ruffles play up your chest while the mermaid skirt flaunts your curves.

Best Plus-Size

David's Bridal Off the Shoulder Satin Gown Wedding Dress

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (4)

Size range: 16-30 |Material:Satin | Neckline: Off-the-Shoulder

Though we love all the colors this dress comes in—there are six to choose from—we love how going with black puts a spin on tradition. You still have the traditional fairytale ball gown, only in a dramatically dark color. Made from satin, the dress feels extra luxurious in the dark hue. Little details like hidden pockets on elastic on the off-the-shoulder sleeves make it functional and comfortable too.

15 Elegant Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses

Best Boho

ASOS Edition Eyelet Midi Dress

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (5)

Size range: 0-26 |Material:Cotton | Neckline: V-Neck

Black and summer may not sound like the best combination but this dress from ASOS will keep you cool. It's made from 100 percent which is extra breathable and the eyelet design will let a breeze pass through. We love the twist front and the square back as extra cute details. The boho vibe is also great for warmer seasons. You can shop both regular and curve sizes for the ideal fit.

For the Minimalist Bride

BHLDN Serephina Dress

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (6)

Size range: 0-26 |Material:Crepe | Neckline: High

Conservative in the front but all party in the back, this BHLDN crepe dress is simple, sleek, and stunning. Wear your hair up to showcase the sophisticated high neckline and sexy back details.

Best Slip

Reformation Chania Silk Dress

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (7)

Size range: XS-XL |Material:Silk | Neckline: V-Neck

Minimalist brides – don this sexy and sleek slip dress for an effortless and totally unfussy wedding day look. Plus, since this slip is in black, there's no need to worry about your undergarments peeking through.

18 Elegant Slip Wedding Dresses for the Minimalist Bride

Best Corset Style

BCBGMAXAZRIA Corset Tulle Gown

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (8)

Size range: 0-16 |Material:Polyester | Neckline: Square with Spaghetti Straps

For the bride who isn't afraid to make a statement, this one's for you. We love a leg moment and a little ruffled texture for a fashion-forward walk down the aisle. The corset bodice is super on trend as well.

Best Sparkle

Nookie Lumiere Gown

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (9)

Size range: XS-XL |Material:Nylon, Spandex, Polyester | Neckline: Sweetheart

If you're already breaking tradition with a black gown, you might as well go all out and bring on the sparkle. The simple silhouette of this gown created the perfect balance to the allover sparkle. It's the perfect choice for a New Years Eve wedding.

Size range: 2-14 |Material:Spandex, Polyester | Neckline: Jewel

Did someone say flamenco? With the sexy slit and romantic ruffles, we can totally see this dress at a destination wedding in Spain. While it shows off some leg and your curves, it's still modest on top. The fabric has a bit of stretch to hug your curves. We won't be surprised if you wear this beyond your wedding.

Size range: 0-14 |Material:Spandex, Polyester | Neckline: Strapless

We love a good oversized bow, especially if it's attached to a glamourous gown! A structured bodice and a column skirt make for a very flattering silhouette. We love the pearl accents and high slit in the back. Pair this dress with shoulder-grazing earrings and a classic sandal for a completely put together and polished look.

Best Ruffle

Markarian Arabella Gown

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (12)

Size range: 0-16 |Material:Silk dupioni | Neckline: Scoop

For brides looking for understated elegance, we leave you with this exquisite gown from Markarian. Crafted from light-weight silk dupioni, this gown is a special occasion piece meant to wow on your wedding day and to be worn long after you say "I do." Wear yours with cascading pearl earrings for a particularly striking look.

Best Tulle Ballgown

SHERBONclothing Black Gothic Dress

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (13)

Size range: Inquire with retailer |Material:Tulle and floral lace appliqué |Neckline: Off-the-Shoulder

This show-stopping ballgown combines a gothic flair with a bit of Victorian style. Our favorite part: those super dreamy bishop sleeves.

Best Ethereal

SkairaShop Black Lace Dress

12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (14)

Size range: S-2XL |Material:Tulle and lace |Neckline: Plunging

Ideal for outdoor nuptials, this soft and bohemian gown features stunning lace details throughout its sheer tulle skirt. We especially love the double slit and ultra striking plunging neckline.

What to Look For in a Black Wedding Dress

Style

For the bride looking for classic styles with a twist, the options for black dresses with clean and structured silhouettes are endless. We love how David's Bridal Satin Gown juxtaposes the classic ball gown with the dark shade. A minimalist bride searching for simplicity will find inspiration in sleek slip dresses and body-skimming sheaths, like Reformation's Chania Dress. The dark shade is especially perfect for the ultra dramatic bride seeking a statement-making gown. Elaborate ballgowns with cathedral-length matching veils are ideal for the over-the-top bride celebrating Halloween-themed, goth, or even Victorian-style nuptials. Coming with a long tulle train, this dress from Etsy will make you feel like the main character of your own fairytale.

Fabric

You might think that black dresses aren't suited for warm weather, but that's not true! The key to staying cool while wearing black is looking for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and lace. Made from 100 percent cotton and filled with cutouts, ASOS Edition Broderie Midi Dress is ideal for a warm wedding. On the other hand, heavier fabrics like silk or full on sequins are ideal for winter weddings. As the name suggests, Nookie Lumiere Dress will have you shimmering all night long.

Veil

Ask your bridal consultant if your black gown has a matching veil. If you're going custom, inquire with your designer if he or she can create a matching veil that incorporates black details or (dare we say) is entirely black! We also think a black birdcage veil is incredibly chic, dramatic, and slightly mysterious. If you're truly going nontraditional in all aspects, ditch the veil and opt for show-stopping jewelry. Gold and silver tones pop even more against the dark hue. Skip the necklace and go for chandelier drop-earrings for an elegant and elongating look. Or, slip on a stack of bracelets for another bold option. Long story short—the options are endless!

FAQ

  • Can I wear a black wedding dress for my wedding?

    Absolutely! A black wedding dress can be just as timeless and elegant as a white wedding dress.

  • How can I accessorize my black wedding dress?

    When it comes to choosing bridal accessories, let your personal style and wedding gown guide your decision. Minimalist brides may opt for delicate jewelry and monochromatic accessories while statement-making brides might be drawn to accessories in bold pops of color.

  • Can I wear a black wedding dress for my summer wedding?

    Yes! Black is a highly versatile color and can work for all types of weddings. For a summer wedding, opt for a black wedding dress crafted from a light and airy fabric like cotton or linen and keep accessories simple and laid-back.

Why Trust Brides

With over seven years of industry experience, contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding parties, and guests.

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12 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean when a bride wears a black wedding dress? ›

The black gown symbolized ensured her loyalty to the bride's devotion to her husband until death. Nowadays, black wedding gowns are the first choice for women who want to wear an unusual yet intense look. They are seen as fashionable and symbolize elegance, power, sensuality, mysteriousness, and Intellect.

Are black wedding dresses hard to find? ›

While it's hard for many brides to find their perfect black wedding dress, more brands and boutiques are slowly incorporating the color into their collections.

How do you make a black dress look good for a wedding? ›

Pair it with heels or flats, and add a pop of color with a jacket, handbag, or statement necklace. For example, pair a black slip dress with pink peep-toe heels and a printed clutch.

Is a black wedding dress taboo? ›

For many cultures, black clothing has long been associated with mourning and death, and sometimes even bad luck and misfortune. Though black wedding dresses are no longer considered taboo, certain individuals might not find them fitting for a celebratory occasion.

What is the superstition about wearing black to a wedding? ›

Traditionally speaking, wearing black to a wedding is considered taboo. Whether it's a sign of mourning, a symbol of evil, or a sign of bad luck for the marriage, our parents and grandparents likely wouldn't have even had to consider whether black at a wedding was appropriate.

What does a black wedding ring mean? ›

Some couples choose black wedding bands because they represent everlasting commitment. The color black on its own can also mean things like power, strength and sophistication. These are all things a couple hopes to bring into their marriage, and a black wedding ring is a daily reminder of that.

What does a red wedding dress mean? ›

The colour of love, the bride who wears red is bold, passionate and full of desire. Not for the fainthearted this is a bold statement to make on your wedding day.

What does white wedding dress mean? ›

As reported by The Washington Post, in 1849, Godey's Lady's Book (reportedly "the Vogue of the Victorian world") decreed "that white is the most fitting hue" for brides to wear. It noted that it is an "emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one."

When were black wedding dresses popular? ›

White wedding dresses are now the mainstream, but before the Victorian era in 1840, most women in Western Europe wore dresses other than white, especially black wedding dresses, for their weddings.

What color heels go best with black dress? ›

With a black dress, you can wear shoes of any colour, from neutrals like black, white shoes, and beige shoes to more bold-coloured options like hot pink shoes, red shoes, and even burgundy shoes.

What color heels go with a black dress? ›

In terms of color, black is a safe and classic choice, but don't be afraid to experiment with other hues. Nude, metallic, and red shoes can all add a pop of color and interest to your outfit. Remember to also consider the length and style of your dress.

What color jewelry goes with black dress? ›

Silver jewellery pairs extremely well with a little black dress, elevating it from a modest look to a glamorous one. Silver accessories should be the colour of choice to pair with a black dress for those with a paler skin tone.

Is it rude to wear red to a wedding? ›

Whether or not you can wear red to a wedding depends on the wedding itself and the fashion specifications dictated by the couple. Nonetheless, it is largely no longer considered a faux pas to wear red to most Western and secular nuptials.

What cultures wear black wedding dresses? ›

In the West, black lace wedding dresses were the traditional choice of Roman Catholic brides in Spain. And both Scottish and Finnish cultures had black wedding gowns as part of their bridal traditions.

What to wear to a 5:30 wedding? ›

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.

Is wearing a black dress to a wedding acceptable? ›

“Can you wear black to a wedding? You definitely can!” says bridal stylist Anny Choi. “The rule feels antiquated. Black is a great staple option that you can rewear to different weddings.

Is it normal to wear a black dress to a wedding? ›

It is absolutely acceptable for a female to wear a black dress to a wedding,” Swann advises.

What does a black and white wedding dress symbolize? ›

Black and white wedding dresses are growing in popularity, generating a lot more style options than before. In fashion, black represents elegance, power, strength, and mystery. Combining this with the traditional symbolism of a white gown is just stunning.

Why do brides wear white and grooms wear black? ›

Some say that white represents purity and innocence, while black is a symbol of power and authority. Another theory is that white was originally worn because it was the most difficult color to stain, while black was seen as the most luxurious color.

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