Black Wedding Dresses: Is The Trend Right For You?

It's your wedding, and you can wear what you want. Jessica Biel, Mandy Moore, and Gwen Stefani opted to think pink for their nuptials, while Amber Tamblyn and Alison Pill went with yellow. But what if all the million shades of white and even pastel colors are totally not your thing? What's your wedding-gown option? Kristen Bell donned a little black number for her courthouse nuptials, while "Selling Sunset" star Christine Quinn went for a full-on giant bridal gown in raven for her wedding extravaganza. Even Sarah Jessica Parker chose a full black gown for her marriage. It may be your turn to beguile in black.

Wedding-dress fashion guru Vera Wang has included black wedding dresses in her collections, once telling Harper's Bazaar she thought they were "sexy." You'll also find black wedding gowns in bridal shops, and, of course, there are a variety of bridesmaids and formal-occasion dresses in the dark hue that can easily fall into wedding-dress territory. 

If you're planning an ultra-conservative wedding, you may want to stick with the traditional white dress. But if you're known for your edgy style, it makes perfect sense to include that dramatic flair in your gown. You'll find black wedding dresses come in a variety of options to suit just about every bridal dream you've ever had.

If you have a little black dress for every occasion, a black wedding dress may the obvious choice for your celebration. A simple silhouette in satin or black taffeta is a chic option, and fits right in with your love of LBDs. You can also find one in a variety of silhouettes, from a sleek slip dress to an A-line frame, and even a full ball gown. Feel free to accessorize it with a rhinestone belt or a creamy veil for a pop of traditional white. 

Consider yourself a princess, but with a little bit of a gothic twist? A black wedding dress made up of layers of organza or tulle is your ticket to a royal wedding with a little edge. A form-fitting bodice can become a fluffy skirt with varying layers of wispy lengths, or a stunning full skirt with a floral motif even Cinderella would be enchanted to wear. One benefit of wearing a black wedding dress? You don't even need to add jewelry — the dress is its own statement.

As a little girl, you always dreamed of wearing white on your wedding day. As a grown-up woman, you still have a little bit of that dream, but also some serious fashionista tendencies. Introducing the best of both worlds. While most of your gown can be the traditional white, black accents invite a more modern vibe. Lace across the top of the bodice is stunning, but you can also have random black flowers sewn around the skirt, or a black lace trim around the base, or even just a black bow tied around the waist. 

There's a reason starry skies are considered romantic and beautiful, with shimmering points of light in a sea of ink-black. If you just sighed at this, a black wedding dress imbued with sparkles should be a serious consideration. From a sleek, all-sequin gown with a train, to a ball-gown silhouette with a lace and sequin overlay, you can create your own star-filled sky right at the altar. Short sleeves are perfect for a summer cocktail wedding, while long sleeves work for a fall or winter gala.

Lace is a staple in the world of wedding gowns, but when you have white lace on top of a white dress, the details get lost. If your love of lace demands more attention, think black. When you choose a dress that combines a black lace overlay with a lighter base (strapless or long-sleeved), everyone will be able to appreciate even the tiniest of floral appliques. The base can be white, cream, or nude if you're looking for something neutral, or pale versions of pink, blue, or yellow if you prefer an extra pop of color.