Sarah Jessica Parker wore one in 1997...
Let's face it, shopping for a traditional best wedding dress can be a difficult process for modern brides - but why not try something different for your big day... a black wedding dress? Hear us out. Between thinking about the budget, practicality and contending with the future mother-in-law's suggestions, you might be struggling with the pressure of finding the one. Something you might not have considered, but probably should, is to eschew tradition and opt for a uniquely coloured wedding dress that is entirely and uniquely yours. Move over LBD, black wedding dresses are having a moment. Should you be worried that black doesn't seem like a celebratory colour, the key is in the details of your wedding gown. Feathers, pearls, lace and beading, can add that special touch to an otherwise understated dress. Not to mention, black wedding dresses give you plenty of options to explore colourful accessories and party-time pieces.
© chloessevigny on Instagram
Not convinced? Take coloured wedding dresses from celebrity style icons like Sarah Jessica Parker and Chloë Sevigny. They both chose unique wedding dresses to walk down the aisle. In 1997, SJP wore a black, off-the-rack Morgane Le Fay gown for her wedding to Matthew Broderick, a far cry from Carrie Bradshaw's Vivienne Westwood bridal look (and no feathered headpiece in sight). And Sevigny's high-necked, figure-hugging midi (above) for her first ceremony was a simple but chic reminder that this is a dress you'll be able to wear time and time again. Editor's Choice: Raey, Halter-Neck Draped-Front Wraparound Silk Dress (£425) - Buy now from MATCHES Best bardot black wedding dress: Coast, Black Sweetheart Bardot Maxi Dress (£87.50) - Buy now from Coast Best sustainable black wedding dress: Ganni, Long Velvet Dress (£225) - Buy now from GANNI Then again, just because it's not a white wedding dress doesn't mean you can't dial up the drama. For a lesson in how black wedding dresses can create a real 'moment', look no further than Selling Sunset's Christine Quinn. She wore not one but two black gowns to her wedding in season three of the show. The dresses, designed in collaboration with Galia Lahav, were worth a rumoured $50,000. They were, quite frankly, one of the most unforgettable moments on the show to date. So, if you're thinking about wearing black for your big day, we've rounded up the best black high street wedding dresses for every kind of bride.The Best Black Wedding Dresses At A Glance
SHOP: The Best Black Wedding Dresses For Alternative Brides
Editor's Choice
matches fashion
Price:
£425
www.matchesfashion.com
Description
Sleek, chic and draped, this Halter-Neck Draped-Front Wraparound Silk Dress from Raey is simply
Best bardot black wedding dress
coast
Price:
£87.50 (was £125)
www.coastfashion.com
Description
Even Coast has a bridal collection to swoon over - and this Black Sweetheart Bardot Maxi Dress
Best sustainable black wedding dress
ganni
Price:
£225
www.ganni.com
Description
Ganni's Long Velvet Dress, made from a blend of recycled polyester, is a[sustainable wedding
Best ruffle black wedding dress
ro&zo
Price:
£79 (was £109)
roandzo.com
Description
With a jacquard polka dot print, this Black Jacquard Ruffle Shoulder Midi Dress from our
Best halter-neck black wedding dress
sister jane
Price:
£85
sisterjane.com
Description
A halter-neck look goes far without doing too much. With the applique and fray edges peeking out
Best Hollywood black wedding dress
solace london
Price:
£390
www.solacelondon.com
Description
There may be nothing else simply show-stopping than the Calluna Maxi Dress from Solace. Giving the
Best satin black wedding dress
galvan
Price:
£1,295
www.galvanlondon.com
Description
Keep it effortless with the Galvan Sienna Dress. If you're looking for the ideal satin wedding
Best floral black wedding dress
anthropologie
Price:
£170
www.anthropologie.com
Description
For a floral wedding dress that doesn't necessarily use a floral pattern, the Maeve
Best cut-out black wedding dress
usisi sister
Price:
£157.50 (was £315)
www.usisi-sister.com
Description
With a cut-out front and maxi-long-sleeve silhouette, the Mary Dress from Usisi Sister is for
Best short black wedding dress
amy lynn
Price:
£99
www.amylynn.co.uk
Description
Don't ignore short wedding dresses like this Alexa Black Dress with puffball skirt. Feel like a
As more brides say 'no' to the traditional wedding dress, finding exactly what you want for your big day comes down to your own personal style. For Bree Macara, senior fashion editor at The Outnet, the appeal of the black wedding dress was down to its rebel attitude. 'As my entire day was contrary to wedding 'rules', I knew that I was never going to tie the knot in a traditional white or ivory gown. I bounced around between suiting, ruffles and tulle. Eventually, I just thought about the most fabulous, impractical frocks I'd seen and fallen in love with in the past. 'And ta-da, a sequin-embellished, black lace gown came to mind. I had the back of the dress lowered to an elegant scoop. Extended the hem to a train and added giant marabou feather cuffs (well, if I was going there?!). It's one of the best choices I've made in my adult life, and I still adore it.' Remy Farrell joins the Grazia team as an assistant across both Fashion and Beauty, with nearly half a decade of experience in shooting, copywriting and editorial shopping pages.What Black Wedding Dress Style Should I Go For?
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