For years, the color black has been associated with darkness, grief, and death. People wear black to funerals, so it became pretty obvious that it’s not the color you wear to a wedding.
So, is wearing a black dress to a wedding still taboo? Nope, not anymore! In fact, for years now, brides have been breaking the norm and wearing black-colored dresses for their weddings. Moreover, the mother of the bride and grooms also opt for black-colored dresses. They offer a sleek, sophisticated, and contemporary look that is difficult to achieve with any other color.
And even though this trend made its way to the USA many years later, it is a booming fashion choice now.
This article will discuss the symbolism and origin of black-colored dresses and why they are the perfect choice to wear to a wedding.
Can You Wear a Black Dress to a Wedding?
Yes! You can absolutely wear black dresses to a wedding. Today’s wedding style is more about expressing your personal style rather than caring about tradition. Moreover, black dresses are not limited to brides only; even the bride’s mother, bridesmaid, and guests can opt for black attire for a wedding.
Let’s look at what the color black symbolizes and why it has become a popular option for wedding attire worldwide.
What Does Black Symbolize as a Color?
Black is a dominating color. It hides rather than illuminates, and thus, since the beginning, has been associated with grim and negative meanings. However, there is far more to it than that.
Elegance
A black dress is a staple in a woman’s wardrobe. This emergency black dress is suitable for any occasion; a casual hangout, a formal event, or a wedding. Black dresses are timeless, and the wearer feels elegant and sophisticated. It is dramatic, chic, and elegant, all at once.
Power and Confidence
There is nothing that exudes confidence more than wearing black. If you are a bride and want to portray purity and innocence on your big day, we suggest sticking to white, but if you want to look sexy, feel confident, and independent, go for black. The same goes for the mother of the bride and groom and the bridesmaid. Black is perfect for people of all ages and makes them feel confident.
Mystery
Black dresses are a perfect choice for brides and bridesmaids who want to maintain their gothic vibe. The dramatic cuts, the deeper shadows, and the varying black shades give an overall alluring effect, making everyone wonder in awe, and that’s all we want, isn’t it?
History of Black Dresses
If we talk about the history of black dresses, you might be surprised to know that it dates back to the 15th century. In 1419, the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, started exclusively wearing black after his father died.
The color represented not only grief and devotion but also wealth and authority. Later on, black-colored dresses became increasingly popular in women’s wardrobes and were associated with elegance, modesty, and piety, and were also used to make a political standpoint.
By the late 19th century, black-colored gowns for evening became the epitome of chic and sensuality. And this trend continues at weddings. Black is a favored choice for bridesmaids, wedding guests, and mothers of bride and groom.
In fact, in the 16th century, according to Roman Catholic traditions, a Spanish bride would wear a black, high-necked gown with a veil, called a mantilla. The black wedding dress symbolized the bride’s love and loyalty for her husband until death. In recent times, the sentiments have changed, and brides usually opt for a black wedding dress to appear unconventional and create a strong and fashionable look.
How to Choose the Perfect Black Dress to Wear to a Wedding
Now that you know why wearing black dresses to a wedding is such a popular option, there are still a few things you need to consider before choosing a dress to wear. This guide is for brides, bridesmaids, wedding guests, and even the mothers of the bride and groom.
The Venue
The first thing to consider is the location. Where is the wedding being held? In the north or south? In the day or evening? In a church or on a beach? This can greatly help you narrow down your options and choose the perfect dress. For instance, a black dress is perfect for weddings in the metropolitan areas or weddings that stretch out till night. Opting for a black dress at a beach wedding will stand out like a sore thumb.
The Time
As stated above, the time also impacts the choice of your dress color. Going for light and bright colors is the best choice for daytime weddings, and for evening weddings, you can opt for a more glamorous and dressy look and go for a black cocktail dress.
The Dress Code
If you are a guest at a wedding and want to rock your black dress, we recommend checking out the dress code, venue, and invitation first. The invitation can tell you a lot about how the wedding will be; for instance, if the card is elegant and sophisticated, it is a black-tie affair, but if it’s cute and floral, it follows a more relaxed theme.
Black Dresses Examples
Black Lace Dress
Lace gowns never go out of style, and pairing them with black (a timeless color) adds more to the appeal. This Sophia Tolli Raven black dress is designed in black lace over a nude lining. It has a jeweled neckline and a sheer buttoned-back, ideal for any wedding or other black-tie affairs.
One-Shoulder Black Dress
Bridesmaids and guests who want to make a bold statement and feel sexy on the big day should opt for this Jovani black lace dress. The dress has a slit on the bottom that runs to the thigh. The statement piece is the dramatic black lace sleeve reaching the floor. It is chic, modern, and sexy.
Spaghetti Strap Black Dress
This fitted mini dress by Sherri Hill is the perfect choice for wedding guests and bridesmaids. The cocktail dress has beaded spaghetti straps with a plunging v-neckline and a low back. It is made from a beaded novelty fabric and is the perfect dress to wear to a wedding.
Now that all the superstitions and myths have been busted, you can opt for a black dress to wear to a wedding. The color black excludes confidence, power, beauty, and elegance. Let nothing stop you from looking ravishing at this formal event. Black is back, indeed!!
