CAN I WEAR A BLACK WEDDING DRESS? — IVORY BLACK (2024)

CAN I WEAR A BLACK WEDDING DRESS? — IVORY BLACK (1)

Gemma Thompson
- Lead Designer -

It should take 4 minutes to read this article

Yes! There's no religious, legal, or moral reason to stop you wearing a black dress or gown on your wedding day.

Your wedding dress can be any style or colour you like, including black.

Still not convinced?

Check out our answers to the most popular questions about wearing black to your wedding.

WHAT DOES A BLACK WEDDING DRESS MEAN?

Black symbolises power, mystery, strength, elegance, formality, and sophistication.

It’s a positive, empowering colour, especially for women.

That’s why it’s often the colour of choice for women in positions of power and authority.

It also symbolises your refusal to bow to traditional norms. Brides wear white because it’s the done thing. But if more brides realised that wearing white suggested innocence and submissiveness, perhaps white wouldn’t be quite so popular…

WHERE DO BLACK WEDDING DRESSES COME FROM?

Black used to be a normal colour for a wedding dress.

But that all changed in 1840, when Queen Victoria decided to get married in a bright white wedding dress.

In order to ‘keep up with the Joneses’, wealthy men insisted that their brides-to-be would wear white on their wedding day, primarily as a public demonstration of their prosperity and social class.

After a while the colour white became imbued with additional meanings, such as feminine virginity, which kept it as the normal colour for brides to wear.

But now it’s the 21st century; superstition and what the Queen is wearing are no longer quite so important…

So take back control, and wear a black wedding dress if that’s what you want!

BUT IS A BLACK WEDDING DRESS APPROPRIATE?

It’s totally fine to wear a black gown to your wedding.

But… it does depend somewhat on your situation.

For example, if your wedding is traditional and if your guests are conservative or religious in their outlook, a black wedding dress may not be the right choice. Unless you want to make a serious impression that is!

But if your wedding is modern, more liberal, or simply more avant-garde, then go ahead. Your guests will love it.

Wear a black wedding dress, and be proud about it.

WHERE CAN I BUY MY BLACK WEDDING DRESS?

From Ivory Black.

We’re a new bridal company specialising in creating the kind of wedding gowns you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Such as our award-winning black wedding dress.

It boasts a gorgeous steel boned corset inlaid with jeweller’s sequins, and a Victorian-style crinoline to maintain its beautiful silhouette.

All of our wedding gowns are made by hand to your measurements, and are created from scratch in our British studio by our excellent British designers.

CAN I GET A BLACK WEDDING DRESS HAND-MADE?

You certainly can.

At Ivory Black we’re happy to create any style of wedding dress you desire, and will work with you, every step of the way, to craft your ideal black wedding gown.

Send us a quick message or give us a call (scroll to the bottom for our contact number), and let’s have a chat about how we can help.

We aren’t pushy with the sales talk either; we’re happy to just chat and help out.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN WEARING A BLACK WEDDING DRESS?

Black wedding dresses look amazing in photos when the contrasting colour is white.

That means a black wedding dress is perfect for a winter wedding in the snow.

But if you’re going for a wedding in the cold, make sure you take a warm scarf or shawl to throw over your shoulders for when you're waiting for the photographer to set up.

If a winter wedding sounds good to you, check out our ultimate guide to choosing a winter wedding dress.

Another thing to bear in mind is that black is a far more flattering colour than white or ivory, so you can get away with a lot more in a black wedding dress.

And if you choose a corset, you'll always look stunning, whatever your body shape.

Finally, we'd recommend pairing your black gown with some suitable shoes. A small heel is best, but you can wear comfortable flats if you choose a black wedding dress with a long train or a ballgown skirt.

IS BLACK A GOOD CHOICE FOR A GOTHIC OR HALLOWEEN WEDDING?

Absolutely. There’s no better colour.

With the right style (and an air of self-confidence) a black bridal gown can elevate your Gothic or Halloween wedding into a truly elegant affair.

Make sure to avoid the cheaper end of the market though. Low-cost black wedding dresses tend to look more like costumes than something a bride should be wearing…

If you like our black gowns, but would like something in a lower price bracket, send us a quick message or give us a call. We might be able to hand-craft you a high-quality, elegant black wedding dress…

YOUR BLACK WEDDING DRESS WITH IVORY BLACK

At Ivory Black we have a fine selection of black bridal dresses and black-accented ball gowns. We’ll make your dress by hand, from scratch, to your exact measurements.

You can even customise your black wedding dress if you fancy a black gown with sleeves, a veil, or anything else. Just let us know when you order.

Take a look at our stunning gowns and imagine yourself rocking one on your big day.

DISCOVER OUR BLACK WEDDING DRESSES

GOT A QUESTION ABOUT BLACK WEDDING DRESSES?

Ask your question in the comments below, and we’ll answer you as best we can.

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Gemma Moss

gothic, alternative bride, Winter bridal, Winter bride, Black wedding dresses, black wedding, black ball gown, gothic bride, black wedding dress, black gown, black bridal gown

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CAN I WEAR A BLACK WEDDING DRESS? — IVORY BLACK (2024)

FAQs

CAN I WEAR A BLACK WEDDING DRESS? — IVORY BLACK? ›

Yes! There's no religious, legal, or moral reason to stop you wearing a black dress or gown on your wedding day. Your wedding dress can be any style or colour you like, including black.

Can you wear ivory and black to a wedding? ›

“How about a black-and-white dress?” We advise against wearing white to weddings, but a printed dress with a hint of white or ivory is definitely approved. A black-and-white dress is a classic choice, as long as the pattern isn't too distracting.

Can I wear black if the bride wears black? ›

It's no longer a faux pas to wear a color so closely associated with mourning to weddings and other joyous occasions. "Nowadays you even see bridesmaids in chic black gowns of their own choosing," she points out.

Why would someone wear a black wedding dress? ›

The black gown symbolized ensured her loyalty to the bride's devotion to her husband until death. Nowadays, black wedding gowns are the first choice for women who want to wear an unusual yet intense look. They are seen as fashionable and symbolize elegance, power, sensuality, mysteriousness, and Intellect.

Can you wear a black and cream dress to a wedding? ›

However, as traditionally black has been associated with sadness & mourning, this can sometimes put people off. Fear not though, times are changing and wedding dress codes are pretty versatile nowadays. Any colour is pretty much acceptable for a wedding so you can go wild and choose whatever you like!

Can you wear black with ivory? ›

SILVER, IVORY, AND BLACK MAKE A GREAT COMBINATION.

Is black too dark for a wedding? ›

Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.

What color shoes to wear with a black dress to a wedding? ›

White shoes are always a classic choice, and they'll contrast beautifully with a black dress. Silver or gray shoes will also look stunning with a black dress, and they'll add a touch of shimmer and sophistication to your outfit. For a bolder look, try choosing shoes in a bright color, like red or yellow.

What do different wedding dress colors mean? ›

Natural tones such as nude and sand are symbolic of order, standing and patience. Brown hues like caramel and coffee represent a steady conservative nature that will always be reliable. Black. Gothic influences of the colour black demonstrate power, sophistication and wealth mixed with an air of mystery.

What is the meaning of the black wedding? ›

A black wedding (Yiddish: shvartse khasene), or plague wedding (Yiddish: mageyfe khasene) is a Jewish custom consisting of a wedding performed in times of crisis, such as during epidemics. The bride and the groom, being either poor orphans, beggars, or disabled, were wed in an effort to ward-off diseases.

What does it mean when a wedding guest wears a black dress? ›

Yes, it can absolutely be appropriate to wear black to a wedding, and it isn't typically considered disrespectful (although there are exceptions). While black attire was traditionally associated with mourning and funerals, times are changing — and so are fashion rules!

What does black attire mean for a wedding? ›

"Traditionally it has meant a long gown and tuxedo, however today it really means fancy and festive.

What does the black wedding dress mean spiritually? ›

Additionally, the black wedding dress symbolizes a ward against bad spirits and bad luck. While, in Western culture, black is more commonly worn to funerals, as a symbol of mourning, black is shaking off its reputation as an “unlucky” color and is a symbol of strength and power.

Is it allowed to wear a black wedding dress? ›

Though, some brides might be worried that they can't wear a black wedding dress for their ceremony; that it goes against tradition and wouldn't be accepted. Well, we are here to tell you that you absolutely can wear black wedding dresses! Wedding traditions are evolving and with that, acceptable wedding dress colors.

Can you wear a black wedding dress yes or no? ›

A black wedding dress suits a bride who values her individuality, uniqueness, and confidence in standing out from a crowd. If a bride is looking for a way to leave a lasting impression on guests, wearing a black wedding dress creates a visually striking and memorable statement.

How to brighten up a black dress for a wedding? ›

An easy way to add color to your outfit is with another layer. Choose a printed jacket, shawl, pashmina, or shrug and match it to your belt, handbag, or shoes. For example, a floral-printed jacket would look great over a black slip dress. Finish off your look with brightly-colored kitten heels and some dangly earrings.

Is it inappropriate to wear ivory to a wedding? ›

If you're a stickler for etiquette, then you should also avoid wearing colors similar to white, says bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz. "That means ivory and cream, of course, but to be extra safe, I'd also think twice about silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue, which can read as white in photos," she says.

Can I wear black and white polka dots to a wedding? ›

Classic Black & White: Timeless and sophisticated, black and white polka dot dresses are a go-to choice for winter weddings.

Can you wear ivory to a black tie wedding? ›

Generally, white is off limits no matter what the wedding dress code is, but it's especially off limits at a black tie wedding. This includes any hues on the white spectrum—off-white, cream, ivory, eggshell, vanilla, etc.

Is it okay to wear a white dress with patterns to a wedding? ›

"Large patterns that make it obvious that you are a guest are approved—but stay away from anything white and blush, which could be too bridal." The only time wearing white to a wedding is ever completely acceptable? "When it is requested by the couple," says Palm.

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