45 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses Sure to Wow
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.
Prior to 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?
photo by Schyler Anderson // black dress from Etsy
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 are a symbol of 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?
black dress by Etsy
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
black dress by Cocomelody
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!).
- Cocomelody: Calling all elegant, gothic couples! Cocomelody has some of the most stunning black wedding dresses, with edgy and intricate designs. 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
black and white dress by Rue de Seine // photo by Brogen Jessup, as seen in this terrazzo and disco ball decor wedding
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!
2: Enchanting Black and White Wedding Dress
We were enchanted to meet this black and white wedding dress! A little bit whimsical, a little bit gothic, and a LOT stunning, this ethereal black ball gown is perfect for a magical outdoor ceremony.
Layers of black, white, and blue-grey (perfect for your something blue!) tulle come together to create the mesmerizing skirt, which is separate from the swoon-worthy floral top. It’s a totally unique look for a totally unique wedding.
4: Written in the Stars Black and White Wedding Dress
We have major starry eyes for this starry night black and white wedding dress! Like a magical night sky, this gown is dusted with thousands of shimmering sparkles across its midnight black tulle.
We can already picture it: you dancing under twinkle lights outside your wedding venue, this black and white gown glimmering in the moonlight. Complete the look with its interchangeable silver and gold star cape for a fashion moment that was written in the stars.
Loving the pearlcore look? Then you NEED to check out our favorite pearl wedding gowns. This style is one of our absolute faves!
7: Whimsical Floral Black and White Wedding Dress
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 cap sleeve to the alluring lace-up back. Like an ethereal secret garden in dress form!
Black Lace Wedding Dresses
black dress by Sweet Caroline Styles // photo by Sarah Brookhart Photography
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!
13: Botanical Lacy Tulle Black Wedding Dress
Love dress #7 on this list, but want even more floral details? You are going to be MESMERIZED by this one! Embroidered with head-to-toe flowers in bright hues, this is a very whimsical take on black lace wedding dresses. Perfect for a springtime wedding in a garden or backyard!
Plus, they say butterflies are good luck on your wedding day, and you can spot several little ones sewn onto this floral black dress. So sweet!
Gothic Black Wedding Dresses
black gothic dress on Etsy
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, 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.
The cherry on top of your regal bridal look: these 25 beautiful wedding crowns and tiaras!
20: Sexy Corseted Black Gothic Gown
Ladies and gentlemen….her. If Morticia Addams existed in this decade, she would definitely wear this gothic black wedding dress. 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.
Corset Black Wedding Dresses
black corset dress by Elizabeth Dye // photo by Rustic White Photography, as seen in this fall bridal inspo
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.
23: Sweet and Spicy Corset Black Wedding Dress
The perfect blend of sweet and spicy! For corset black wedding dresses that don’t lean too far in the super sexy direction, this tiered ruffle ball gown is IT.
This corset dress keeps things sweet, with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a dainty tulle ruffle trim. But it also adds some spice with the corset bodice, complete with a sheer mesh panel and visible boning. It’s truly the best of both worlds!
24: Vintage-Inspired Corset Black Gown
This black corset bridal gown is giving us ALL the vintage vibes! It has a sort of baby doll look that was popular in the 1940s, but with the classic wedding maxi length. And the polka dot lace on the corset bodice feels fun and flirty, especially when paired with the dramatic tulle skirt!
If you’ve ever felt like you were born in the wrong era, this is the perfect corset black wedding dress for you. Style it with vintage-inspired waves and your dazzling vintage engagement ring!
25: Lovely Warm Weather Corset Black Wedding Dress
One of the best black wedding dresses on this entire list, this stunning summery gown could fit in multiple sections: it’s made with sweet floral lacy details, it has an old school gothic vibe, and it features a sultry corset bodice. Say less!
We especially love the notched v-neck on the bustier and the luxe velvet accent around the waist. The attention to detail here is just too good!
27: Princess Vibes Corset Black Wedding Dress
Excuse us while we pick our jaws up off the floor! How stunning is the sheer corset bodice of this princess-worthy black ball gown — especially when paired with those tulle bow tie straps?! They’re the perfect accents to the glittering jet black skirt of this corseted stunner.
Like the dark princess in the fairytale, this corseted black dress is bringing the vibes. (And yes, it also comes in a pretty pink blush color!)
Long Sleeve Black Wedding Dresses
black dress by Reformation // photo by The Hearnes // florals by Tellurian
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!
Looking for a dress that’s timeless and dramatic in all the best ways? Then you’re going to LOVE these long sleeve wedding gowns!
31: Botanical Long Sleeve Black Gown
Talk about long sleeve black wedding dress supremacy! The botanical appliqués on this whimsical black gown appear to be growing right off the sheer sleeves. It’s giving dark forest nymph or gothic fairy princess — SO gorgeous for an outdoor wedding in the woods!
We’re especially smitten with the sparkly plunging bodice on this garden-inspired ball gown. It’s both sexy and sweet at the same time!
Mermaid Black Wedding Dresses
black dress by ASOS // photo by Meg’s Marvels Photography
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!
Digging this classic silhouette that’s all about the curves? Then check out our list of the most beautiful mermaid wedding gowns in every style!
33: Silky Satin One Shoulder Black Wedding Dress
While technically not a mermaid style dress, we couldn’t help but include this silky black satin beauty from BHLDN. We love how the fabric is really the statement with this black wedding dress. It’s beautiful and also looks so so so comfortable too!
Plus, one shoulder asymmetrical necklines are SERIOUSLY trending right now. And we can see why — they’re just so chic! Rock this black wedding dress for a city wedding or a simple and sophisticated celebration.
36: Summer-Ready Fitted Black Mermaid Bridal Gown
Planning a summer soirée? With an elegant silhouette that will keep you cool in the heat, plus a touch of glistening floral details, this is the perfect black mermaid bridal gown for a warm weather wedding. (Because black doesn’t have to be reserved for the chillier months!)
If you’re thinking a pop of color might be more your jam for the summer season, this elegant mermaid gown also comes in 14 other shades, from classic ivory white to boho desert rose.
Black Ball Gown Wedding Dresses
long sleeve black lace ball gown dress by Maggie Sottero // photo by Sun & Sparrow, as seen in this Avant Garde garden wedding inspiration
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!
37: Alluring Black Ball Gown Wedding Dress
Get ready to be the belle of the ball with this black tulle stunner!
It’s so easy to feel like you’re swimming in fabric when wearing a ball gown style wedding dress, but this gorgeous dress manages to perfectly balance a huge, statement ball gown skirt with a top that is sleek and gorgeous…all without feeling like too much tulle. Now that’s a flex.
Let that sultry front cut-out speak for itself by ditching the wedding necklace and opting for these sophisticated wedding earrings instead. Fit for a princess.
Looking for the perfect face-framers for the big day? Complete your look with these fashionable wedding earrings that make a statement!
38: Modern Satin Black Ball Gown Wedding Dress with Pockets
A wedding dress with pockets. Need we say more?!
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 is design (total sleek princess vibes).
We love how this black beauty embraces a more modern style by incorporating a slit in the skirt to split up the fabric and adding pockets (because who says wearing a dress should exclude you from carrying things around, too?).
Add a little whimsy to your wedding day look with dried flower crowns! Here’s our guide for how to get the look.
Short Black Wedding Dresses
tulle little black dress by Joyful Bride Design
We love how fun and modern short black wedding dresses feel! Like black dresses, shorter hemlines are starting to take over the 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!).
Ready to show some leg? We’ve rounded up the best short wedding gowns and tea length dresses for every style. These are SO GOOD!
43: Romantic Short Black Bridal Gown
The simple design + delicate details of this short black dress is giving us major heart eyes! I mean, can we talk about the ruffle details on the off-the-shoulder sleeves and tiered skirt?! And how cute is that floral lace pattern?
We can absolutely picture this midi length black dress in the middle of a mountaintop meadow or a gorgeous greenhouse during a tiny, private wedding ceremony.
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.