Here is the complete guide for black wedding dresses for every type and style of the bride. We will help you pick the best and most flattering black wedding gown or dress and have you on your best look with this statement color.
You will know what style, details, and silhouettes make the ideal fashion choice for brides in black wedding dresses. But if you want to know the best places to shop for this bold look, read where to buy black wedding dresses.
All The Elegant Black Wedding Dresses For Every Kind Of Bride
The Most Flattering Black Wedding Dress Styles And Silhouettes
If you decide to wear a black wedding dress for your wedding, there are many styles and silhouette choices to consider. Pick the best look and get the most out of this bold color by knowing what silhouette flatters your body type best.
A-line black wedding dresses
A universally-flattering silhouette choice for black wedding dresses is the A-line style. This dress style starts fitted and then gets wider, similar to a triangle.
The fitted waist and wider hips create an hourglass figure and can also hide the tummy area. Because of this, the bride can’t go wrong with black A-line dress styles, as the statement color adds a touch of elegance and sexiness.
Ball gown black wedding dresses
Another flattering silhouette choice for the bride is the ball gown, which also features a fitted bodice and flaring skirt. However, because the skirt is voluminous, this creates a more princess look, perfect for a romantic wedding.
A black ball gown is certainly more memorable than a white ball gown for the wedding look and would be the best choice, especially for pear-shaped brides. You can pick a style inspired by goth fashion that still feels regal for the wedding.
Mermaid black wedding dresses
If you’re not going for a princess look and want a more sultry style for your wedding, pick a black mermaid wedding dress. This silhouette features a fitted bodice, but the skirt flares out at the knees.
Because of this, the bride’s figure looks more elongated, and what better color to pick for this look than black? You will feel sexy and confident with the flattering black color and wedding dress silhouette accentuating your natural curves.
Trumpet black wedding dresses
The trumpet silhouette is an alternative to the mermaid wedding dress that would also look fantastic with the black statement color. This fit and flare wedding dress has a softer shape than the mermaid wedding dress, and the flare starts mid-thigh.
Some other styles to consider when picking a black trumpet dress for the wedding include the sweetheart neckline, high slit, or lace sleeves, depending on the look you’re going for. Brides can read our guide on what is a trumpet wedding dress to know how to wear this dress perfectly.
Sheath black wedding dresses
Not all brides want a dramatic, gothic, or princess look with their black wedding gown or dress. So if you’re one of those who want a more subtle look with this bold color, pick a sheath wedding dress.
This is perfect for the modern or contemporary bride, especially for a semi-formal or cocktail wedding. You can find a shorter length for the black sheath dress and showcase your gorgeous legs.
Lace black wedding dress
Besides picking the fitting silhouette, there are many styles and features to consider, especially with black wedding dresses. It doesn’t matter if you want a gothic look for your wedding, but lace details would be fantastic for black wedding gowns and dresses.
You can browse designs with lace underlays or appliques to achieve the style you envision for your bridal look. Think of Chantilly lace and black tulle for black ball gowns or beaded lace appliques in fitted wedding dresses.
Corset bodice black wedding dress
Another style that would be a fantastic choice for wearing a black wedding dress is a corset or bustier bodice. This is the perfect feature for a bold, edgy, and sultry bride.
You can pick flattering and fitted wedding dresses like a mermaid or trumpet silhouettes with corset and bustier styles. Gothic brides can opt for a grommeted lace-up or boned bodice for a show-stopping look.
Sweetheart neckline black wedding dress
What neckline would look best with a black wedding dress? Brides that pick black wedding dresses are often bold and confident, so a common neckline choice is the sweetheart neckline that accentuates the chest area.
A sweetheart neckline also lengthens the neck and balances the jaw for a flattering upper body. You can pick this style for an opulent look for your black ball gown or mermaid silhouette.
Long sleeve black wedding dress
Picking the flattering sleeve type will depend on the bride’s arms, but a style that will surely look fantastic, especially with black wedding dresses, is long sleeves.
Long sleeves create an elegant look, and you can choose between fully-lined fitted ones or illusion sleeves. And if you decide on this style last minute, do not worry, as it’s fairly easy to learn how to add sleeves to a wedding dress.
Elegant Black Wedding Dresses Fabric Ideas
The fabric of your black wedding dress is very influential to the overall look. It will bring the black dress’ style together, especially with the features and silhouette.
Black lace wedding dress
For example, black Chantilly lace is perfect for a romantic vibe, but you can choose other types of lace fabrics if you want a gothic style. Black lace appliques might even be what your flat-looking dress need.
Black tulle wedding gown
But if you want a more dramatic look with the black wedding gown, opt for tulle fabrics that you can layer, especially for a voluminous ball gown. This airy fabric will also look fantastic with black A-line wedding dresses.
Black satin wedding dress
What about sultry black wedding dresses? You can opt for figure-hugging dresses with black satin fabrics.
The luminous fabric is especially gorgeous for an evening wedding. But what about brides who want a glamorous and elegant appeal with their black wedding dress?
Black velvet wedding dress
The luxurious black velvet fabric oozes glamour for the wedding. And best of all, it’s a comfortable option for cold fall and winter weddings.
The Best Black Wedding Dresses For Every Season
Did you know that you can also use your wedding’s season as a way to know what black wedding dress will look best on you? Gone are the days when gothic and Halloween weddings are the only times black wedding dresses become the bride’s choice of attire.
Black Wedding Dress For A Spring Wedding
Did you know brides can still wear black dresses for spring weddings? You can pick styles like A-line, sheath, or black dresses with shorter lengths for a spring wedding.
And because it’s the season of flowers, you can feature floral patterns on your black wedding dress. For example, a black floral lace over a nude underlay would look fantastic for an afternoon spring garden wedding.
Black Wedding Dress For A Summer Wedding
Dark colors may not be the fashion choice of brides for a hot summer wedding. But if you choose to wear a black gown, you can still remain comfortable with light fabrics, shorter lengths, and sleeveless styles.
Try a black chiffon sheath dress over the knees, or pick a strapless or short-sleeved black A-line dress to give you some ideas. Some long and flowy black wedding dresses might even look and feel good for a summer beach wedding.
Black Wedding Dress For A Fall Wedding
Gothic brides or those having Halloween weddings usually wear black wedding dresses. Embrace the gothic glam by picking a black ball gown or feel sultry and exquisite in a black satin mermaid silhouette.
You can opt for layers of black lace or pick a dress with black crystal beading for a dramatic look. Another option is black and gray dresses that complement muted tones in fall wedding bouquets.
Black Wedding Dress For A Winter Wedding
Not everyone wants a white winter wedding, so for an unforgettable look, why not wear a black dress for your winter wedding? Not only do dark and bold colors look sophisticated for a cold wedding, but they’re also comfortable, especially with fabrics like velvet.
Because heat is not an issue, you can wear long sleeves or fitted silhouettes for your black winter wedding dress. You can pick sparkling jewelry and accessories that shimmer like snowflakes against your black wedding gown.
What Does A Black Wedding Dress Mean?
A black wedding dress symbolizes confidence and mysteriousness, so it’s the perfect choice for the bold and modern bride. It’s a fantastic color if you want to be remembered or if your personality is known for being out of the box.
In some cultures, black wedding dresses even symbolize commitment. In Spain, the bride may choose this color to show her commitment to her husband until death.
But of course, some find black the color of grief and would still prefer to wear the traditional white wedding dress for a safer and less controversial look. And if you want to know more, you can read out discussion for the meaning of black wedding dresses.
Are Black Wedding Dresses Okay?
It’s totally acceptable to wear a black wedding dress on your wedding day as it’s your wedding day after all. However, it’s also okay to consider this color for the reception instead of the ceremony if you feel that it would be too controversial for your type of wedding, especially with traditional family members and venues.
Nowadays, there are also weddings that are non-traditional but still legal, so they might be the best choice for brides who want a statement color with their dresses. You can also take the time and communicate to other people what this color means to you and that it’s not related to feelings like grief.
Why Do People Like Black Wedding Dresses?
There are many reasons why more and more brides choose black wedding dresses for their bridal looks.
- Black is a flattering color as it creates a slimmer figure and conceals bulges and bumps
- Black is perfect for formal affairs, especially for a sophisticated look
- Black exudes boldness, confidence, and power
- Black is a statement color, perfect for the out-of-the-box bride
- Black wedding dresses are memorable and dramatic
- Black is a comfortable color, especially for cold wedding venues
- Some couples might want a coordinating black wedding attire
How To Accessorize A Black Wedding Dress
What accessories and jewelry look good with a black wedding dress?
- Choose a necklace based on the black dress’ neckline (e.g., long necklaces for halter and sweetheart necklines, chokers for V-necks, or pendants for plunging black dresses)
- Be careful of using too many bold accessories and jewelry together, so your black dress is still featured nicely
- Simple diamond stud earrings would be great on black strapless wedding gowns if you’re already wearing a bold necklace
- Use the features of the black wedding dress to know what jewelry to add (e.g., the beads and studs look similar to your bracelet or earrings)
- Pearls are a safe choice to complete the black wedding dress
- You can add colors to your look with colored gemstones
- Onyx jewelry is meaningful pieces that match the boldness of the black dress
What shoes to wear with a black wedding dress?
- The length and style of the black wedding dress would be the guide on what shoes to wear (e.g., strapped shoes would look sexy if your legs or showing)
- Do not be afraid of brightly colored shoes with the black wedding dress; show your personality with red, pink, or green bridal shoes with your black ball gown
- Some safe shoes colors for the black wedding dress are silver, gold, nude, brown, and of course, black
Conclusion
And that’s it! You just learned everything about black wedding dresses, including the best silhouettes, styles, features, and fabrics for every bride and season.
You can feel like a princess with a black ball gown, embrace the gothic style with a black lace dress, or exude confidence with a sultry black satin fitted wedding dress. Tell us below which tips you’ll use for your black bridal look.