20 Chic Black Wedding Dresses for Non-Traditional Couples
Whoever said your wedding dress had to be white? A black wedding dress is a chic, cool choice and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here's our pick of the best
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Take it from us: When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, there are absolutely no rules. So, if the idea of wearing a white wedding dress leaves you cold, why not go for something totally different with a black wedding dress instead?
Black is always a popular choice for evening wear, and even celebrities have jumped on board the black wedding gown trend, with Sarah Jessica Parker and Selling Sunset's Christine Quinn opting for a moodier hue at their nuptials. It's also a style that has been spotted all over bridal runways, and when we asked Hitched users*, one in ten said they were wearing or considering wearing a black wedding dress.
We spoke to Lucy Roe, director of alternative wedding dress brand Lucy Can't Dance, and Christina Blanchette, VP of Sales and Marketing at Maggie Sotterro, who gave us their top tips on how to style a black wedding dress. Plus, we've found some of the most beautiful dark wedding gowns that will leave you desperate to delve into deeper shades.
From floor-length, beaded beauties and dramatic ballgowns to striking black and white wedding dresses, we guarantee there's an alternative wedding dress in here that'll steal your heart!
- Lace Black Wedding Dresses
- Black and White Wedding Dresses
- Short Black Wedding Dresses
- Gothic Wedding Dresses
- Dark Wedding Gowns
Lace Black Wedding Dresses
1. Satin-trimmed Black Lace Dress - Rabanne
This stunning designer dress combines two classic wedding gown materials, lace and satin, to create an alternative black wedding gown that sings with sophistication and elegance. There is so much beautiful detail to admire, and we especially love the contrasting textures between the patterned floral lace, silky smooth satin and luxe ruffles around the cuffs and hem.
- Expert Take: This would be a dream black lace wedding dress for a winter wedding, thanks to its long length and sleeve coverage. We'd style it with cool metallic accessories, just like in the above image, especially for a Christmas or New Year celebration.
- Sizing: UK6 - UK16
2. Olivia Dress - Nadine Merabi
Nadine Merabi is known for her glamorous designs, and the Olivia dress doesn't disappoint. It's one of her best-selling styles, as the corsetry bodice and full skirt will flatter many different figures. Better still, you could easily re-wear this beauty again for special events beyond the big day.
- Expert Take: This short black wedding dress strikes the perfect balance between classy and sexy, revealing just the right amount of skin. It would also make a gorgeous choice for luxury bridesmaid dresses.
- Sizing: UK6 - UK18
3. Floral Lace Wedding Dress - Modeca
Modeca has been designing gowns for over 70 years, starting in the Netherlands and now available to shop black wedding dresses in the UK. Their collection features this fabulous frock with sparkling 3D beaded panels. We love how the stunning lace cascades down the bodice to meet a dramatic fishtail skirt.
- Expert Take: This look is perfect for those wanting to make a bold statement on the aisle. To make an even bigger impact, we recommend styling with a striking wedding veil like this model's!
- Sizing: UK4 to UK26
4. Floral Wedding Dress - £POA, Marco & Maria
A striking (and brave!) way to break up a black wedding dress is to incorporate sheer panels into the design. This dress by Marco & Maria pushes the boundaries with its transparent material adorned with delicate floral lace and sparkling bow motifs across the entire silhouette.
- Expert Take: This is certainly not for the faint-hearted. If you're wearing a black lace wedding dress with this level of transparency, you might feel more comfortable experimenting with a flesh-coloured slip underneath. You'll find styles to shop now in our wedding underwear edit.
- Sizing: UK6 - UK16
Black and White Wedding Dresses
5. Ursula Three Piece - Lucy Can't Dance
A three-piece like this is ideal if you want to switch up your look throughout the day. The Ursula comes with a luxurious Italian crepe circle skirt, a cute cami top, and a lace overtop of your choice from the huge selection at Lucy Can't Dance.
- Expert Take: Dramatic and quirky this design offers a really unique look for your big day - perfect for alternative brides. As all the Lucy Can't Dance dresses are handmade from scratch in their studio, you can alter any of the designs to suit your individual style and shape.
- Sizing: Made to Measure
6. Ruffle Long-Sleeve Gown - Needle & Thread
Opting for a black wedding dress doesn't mean your look won't be romantic and pretty. This opulent gown from Needle & Thread, adorned with delicate tulle ruffles, shows how captivatingly beautiful such a design can be. In our opinion, it was made to be worn on an aisle!
- Expert Take: We absolutely adore the panel formation of this gown's dreamy ruffles that enhance its wonderfully flattering silhouette and make it instantly striking!
- Sizing: UK4 - UK18
7. Norvinia Dress - Maggie Sottero
When it comes to black and white bridal dresses, this regal design is easily a front runner. We adore the statement white underlay that acts as the perfect backdrop for the black lace floral motifs. Add in a full skirt and lots of shimmer and you've got a wedding gown no one will ever forget.
- Expert Take: This grand ballgown wedding dress would suit a formal celebration best. We love the idea of accessorising with a sparkling wedding tiara for full gothic fairytale vibes.
- Sizing: UK2 - UK30
8. Illusion Wedding Dress - Studio Serravalle
Studio Serravalle is a contemporary wedding dress designer who specialise in timelessly elegant and sustainably made pieces. If you're looking for a sexy wedding dress, this design certainly ticks that box, featuring a sultry leg split and illusion white lace strip. It makes a statement, despite its simplicity.
- Expert Take: As not to detract from the killer detail of this black and white bridal gown, we'd suggest keeping your accessories simple and pared-back, as demonstrated here on the runway.
- Sizing: UK6 - UK32
Short Black Wedding Dresses
9. Lisette Ruffle Halter Neck Mini Dress - Needle & Thread
Mini wedding dresses are big bridal news right now, whether worn for the whole day or changed into for a second wedding dress look. The Lisette dress, with its romantic ruffles and elegant halter neckline, is perfect for those wanting to take up the trend with a short black wedding dress, Kourtney Kardashian style.
- Expert Take: What's not to LOVE about this design?! It's flirty, fun and can easily be worn for future special occasions, plus it's less than £300!
- Sizing: UK4 - UK18
10. Meringue Short Black Wedding Dress - By Watters
Hot on the short wedding dress trend, By Watters launched a whole collection of stylish minis, including the sweet and sexy Meringue dress. Bearing big voluminous sleeves and a daringly plunging neckline, this taffeta beauty is sure to make an impression, whether worn all day long or saved specifically for the dancefloor.
- Expert Take: We love the thought of this dress worn for a cool city centre wedding - complete with a statement sparkle headband! However, if you're not bold enough to wear black on your wedding day, Meringue would make a killer hen do dress.
- Sizing: UK2 - UK28
11. Bow-Detailed, Sequined Black Mini Dress - Rebecca Vallance
Can you wear a little black dress to a wedding as the bride? Hell, yes, if it's this short, sparkly number by Rebecca Vallance. Dripping in glitzy sequins, trimmed with romantic lace and finished with on-trend bow detail, it's a dream option for modern brides.
- Expert Take: Another black wedding dress perfectly suited to glittering festive and New Year celebrations. Just imagine the twinkle-factor on the dancefloor!
- Sizing: UK4 to UK14
12. Velvet Wrap Celestial Black Dress - Coast
One for the celestial brides! How cool is this velvet wrap mini dress from Coast, with magical long bell sleeves and detailed with glittering cosmic embellishment? At less than £200, it's easy to come over all starry-eyed for this wedding-worthy LBD.
- Expert Take: We can easily picture this beauty worn for a cool outdoor wedding, featuring twinkling fairy lights and open campfires when darkness falls.
- Sizing: UK8 - UK18
Gothic Wedding Dresses
13. Ursula Black Wedding Dress - Allure Bridals
Taking its name from the queen of all (Disney!) drama, the Ursula gown by Allure Bridal is a match made in heaven for gothic brides. Adorned with jaw-dropping beading and featuring a long trailing mermaid skirt, this tulle gown is nothing short of a showstopper.
- Expert Take: We love how this gown effortlessly fuses two looks - gothic and glamour - with its dark hue and dazzling detail.
- Sizing: UK2 - UK32
14. Zander Dress - Maggie Sottero
Hello, showstopper! If you're looking for a sexy black wedding dress, your search stops here. Maggie Sottero's Zander dress features contrasting layers of tulle and Chantilly lace and is adorned with 3D floral lace motifs.
- Expert Take: A gothic wedding dress doesn't mean a 'harsh' or 'cold' look, as this luxurious ballgown goes to show with its illusion bodice and beautifully layered skirt - romance epitomised!
- Sizing: UK2 - UK30
15. Ball Gown Wedding Dress - Demetrios
Also making our gothic wedding dresses round up, this lavish Demetrios design in its striking midnight hue! The dramatic silhouette and moody colourway create a mesmerising statement that's opulent as it is head turning. We love the addition of the dark wedding bouquet, too.
- Expert Take: Twilight fans...we think we've found your dream black wedding dress. Add to the gothic wedding vibes with dark, smoky eye makeup and a deep red wine lip.
- Sizing: UK4 - UK32
16. The Black Edit Dress - Halfpenny London
Halfpenny London has an entire collection of black wedding dresses, and this chic slimline gown with black lace cape detail really stands out. Pair it with a red lip, like this model has, for the perfect combination of sexiness and sophistication.
- Expert Take: This design is perfect for those searching for a simple wedding dress with just a touch of gothic romance.
- Sizing: XS-XXL
Dark Wedding Gowns
17. Psycho Dip Dye Dress - Lucy Can't Dance
If the thought of a solid black wedding dress seems a bold step too far, there are plenty of dark wedding gown alternatives, like this gorgeous dip dye design from Lucy Can't Dance. Made from stunning silk fabric, the moody grey hue still brings the drama but in a slightly lighter colourway.
- Expert Take: This gown's stunning shape and fluidity, combined with the dip-dye ombre effect, make it a standout design. As all Lucy Can't Dance dresses are hand-dyed in their studio, the Psycho dress can come in any colour, so let your imagination of dark hues run wild.
- Sizing: Made To Measure
18. Dark Grey Silk Wedding Dress - Kate Beaumont
When searching for dark wedding gowns, you'll be able to choose from deep shades of blue, red, purple, and green. But if you don't want to deviate too far from black, we love this dark graphite grey wedding dress by Kate Beaumont. The luxurious silk material beautifully reflects the light, adding a softness to the design while still keeping an overall striking look.
- Expert Take: Every Kate Beaumont dress is made to order, meaning each can be designed to the wearer's exact specifications, including the colour! So, in addition to creating gorgeous gowns in ivory, oyster, and gold tones, they've also created designs in dusky pink, powder blue, and deep forest green.
- Sizing: Made To Measure
19. Red and Black Wedding Dress - Reformation
A patterned dress is another effective way to break up a black wedding dress. Giving full romantic feels, we think this strapless Reformation design would make a dream black and red wedding dress with its large rose motifs and timeless silhouette.
- Expert Take: Bridalwear in today's style-led world is all about what you want to wear, not what you feel you should wear, so if this chic strapless design suits your big day vibes, we say, "Go for it".
- Sizing: UK4 - UK16
20. Novella Embellished Cape Gown - Temperley London
If you're looking for an alternative black wedding dress in the UK, we highly advise taking a look at Temperley London's show-stopping designs. This instant statement-maker combines glamorous and gothic vibes to provide a dark wedding dress with the most mesmerising detailing.
- Expert Take: We can't get over the incredible ethereal elegance of the beadwork or the drama of that billowing cape. Trust us when we say, jaws will drop!
- Sizing: UK6 - UK18
Can You Wear a Black Wedding Dress to a Wedding?
"Yes, of course, you can wear a black dress for your wedding! Your wedding dress should show off your individual style and personality," says Lucy Roe, Director of Lucy Can't Dance. "Remember you don’t have to follow all of the wedding traditions. If you are someone that wears black a lot and can’t see yourself in a white dress then don’t wear one!"
Keep in mind that it is your special day and your wedding dress should make you feel like the very best version of yourself: "Don’t let anyone tell you it won’t make you look like a bride. They may just not be able to picture it themselves but once they see all your wedding styling and décor they will be stunned. It’s your wedding day so you can do what you want!" shares Lucy.
Christina Blanchette, VP of Sales and Marketing at Maggie Sotterro agrees, saying, "We love the black wedding gown trend! Many brides who opt for a black wedding dress look to break traditions and make a statement. Black gowns offer a unique and dramatic look that is incredibly stunning. Additionally, black wedding dresses provide an aesthetic appeal that fits a lot of themes, such as fairy-tale, minimalism, vintage, and gothic."
How to Accessorise a Black Dress for a Wedding
As black is such a versatile colour there are many ways you can style a black wedding dress - the best part is you can't really go wrong. "You could style with black accessories, or we love gold," suggests Lucy.
"Jewellery is a great way to add sparkle and glamour to a black wedding dress, depending on the style of the neckline and sleeve length. Adding a body chain on top of a gown can also be a sexy element!" shares Christina.
A veil or headpiece is also a classic way to add to a look. It can be traditional or modern and vary in length. A clutch or purse is a practical way to store your essentials and a great way to accessorise a black wedding dress.
Not a fan of a wedding veil? Lucy says that, "If you aren’t a fan of veils then you could also go for a gold or crystal crown. We’ve used a lot of crowns from The Lucky Sixpence - they are stunning and really complete the look."
What Colour Shoes to Wear With a Black Wedding Dress to a Wedding?
"When it comes to styling shoes with a black wedding dress, there are many options depending on the look the bride is trying to achieve. Classic black shoes match and give a sleek and polished look, metallic shoes can add glamour and sparkle to complement the dress.
"A bold colour, like ruby red or royal blue, creates a stark contrast that adds a lot of personality. Nude shoes are always a safe choice and can give the illusion of longer legs. Lastly, if the bride wants to add some texture, wearing shoes with detailing such as beading, lace, or embroidery can add visual interest and tie in any embellishments also featured on the gown," explains Christina.
Flat wedding shoes can also work wonderfully with a black wedding dress (and your feet will thank you): "We’ve seen brides wear platforms, Dr. Martens and trainers with our black dresses," shares Lucy.
Perhaps you aren’t sold on a black dress and that’s fine – it’s not for everybody! But if you are inspired to go for something a little different, check out our round-up of the most fabulous feathered wedding dresses.
*Instagram poll of 446 Hitched followers on 19/04/2023
