Dresses from Left: 1) Dorinda Dress / 2) Adaline Dress / 3) Jamesina Dress / 4) Dorothea Dress / 5) Piano Dress
It might be unusual or non-conventional to have your bridesmaids wear black bridesmaid dresses to your wedding, but it can be done. However, in order to not look like you´re having a funeral, the following tips and tricks will help you have a one-of-a-kind wedding like no other.
But first, let´s address the question: Can you wear black to a wedding?
The answer is, definitely! As a guest you can definitely wear black to a wedding. It signals elegance, modernity, and a move from traditional rules.
But how about choosing black for your bridesmaid dresses? When should you do it, why and how?
Table of Contents
1. You are open to breaking the rules.
Traditional wedding rules impose what colors are appropriate for a wedding. This includes anything light neutral such as white, beige or pastel. This rule often applies to the women in the wedding whether it be the bride, the mother of the bride, the bridemaids, or the female guests. For men, they are often free to wear black.
But nowadays, many couples are more open to breaking the rules and are experimenting with non-traditional colors for their wedding. This includes black. So if you´re considering choosing black for your bridesmaid dresses, that´s totally fine. Go for it!
If you do opt for black bridesmaid dresses long, remember to choose the right fabric, length, and accessories for the dress.
2. You want to wear a non-white wedding dress.
Many modern brides are moving away from white wedding dresses and are opting for brighter colored dresses. It doesn´t matter if it´s their first wedding, these brides are adventurer and they want to choose outside the box.
If you are this kind of bride and you would rather have a fabulous rose pink wedding dress, for example, then black bridesmaid dresses willl be perfect. Black bridesmaid dresses will make your colored wedding dress standout. This is especially true if your wedding dress will be in any shade of pink or yellow, whether it´s a light or a bright shade.
But for other colors, black will nicely complement lighter shades. So for example you want a blue wedding dress, you better opt for a light or powder blue dress if your bridesmaids are wearing black. A bright, deep or dark shade of blue will either clash with black or will create a sombre vibe.
So imagine yourself wearing a feminine pink wedding dress surrounded by your bridemaids wearing long black dresses. All eyes are on you.
3. Stir clear of white wedding dress.
This is very important. If you do go for black bridesmaid dresses for your bridesmaids, don´t wear a white wedding dress. There is nothing more funeral-like than people wearing black and/or white.
I know this need not be said but I want to say it anyway, if you´re wearing a white wedding dress and your bridesmaids are wearing black bridesmaid dresses, it´s like a bad omen. The wedding will look dull, sad, or uninspired.
4. Let your bridesmaids choose the dress style they want.
In order for the black bridesmaid dresses to look interesting, your bridesmaids should be able to choose the style of the dress that they like and that suit them.
Why? Because if all the bridesmaids will wear exactly the same black dress, they won´t look like bridesmaids. Instead, they´ll be like a choir hired to sing “Hallelujah” at your wedding.
5. The groom will not wear a black and white suit.
Just like you won´t wear a white wedding dress, your groom must also stir clear of black. He can wear a suit and tie in colors that complement your dress color, or he can wear white.
Common sense tells us that if your bridemaids are wearing black dresses and your groom is also in black, he will fade in the background. He is your equal and deserves attention just as much.
6. Lots of bright colors at the wedding venue.
If many people will be wearing black at the wedding, the venue must be decorated with bright colors such as different bright flowers.
You can also make the color of your wedding dress the color theme for your wedding. In this case, most of the decorations will match your wedding dress. Or you can opt for a different color as the color theme, something that blends well with your wedding dress.
Whatever you decide, the entire venue must be a picture of a blooming garden with minimal white.
So these are the tips and tricks that you can use to plan your wedding if you are considering choosing black for your bridesmaid dresses. Remember, black is versatile and it offers many possibilities.