6 Reasons to Wear a Black Wedding Dress

Intrigued by the idea of wearing a black wedding dress instead of the traditional white? You’re not alone! Many brides bat around the idea of going for a completely different wedding gown color like black but hesitate because it is a giant step outside of the typical bridal fashion box. To help you decide if a black bridal dress is right for you, let’s take a look at why you should wear a black wedding dress this year. After that, we should probably clear up some common misconceptions about black wedding dresses and bad luck and Gothic vibes too! So, without further ado, here are Avery Austin’s six reasons to wear a black wedding dress:

1. Black is a very practical shade. One of the great wedding day fears many brides hold is the worry that their gorgeous white gowns will get stained (i.e., dirt along the hem, beverage spills down the front, etc.). Thanks to the much darker hue, black wedding dresses are much less likely to show those kinds of stains. For example, while walking around outside in a white dress means the brown dirt and green grass stains are sure to pop, doing the same in a black wedding gown means it’s much harder to notice the dirt and grass unless you’re really looking for it!
2. Black wedding dresses are visually bold. Imagine the typically bright, sunlit backdrops of bridal photos, then add the stark contrast of a black wedding dress. It really makes the bride stand out visually in her photos!
3. Black wedding gowns are nontraditional. Since white or ivory is what people usually think of when it comes to traditional bridal colors, choosing the polar opposite hue is the perfect way to approach a nontraditional celebration. Tap into your inner rebel, feel confident in an empowering color, or don a chic and mysterious vibe when you wear a unique black wedding dress.
4. Black is a naturally sophisticated color. If you think about it, black is a timeless color for elegant formal affairs. Black gowns suit just about any special occasion you attend because of the fact that we consider it a sophisticated hue (not to mention it’s super easy to accessorize in a variety of ways too!). So, if you’re planning a very elegant and fancy celebration, a black wedding dress is a perfect choice.
5. Many brides find darker colors to be more flattering. In fact, black is often considered a very visually slimming color. Do you look and feel your best in dark colors? Then there’s no reason to compromise with a traditional bright bridal hue on your big day! It’s your wedding, so go for the black wedding gown that you know will flatter you best and make you feel the most comfortable.
   
6. Black wedding dresses come in so many styles. No, you are not limited to Gothic black wedding dresses! Although many people assume that all black wedding gowns are meant for Gothic themes or will make your wedding feel Gothic, this is a common misconception (more on that below!). Just take a look at Avery Austin’s collection of black wedding dresses, for example. While there are many styles that could be accessorized perfectly for a Gothic bridal theme, there are also many timeless ball gown styles, modern designs, and sexy silhouettes. It is absolutely possible to make a gorgeous fashion statement in a black bridal dress, no matter your wedding theme.

Common Misconceptions About Black Wedding Dresses

Have you heard the common rumors about black wedding dresses? Whether you’ve talked about them before or you’re new to the gossip, it’s worth checking out some of the most common misconceptions about black wedding dresses so you can decide for yourself how you feel about this avant-garde style choice.

Is it Bad Luck to Wear a Black Wedding Dress?

Nowadays, black wedding dresses are not generally associated with bad luck superstitions, but this depends largely on your personal or cultural beliefs. Some cultures consider it unlucky for anyone (guests, bridesmaids, or brides) to wear black gowns because the color is traditionally worn during times of grief, sadness, and mourning. To then wear that color for the celebration of a new couple is considered taboo within those cultures, so some people might feel uncomfortable with the idea of black wedding dresses. However, many brides, particularly those who did not grow up with these beliefs, find the idea of black wedding dresses bringing misfortune to be a myth these days. Ultimately, it is up to the bride to decide whether her black wedding dress will be a symbol of bad luck or powerful individuality for her special day.

Are All Black Wedding Dresses Gothic?

No, not all black wedding dresses are Gothic. This misconception comes from the fact that very dark colors, like black, are a staple in goth fashion. If you’re planning a Gothic-themed wedding, then you’ll definitely want to go for a black wedding dress, complete with other Victorian-era designs like lace or velvet, corsets, dramatic sleeves, high-neck collars, ruffles, and more. To finish your look, add in some accessories like gloves, fishnet stockings or veils, boots, and silver jewelry with religious or occult symbols. On the other hand, if you want to wear a black wedding dress but DON’T want a goth vibe, go for other types of bridal fabrics, like satin, tulle, or chiffon, as well as a modern neckline, like off the shoulder, v-neck, square, or scoop. Sparkling glitter or beading on black wedding dresses works just as well as simple, unadorned styling for a non-Gothic look. Bottom line: Black wedding dresses can beautifully suit a rustic, romantic, or modern bridal theme too!

Given the perks to black wedding dresses and what you’ve learned about them so far, do you think a black wedding gown is the right hue and style for you? If so, be sure to shop black wedding dresses in Avery Austin’s collection to fall in love with your dream design. Thinking that maybe you’re more a fan of traditional or neutral hues? Not to worry! Avery Austin’s got collections for that too! Explore wedding dresses in traditional ivory and white hues, or check out the ultra-flattering neutral hues available in this assortment of nude wedding dresses. Rest assured, the variety of colors, styles, and price points available at Avery Austin makes it easy for every bride to find her “yes” dress!