Can I wear a black wedding dress? Wedding etiquette experts weigh in

Ask The Kit Weddings is our bi-monthly column on wedding etiquette. Marriage expert Alison McGill tackles the pressing, and sometimes uncomfortable, questions that everyone, from the bride and groom to the guests in attendance, have in mind. Send your questions to [email protected].

“I never imagined myself wearing white on my wedding day. Now that I’m engaged and have started shopping for wedding dresses, I know white is not for me. I would love to wear black, which I think is a chic alternative, but the reaction from some of my friends and family gives me a guess. Is it okay for a bride to wear a black wedding dress? »- Stéphanie. P.

There is nothing I love more than an unexpected wedding look, and the so chic black wedding dress !, is one of my favorites. Vera Wang launched a collection of black wedding dresses over a decade ago, but the trend only recently emerged.

This could be due to a new freedom in the way brides think about their wedding fashion choices. Angel Spendlove, the co-founder and creative director of Canadian wedding brand & For Love, certainly hopes so. On a recent episode of my podcast, Aisle Seat, I spoke with Spendlove about what is “okay” to wear to a wedding. “A bride, or someone who identifies as a bride, can wear whatever she wants,” Spendlove said. “It’s good for a bride to wear anything. They can wear whatever they want. It can adapt as they wish. That’s it!”

It’s time to put aside the whole notion of what is okay to wear on a wedding day. So Stephanie, you can wear any color, any style of dress, pantsuit, skirt suit or jumpsuit. You do you!

Style-wise, on the front of the black wedding dress, I love a loose ball gown, a ’90s slip dress, a majestic column dress (like the one PR star Natasha Koifman recently worn for her wedding) or a detailed lace midi dress. To get some insider information on the best current style options for a black wedding dress, I texted stylist and fashion expert Erica Wark. She says the red carpet is a great place to look for fashion inspiration.

“There were some amazing black dresses at the Emmy Awards,” Wark says. “I thought Jean Smart in a sheer Ralph Lauren maxi dress and Jennifer Coolidge in a dramatic cape Christian Siriano dress were both amazing and modern. I also loved Kaia Gerber in Oscar de la Renta at the Met Gala – her dress had a timeless look and silhouette.

As for the accessories? “When it comes to jewelry, the sky is really the limit,” says Wark. “Diamonds, gold, silver and pearls are all amazing, as are pieces with a touch of color to give the look something extra. With the shoes, I like the idea of ​​keeping it simple with a black strappy sandal or a pointy pump. As with any wedding dress, it’s essential to have shoes that don’t distract – they should always complement, not dominate, your wedding look.

Wark also has thoughts on the best bouquets to complement a black wedding dress. For fall and winter weddings, consider rich purples, burgundy, and lots and lots of lush greenery. During the warmer months, go for white: “I like white peonies or orchids.

Side note: brides, consider black bridesmaid dresses. “I love the idea of ​​having an all-black wedding party, ”says Wark. “It’s raised, it looks so chic. It is also a color that everyone will feel comfortable wearing.

Shop the tips

These seven black wedding dresses are winning top fashion marks.

This convertible evening dress from the Canadian brand Narces offers maximum drama.

This romantic lace and ribbon dress is a steal at $ 63.

A keyhole back line creates an elegant and sexy silhouette.

This classic ball gown stands out for its elegance and simplicity.

This two piece set is perfect for a wedding and all future black tie events.

Floral embroidered lace gives this dress a vintage appeal.

Are you looking for a more is more dress? This centerpiece from Rvng Couture’s Spring 2022 collection ticks all the boxes.