We love the edgy, elegant statement black wedding dresses make. And if you’re in the camp that can’t imagine wearing white on the big day, why not rock a black wedding dress instead? We’re ALL FOR IT!
Besides, white wasn’t always the tradition in western culture. In fact, white dresses only became the standard when Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding way back in 1840; it became the ‘it trend’ to follow….but if you’re reading this, we know you’re a bit more current than 1840s trends.
Before Queen Victoria, any color was acceptable — black was even the popular choice in Scandinavia! Now, black wedding dresses are the perfect way to infuse your own style into your wedding day.
So, for all our darling readers out there that would rather be rocking a shade closer to midnight or onyx, this one’s for you! From black and white wedding dresses to ethereal black lace gowns, we’re sharing our favorite black wedding dresses (in no particular order).
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What do black wedding dresses mean?
With white wedding dresses traditionally representing purity and innocence, you may think that black wedding dresses symbolize the opposite. And while that may be the reason some people choose to don black on the big day, it’s definitely not the only meaning behind black wedding dresses!
Black shades of clothing used to be a sign of nobility back in the 14th century, and today black wedding dresses still carry a regal vibe. Like a black tie dress code, black dresses symbolize elegance, sophistication, and formality.
As wedding traditions have evolved, black wedding dresses have also come to represent individuality and empowerment. They symbolize a break from convention and a new era for bridal fashion. In other words, they’re the perfect option for modern couples!
Why do brides wear black wedding dresses?
We’ve definitely seen a rise in brides wearing black wedding dresses, from Selling Sunset‘s Christine Quinn rocking a black ball gown for her grand wedding to Chloë Sevigny sporting an elegant long sleeve black dress for her secret nuptials. Even fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker ditched tradition and wore black for her 1997 wedding to Matthew Broderick!
Often, brides wear black wedding dresses because they don’t feel like the tradition of wearing white speaks to them. It’s a way of making their special day feel more personalized to them — whether they’re super non-traditional or they just love the aesthetic of a black wardrobe!
Some brides may also choose to wear black gowns if they’re planning a themed wedding. From moody Halloween celebrations to cool gothic ceremonies, there are tons of unique wedding aesthetics that call for a bit of black!
Where to Buy Black Wedding Dresses
Whatever reason you choose to rock black on the big day, here are some of our favorite places to buy black wedding dresses!
- Etsy: By far, Etsy has the best black wedding dresses, whether you’re looking for a rad black boho gown or a gorgeous gothic gown. Plus, we love that all of Etsy’s dresses are handmade by independent designers and small businesses — so you can get a custom look that’s all your own!
- Lulus: For simple and sophisticated black wedding dresses, look no further than Lulus. With sleek silhouettes and minimalistic designs, these are the best black gowns for intimate micro weddings, modern nuptials, and city hall elopements. Lulus also has some of the best black bridal accessories (we can’t get enough of their black shoes!).
- Mac Duggal: Calling all elegant, glam couples! Mac Duggal has some of the most stunning black wedding dresses, with on-trend and intricate designs. This stunning gown has embellished feather cap sleeves stunner with feather details and the floral details on this gown are a true piece of art! Whether you’re planning a gothic celebration or a modern black tie event, these are guaranteed to make a stylish statement.
Keep scrolling for the most stunning black dresses for every style, from gothic gowns to sophisticated stunners!
Black and White Wedding Dresses
Loving the look of a black wedding gown, but still want a hint of white in there too? Then you are going to LOVE these black and white wedding dresses!
The best of both worlds, black and white wedding dresses channel all the cool, edgy vibes of a black wedding dress, while still feeling gorgeously bridal. They’re perfect for fall or winter weddings, where darker details feel right at home.
Statement-making and SO elegant, here are our favorite black and white wedding dresses for every style and aesthetic!
From elegant pearl-dotted styles to modern colorful designs, here are the best wedding veils for every bridal aesthetic!
7: Embroidered Ruffled Swiss Dot Floral Gown
Who says black wedding dresses can’t have a floral moment?! We are totally in love with the delicate white and pink floral details on this elegant black dress. The juxtaposition of edgy with feminine could not be more perfect!
But the magic of this black dress doesn’t stop there — just peep all the unexpected whimsical details, from the ruffled skirt to the alluring back details. Like an ethereal secret garden in dress form!
Black Lace Wedding Dresses
Is there anything more gorgeous than black lace wedding dresses?! We think not. The elegant and ethereal vibes these dresses give off are simply unmatched!
Lace has always been a wedding classic — and make it black, and you’ve got a modern bridal look that will withstand the test of time. Plus, black lace wedding dresses can range from edgy + gothic to ultra classy. They’re so versatile!
Whatever your style, we’ve rounded up the best black lace gowns that are guaranteed to have you swooning.
Is there anything as romantic as lace? We think not! Don’t miss our full list of ultra romantic lace wedding gowns here.
11: Fitted Floral Nude + Black Wedding Dress
If you love a form-fitting silhouette and a non-traditional style, then mermaid black wedding dresses are (mer)made for you! We’ve included a full section of black mermaid gowns further down on this list, but we had to add this curve-hugging dress here, for obvious reasons: that charming floral lace!
Feminine and SO flattering, the dark florals on this nude gown look like they’re blossoming right off the fabric. And just wait until you see the lacy open back!
14: Long Sleeve Black Lace Wedding Gown
Not all lace is created equal, and this geometric black lace drapes so gorgeously over a silk dress with layers of gorgeous tulle at the bottom that will definitely help you stand apart from the crowd. The ball gown skirt and illusion mesh neckline feel very gothic princess — a bridal look we can get behind!
We’d style it with stand-out wedding nails that match the botanical vibes.
Gothic Black Wedding Dresses
Opulent, romantic, moody, mystical — if we’re describing your wedding style right now, then you’re going to love these gothic black wedding dresses!
Gothic weddings are definitely some of the most stunning. Think dark Victorian manors, foggy forests, and candles everywhere. It’s all a little magical and witchy, and you need gothic dresses that match the mood!
With black lace, sweeping silhouettes, and enchanting details, these gothic black wedding dresses are definitely up for the job. Disclaimer: it’s about to get a little spooky in here.
20: Sexy Corseted Black Gothic Gown
For our Wednesday fans out there, Morticia Addams would definitely rock this gothic black wedding dress if she had a chance to do her wedding over. With a sultry corset bodice, a curve-hugging trumpet silhouette, and sheer swiss dot tulle, it’s wickedly sexy.
What we love most about this tantalizing gothic dress is that you can wear it for any season. Those dramatic detached balloon sleeves would match the mood for a winter wedding, without adding too much weight for a summer celebration!
In other words, this gown is ALWAYS a good idea….bonus points if you can work the Wednesday dance into your reception!
Corset Black Wedding Dresses
We love how black corset wedding dresses have this edgy, vintage look to them. They’re form-fitting, flattering, and TOTALLY turn heads.
If you’re smitten with the gothic aesthetic, corset black wedding dresses are definitely for you — after all, the corset trend dates all the way back to that decadent, elegant Victorian era!
But not all corset black wedding dresses are necessarily gothic. With the resurgence of the corset style in recent years, we’re seeing tons of gorgeous, modern corset black wedding dresses, too!
Whether your style is trendy or timeless, one thing remains the same: these black corset dresses are totally mesmerizing.
Long Sleeve Black Wedding Dresses
Can’t get enough of the drama that long sleeve black wedding dresses pack? Then you are gonna LOVE these midnight gowns.
Perfect for winter weddings, gothic aesthetics, or extra elegant styles, long sleeve black wedding dresses are always in vogue. It’s a timeless style that can fit ANY type of celebration and is flattering for everyone!
Keep scrolling for some of our favorite black long sleeve dresses that make a serious statement for every bridal style!
Mermaid Black Wedding Dresses
When you want to show off your curves, look no further than mermaid black wedding dresses! Their fitted silhouettes are designed to hug your body in all the right places — definitely one of the sexier styles on this list!
Plus, mermaid black wedding dresses have a very sleek and modern look to them. They don’t have any of the fuss of a big ball gown, and instead shine in their simplicity. Perfect for minimalists and super modern couples alike!
Scroll down for the black mermaid bridal gowns we can’t stop staring at!
Black Ball Gown Wedding Dresses
Make a princess-like grand entrance with these gorgeous black ball gown wedding dresses! Because if you can’t go all out on your wedding day, when can you?!
For modern, non-traditional couples with a fairytale love story, black ball gown wedding dresses are a MUST. We love them styled with an extra dose of glam, from decadent wedding crowns to faux fur wraps (for the colder months).
Totally luxe, you’ll look and feel like a million bucks in these lovely black ball gowns!
38: Modern Tulle and Lace Black Ball Gown Wedding Dress
It’s easy for black ball gown wedding dresses to feel overdone and over the top, but this one maintains the classic ball gown vibe, while being more modern and minimal in its design (total sleek princess vibes).
We love how this black beauty embraces a more modern style by incorporating a velvet corset bodice with lace details and adding extra layers of tulle (because you can never have enough tulle, right?!).
Short Black Wedding Dresses
We love how fun and modern short black wedding dresses feel! Like black dresses, shorter hemlines are starting to take over the bridal fashion world, and we’re digging them for casual weddings, playful elopements, and stylish courthouse ceremonies.
Whether you’re going for a soft, more elegant style, or something more flirtatious, we’ve got you covered. These are the best short black wedding dresses for showcasing your personal style (and showing off some leg at the same time!).
45: Impossibly Chic Short Black Gown
We are all about the leg moment, and boy does this little black bridal dress deliver on that! We love the contrast of the long sleeves with the dramatic side slit on this impossibly chic gown.
We’re already picturing this short black dress wowing your guests as you take over the dance floor. It has the perfect amount of movement in the skirt, but the fitted bodice gives a super flattering, form-fitting look too! MAGIC.