While understanding a wedding's dress code can sometimes present a challenge—what exactly counts as "creative black tie"?—you no longer need to worry that donning a black dress will make you look like you're headed for a funeral instead of a celebration.
"The rules around the color have definitely softened in recent years," says Laurie Arons of Laurie Arons Special Events. It's no longer a faux pas to wear a color so closely associated with mourning to weddings and other joyous occasions. "Nowadays you even see bridesmaids in chic black gowns of their own choosing," she points out.
As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," says bridal stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Make the shade work for you—at any type of wedding—with these ideas for choosing the right fabrice, length, and accessories.
Simple, Beautiful Black-and-White Wedding Ideas
Consider the Location
"In the metropolitan Northeast—think New York and Boston—it's very common to see women in little black dresses or evening gowns at weddings," Arons explains. In the South, however, it's much less common, which is why she suggests wearing a colorful dress to a wedding in this region.
If you're lucky enough to attend a destination wedding in European or tropical locales, Arons recommends looking to the region's surroundings to inform your outfit: An oceanside event in the Bahamas, for example, calls for bright, punchy colors, while an affair at a castle in France might call for something regal, like jewel tones.
Consider Fabric and Length
Not all black dresses are created equal, says New York-based bridal stylist Jackie Avrumson. "You can always wear black, no matter where you are, but it depends on how it's executed," she says. "Black is the most versatile and flattering color for any woman to wear. But because black absorbs heat, if you wear it to a beach wedding you’ll want to wear a light fabric."
If you are going to a less formal affair and your go-to color is black, "check the length and the cut of the dress," says Avrumson. "Black is super chic, but sometimes it will feel overdressed. You want the length and the fabric to be appropriate based on time of year and the location."
Keep It Festive
Black is unequivocally practical, but that doesn't mean the mid-length crepe dress you wear for work dinners is right for a wedding. "If you put on your dress and you feel like you can still go to the office or you're ready for an interview, that's when it's time to pick another one," says Avrumson. "Depending on what the wedding calls for, you can wear a long or short black dress to a wedding and treat it like any other color. "
Account for Tradition
In some cultures, black is less common for weddings. "Certain cultures, such as Indian and Chinese cultures, tend to stay away from black because it represents being in mourning. You want to take an extra thought if you are attending a more traditional wedding to be respectful," says Avrumson. "If you wear black to an event where it's not traditional to do so, you may want to incorporate as much color as possible [with accessories]."
Think About the Wedding's Formality
In a relaxed country setting or a beach location, black may seem too serious; a splashy pastel or punchy pattern might be expected. "If the couple is hosting a black-tie wedding at a formal venue, such as an elegant ballroom or grand museum, it's suitable for a guest to wear black," Arons says.
If black is your first choice, though, go with it. "You can always wear black, no matter where you are, but you'll want to check the vibe of the wedding first so the style will fit with the setting," says Avrumson. "After all, you want to be comfortable!"
Add Colorful Accessories
Keep your look fun and party-ready by incorporating metallics, bright colors, and memorable jewelry alongside subtle black dresses or gowns. "Black dresses are essentially a blank slate. Have fun with it and make it unique to your own style," says Avrumson. "Wear your favorite bold jewelry such as drop earrings, a bracelet stack or a single bangle, or a statement necklace. A pop of color in your clutch is also a great touch that will brighten up your black. Your shoes do not have to be black, so have some fun with them, whether they are metallic or your favorite color!"
