George Boyle
While white wedding dresses are considered traditional in the Western world, brides in several countries have worn black wedding dresses, which are also associated with a rich history and cultural significance. In the 19th century, black bridal gowns were common in Scandinavian countries and some parts of Europe. In Spain, black wedding dresses are traditional among Spanish Roman Catholic brides, symbolizing devotion to their husbands until death. In modern times, black wedding dresses are chosen by brides who want to express their individuality and embrace their unique style, moving away from conventional expectations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain, Germany, Finland, Scotland |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Symbolism | Devotion until death, power, elegance, formality, loyalty |
| History | Widespread in the 19th century, especially in Scandinavian countries |
| Modern popularity | Rising trend, associated with uniqueness, individuality, and expression of personal style |
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What You'll Learn
Black wedding dresses in Spain
Wedding dresses have evolved over the years, with colours often holding symbolic meanings. While white is often associated with weddings in the West, black wedding dresses have been worn by brides in Spain and are still worn by Spanish Roman Catholic brides today.
In Spain, from 1890 to 1960, it was fashionable to wear black wedding dresses. One source suggests that black was considered the colour of elegance, and that it was a myth that brides wore black as a symbol of mourning. In fact, in Spain, mourning prohibited weddings, so it is unlikely that brides chose black gowns for this reason. However, one commenter notes that their grandmother wore a black wedding dress after mourning her father's death, suggesting that she chose black because she liked it, not because she was still in mourning.
In the Catholic tradition, wearing a black wedding gown symbolises a bride's commitment to her marriage until death. This custom is reflected in the choice of black gowns and lacy mantillas by Spanish Roman Catholic brides to demonstrate their devotion until death.
While the choice to wear a black wedding dress may be perceived as a statement against tradition, some brides who have chosen black gowns disagree. One bride, Alexandra Lima, who married in March 2022, stated that white was never an option for her, and that black made sense because 90% of her wardrobe is already black. Similarly, model and lingerie educator Madison Alexandra chose a black gown covered with an armour-like shoulder plate, inspired by Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman.
Today, there are limited options available for brides who want to wear black, which has prompted England-based designer Hannah Chivers to start her own boutique focused on black bridal gowns. Chivers aims to widen the alternatives for brides who want classic silhouettes and traditional gowns in black.
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Black wedding dresses in Finland
In Finland, wedding dresses were not always white. In the Middle Ages, brides wore a silver crown. In western Finland, in the 18th century, brides wore a high spangled crown. In the final decades of the 19th century, the high crown went out of use, and brides wore a myrtle wreath and a long white veil.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, brides were married in their local costumes. In the 19th century, they began to wear dark dresses, usually black. This custom was best preserved in eastern Finland and Karelia. The bride was handed over with gifts, and she donned the married woman's headdress, marking her as married.
In the 20th century, the small metal crown with a veil reappeared. After the ceremony, the guests were served wine, and a toast was made to the couple. At larger weddings, the meal was prepared by professional cooks and served by waitresses. The bridal couple, attendants, and pastor sat at the head table.
Today, wearing a black wedding dress is seen as a statement by the bride. Some brides choose black because it is already a staple color in their wardrobe. Black wedding dresses are also a result of brides realizing that white is just one of the many options available to them.
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Celebrities who wore black wedding dresses
While the traditional colour for wedding dresses is white, symbolising innocence, youth, and purity, black wedding dresses are a growing trend. They can bring an element of power, mystery, and individuality to the bride who wears it. Black wedding dresses are also said to have a slimming, sophisticated, and sensual effect on the silhouette.
Sarah Jessica Parker
The "Sex and the City" actress wore a black ruffled dress designed by Morgane Le Fay when she married Matthew Broderick in 1997. Parker chose to wear black to treat the wedding more like a party and not draw too much attention to herself. However, she later admitted that she regretted her choice and would wear a traditional white wedding dress if she were to renew her vows.
Kristen Bell
The "Frozen" actress chose a non-traditional route for her wedding outfit, opting for a black jumpsuit with a statement necklace. She married Dax Shepard in October 2013 at the Beverly Hills courthouse.
Avril Lavigne
The singer broke away from the traditional white wedding gown when she married Chad Kroeger in a Chateau near Cannes in 2013. Their nuptials followed a gothic theme, and Lavigne wore a black dress designed by Monique Lhuillier, paired with black roses.
Shenae Grimes
The "90210" actress wore a black Vera Wang gown from the designer's Fall 2012 collection when she married British model Josh Beech in 2013. The dress featured a fitted bodice, plunging neckline, and layered black and grey tulle skirt.
Ellie Goulding
The singer opted for five different wedding looks when she married Caspar Jopling, including a strapless black gown with a full skirt and belt tied at the waist. Goulding styled her hair half up and half down with a pretty plait, captioning a photo of the dress, "My beautiful dark twisted fantasy".
Other celebrities who wore black wedding dresses include Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, Tina Turner, and Elizabeth Taylor, who wore non-white wedding dresses for five out of her eight weddings.
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Black wedding dresses in the 19th century
In the 19th century, black was a colour often associated with mourning and death. In fact, strict rules governed the wearing of black during mourning, especially for women, and these rules even affected bridal attire. Before 1850, in the Netherlands, Spain, and other European countries, black was reserved for the wealthiest members of society because of the high cost of black dyes.
However, this began to change in the second half of the 19th century, following the Industrial Revolution, which made black fabrics more affordable and accessible. By the 1870s, most brides wore white, popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore a white dress when she married Prince Albert in 1840. However, some brides still wore black into the 1880s. For example, Johanna Frederika Maria de Greve wore a black gown when she married in 1879, and Jennie Clements wore a black wedding dress when she married in 1884.
In the 19th century, wedding dresses were often chosen with practicality in mind, especially in frontier environments. Brides would often wear their best dress, which might be brown, grey, or black, as these colours would not show dirt as easily as white or light-coloured gowns. Additionally, a darker-coloured dress could be worn on multiple occasions, making it a more practical choice for brides who could not afford extensive wardrobes.
Today, while black wedding dresses are still relatively uncommon, some brides choose to wear them as a reflection of their personal style and a way to buck tradition. For some, it is simply a colour that they feel comfortable and confident in, as it is already a staple in their wardrobe. For others, it may be a way to make a statement or express their individuality.
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Black wedding dresses in modern times
While white wedding dresses are common today, wedding dresses have not always been white. In fact, before Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, brides around the world often wore black or colourful gowns. In many European countries, black symbolised elegance, formality, and social status. It was also a practical choice as it concealed stains, and wedding dresses were meant to be worn multiple times.
In Spain, for example, black bridal gowns hold significant cultural meaning in Roman Catholic traditions. Black symbolises a bride's lifelong commitment to her partner, reflecting the vow "till death do us part". In some Asian cultures, black is associated with good fortune, prosperity, and happiness.
In modern times, black wedding dresses are often associated with making a statement or bucking tradition. However, many brides who choose to wear black do so as an expression of their personal style, reflecting their individuality and confidence. For instance, model and lingerie educator Madison Alexandra, who wore a black gown with an armour-like shoulder plate, drew inspiration from Queen Ravenna (played by Charlize Theron) in Snow White and the Huntsman. Similarly, Alexandra Lima, who wore black when she married in March 2022, stated that white was never an option because black is already 90% of her wardrobe.
Black wedding dresses are also popular among brides who favour gothic, vintage, or alternative aesthetics. For example, gothic-inspired black ballgowns with voluminous skirts made of tulle or satin evoke a sense of mystery and fantasy. A black sheath wedding dress is another modern choice, perfect for the casual or minimalist bride. For a spring wedding, florals are recommended, while a light chiffon gown is ideal for summer. In autumn, a black wedding dress with decadent layers of lace and crystal beading will bring drama, and in winter, a billowing black ballgown will be exquisite against a snowy backdrop.
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Frequently asked questions
Black wedding dresses are a sophisticated and elegant alternative to the traditional white dress. They are a bold statement for brides who want to express their individuality and embrace their unique style. In some cultures, black symbolises power, formality, and new beginnings.
In the 19th century, black bridal gowns were common in Scandinavian countries. Black wedding dresses are also traditional in parts of Spain, where they are worn by Roman Catholic brides to symbolise their devotion to their husband until death.
Black wedding dresses can symbolise modernity and a break from tradition. They can also represent strength and confidence, as well as new beginnings and the end of an old chapter. In Spain, the colour black on a wedding dress is symbolic of a bride's devotion until death.
Before 1840, black wedding dresses were the norm. This was partly because black fabric was more readily available and could be worn again, making it a practical option. Black was also considered a solemn and respectful colour, appropriate for the serious commitment of marriage.
