Black wedding dresses are surely fascinating for confident and independent brides-to-be who are not afraid to experiment with unconventional colors for their wedding.

It is said, “Married in White, you have chosen right,
Married in Blue, your love will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Brown, you will live in town,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink,
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back.”

Traditionally, bridal dresses are supposed to be white, cream or ivory in color because white symbolizes goodness, purity and innocence. Black, on the other hand, symbolizes death, mourning and evil.

Therefore, opting for black bridal gowns is usually discouraged. But, in modern times, black is also associated with elegance, strength and power.

Thus, brides with bold personality are open to the idea of flaunting a flattering figure in black bridal dress.

According to Spanish culture, Roman Catholic brides wear black wedding gowns and lacy mantillas to denote their devotion until death. In earlier times, there was no particular color preference associated with bridal gowns.

Back then, brides used to wear their best dress, whether black, blue, red, white etc as their bridal outfit. But, dark colors, especially black gradually earned a bad reputation as a sign of evil and mystery since late 1800s.

Coming to modern times, those of you who do not want to show complete disrespect towards traditional beliefs and values but are equally intent on incorporating black in your bridal gown can choose a white bridal dress with black sash at waist.

Dark and black wedding dresses are more appropriate for weddings taking place during fall and winter season. At times, brides choose black wedding outfits to show respect for a recent loss of some important family member.

Here are a few alluring black and black and white wedding dresses

Oscar de la Renta Black Wedding Dress 2011

This is a black bridal outfit in ball gown silhouette from Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 collection. The strapless black gown is prepared from tulle fabric and is embellished with beading, crystal and embroidery. It shall cost almost $14,000-$15,000.

Private Label by G Black and White Wedding Outfit

This is a silky taffeta black and white bridal dress with neckline trimmed in swarovski crystals. It features handmade rosettes on the skirt with scalloped embroidery at the hem. This Private Label by G bridal gown is available at Best Bridal Prices at a price of $1,248.

Sophia Tolli Analisa Wedding Gown

This strapless taffeta ball gown features gathered overlay bodice and asymmetrical waistline. The romantic black and white designer wedding dress has remarkable hand beaded lace appliqué. It includes removable straps as well. You can find this Sophia Tolli dress at Wedding Shoppe Inc at a price of $1,238.

Mia Solano Bridal Dresses in Black and White

These three strapless Mia Solano wedding gowns in black and white are truly superb.

The first one, M1103L black and white wedding outfit from Spring 2011 collection, has embroidered Tulle bust line, followed by pleating on the bodice and multi-layered Organza skirt featuring Satin ribbon edge detail and a removable floral pin.

Next is M1191Z creation. It is an embroidered Lace gown with attractive brooch detail at bust line.

Finally, there is Mia Solano M1086Z. It features beautiful embroidery on the bodice and along the skirt bottom and train. Plus, it has a satin waist belt with delicate, small brooch.

Vera Wang Black Wedding Dresses

Check out the above shown Vera Wang wedding dress with black waist sash. The feminine gown is accentuated with layers of Chantilly lace. This has been quite a popular trend in wedding dresses.

Here’s another Vera Wang bridal gown from Fall 2010 collection. It is a shirred black tulle bridal gown with nude overlay.

Amy Kuschel Short Wedding Outfit in Black

If you are planning on a destination wedding, you could consider this flirty and feminine black bridal gown in knee length. Amy Kuschel Fleurt bridal dress is highlighted by lace rosettes.

You have the option to choose from French Chantilly Lace pattern or Asian Rose Garden Lace. In addition, it features exciting layered and flounced hemline.

This black wedding dress by Amy Kuschel is prepared from satin. It has sheath silhouette and chapel train. The beading embellishment above the waist makes modern gown even more adorable.

Carolina Herrera Black and White Bridal Gown Jane Austen

This is a stunningly beautiful off shoulder bridal outfit for 2011 characterized by floral appliqué embroidery and tulle layers. It is uses silk tulle and silk organza fabrics.

Enzoani Wedding Gown with Waist Belt

In case you are looking for a subtle and sophisticated bridal gown with a tinge of black, you may consider this Enzoani Fabi wedding dress with removable Ivory/Black ribbon belt.

The A-line gown features rouched on bodice and asymmetrical draped Gaza skirt. Plus, there is side rouching and pleating on the skirt.

When opting for black bridal dresses, make sure you wear soft, subtle makeup rather than dark, heavy makeup that is likely to make you look like a vampire bride.

In case you are a fan of gothic fashion collection or Halloween, we perfectly understand your insistence on gorgeous black wedding dresses!