If you’ve never pictured yourself walking down the aisle in a white gown, consider this your sign to go with your gut. Black wedding dresses are a striking alternative for brides who want something unexpected and aren’t afraid to break with tradition. Opting for a darker palette is hardly a new idea, either: Sarah Jessica Parker famously wore a black Morgane Le Fay design for her 1997 nuptials, and Chloë Sevigny chose an all-black look for her 2020 city hall ceremony. More recently, Emma Roberts tapped Monique Lhuillier to design a black look for her after-party ensemble—proof that you can buck convention at any stage of your big day.
Vogue’s Favorite Black Wedding Dresses:
Moody as it may seem, a black wedding dress is also seasonless; the trick is finding one in a fabric that feels right for the setting and time of year. Thicker materials like velvet and heavy crepe are perfect for fall and winter fêtes, while silk and airy organza add a lighter touch for warm-weather celebrations (a breezy black mini on the beach is not taboo!). A two-tone design—say, a gown with an ivory bodice and inky skirt—offers the best of both worlds if you’re not quite ready to fully part with white.
But styling is where a midnight-hued gown really develops its personality. Classic pearls can soften a voluminous silhouette, while a cathedral-length veil dials up the drama. Black gemstones and metallic heels are also a considered pairing for an after-dark aesthetic. Just remember: If your dress is already heavily embellished, there’s no need to pile on the jewelry—your look is the party. Perhaps best of all, this is a versatile investment: A black wedding dress can easily become a closet staple post-vow exchange.
Ahead, discover 24 black wedding dresses from designer favorites like Vivienne Westwood, Wiederhoeft, Emilia Wickstead, and Simkhai.
For a Black-Tie Affair
Hosting a black-tie wedding? The sophistication of a black gown lends itself perfectly to this dress code, from structured A-lines to corseted columns and draped floor-length numbers. Go full fairy tale with McQueen, fashion-forward with Vivienne Westwood, or keep things simple with Taller Marmo.
