Fashion

Black Wedding Dresses are Trending: Shop the 2023 ‘Anti-Bridal’ Look

Published by
Sonja Henrikssen
Shop the Look: Awaken My Love Black Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress; Image via Alexa P.

Traditional is great if that’s what you’re into, but this year we’re certain we’ll see more brides opting for black wedding dresses than ever before. Whether you’re inspired by the sexy, romantic, feminine mystique of iconic gothic characters like Morticia Addams and Vampira, or you’re simply drawn to the unique and powerful energy of black bridal dresses, we say embrace the break from tradition!

Shop the Look: Cause for Commotion Black Pleated Bustier Maxi Dress; Image via Roshani P.

Sometimes, finding a gorgeous black wedding dress can be a little bit of a challenge. After all, so many bridal shops cater to traditional brides. Additionally, black has been associated with the macabre, rather than the romantic– especially with long gowns!

Shop the Look: Heavenly Hues Black Maxi Dress; Image via Chyna B.

But that was then! Now, brands (like Lulus) are embracing unique styles and trend. Brides that want to wear black on their big day have more options now than the classic LBD. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite dark and dusky wedding gowns.

Black Lace Wedding Dresses

Combine classic lace with the edgy vibe of a black wedding dress to create the perfect harmony of tradition and innovation.

Black Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Molinetto Black Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Elegant lace tiers and bodice ruffles give this dress a sophisticated look.

Awaken My Love Black Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Awaken My Love Black Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress

The dramatic lace sleeves and open back of this dress add a mysterious, romantic feel to your bridal ensemble.

Black Lace Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Updated Elegance Black Lace Maxi Dress

The dramatic black lace overskirt of this dress is the perfect match for its lingerie-inspired bustier top. Black lace looks great with thoughtful romantic details like velvet ribbon at the waist!

Black Wedding Dresses with Full Skirts

Feel the full goth princess fantasy in a black wedding dress with a full skirt! Don’t forget to do some twirls on the dance floor.

Black Organza Backless Tiered Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Perfect Beauty Black Organza Backless Tiered Maxi Dress

Delicate organza creates a floaty, ethereal look–perfect for the witchy bride or the bride who loves mystery and romance.

Black Cowl Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Romantically Speaking Black Cowl Lace-Up Maxi Dress

If you love to dance, a flowy chiffon dress will look amazing as it spins and floats around you at the reception. 

Off-the-Shoulder Black Dresses

The dramatic off-the-shoulder look will ensure that all eyes are on you and your gorgeous black dress.

Black Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Lynne Black Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

If you want a glam look that channels the glamor of Old Hollywood, a curve-hugging black maxi dress that sits just off the shoulder is perfect for you. 

Dramatic Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Shop the Look: Dramatic Inspiration Black Off-the-Shoulder Bustier Maxi Dress

For a bold, daring bridal look, look no further than a shoulder-baring style.  Pair this dramatic dress with equally dramatic chunky platform heels for a look that will immediately command attention.

Ruffled One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Elegant Invite Black Ruffled One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

This dress’s single ruffled strap has a romantic, sophisticated feel. Try wearing it with simple, elegant accessories and dainty jewelry to balance the dramatic silhouette. 

Black Tulle Wedding Dresses

There’s something totally magical about tulle. Airy clouds of mesh flutter around you, flattering your curves and making you look like the queen of the night.

A-Line Black Mesh Dress

Shop the Look: Flirtatious Feeling Black Tulle Flutter Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress

With ballet-inspired details like the sweetheart bodice, flutter sleeves, and layered skirt, a black tulle midi dress is bold and delicate at the same time. If your vibe is equal parts balletcore babe and gothcore girlie, this dress will hit all the right notes.

Cap Sleeve Black Tulle Wedding Dress

Shop the Look: I’m All Yours Black Tulle Ruffled Maxi Dress

If you want your wedding dress to have an ethereal look to it, this romantic maxi is perfect for you. Delicate details like cap sleeves and ribbons at the waist give the whole silhouette a decidedly dreamy appeal.

Tiered Tulle Dress

Shop the Look: Dramatic Perfection Black Tulle Sleeveless Tiered Midi Dress

Ruffles of near-weightless tulle cascade down to create an abundant, fluttering skirt. This is an ideal black dress if you want to wear black at a summer wedding, thanks to its airy, lightweight, sleeveless silhouette.

Modern Black Wedding Dresses

If you’re already making a break with tradition, fully commit by choosing a modern silhouette with unique details!

Black Sequin Backless Dress

Shop the Look: Glowing All Night Black Sequin Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress

This sultry dress has a thoroughly modern shape, with its backless top and mermaid skirt. But for a fun throwback to the traditional wedding dress shape, it has a sequined train. The material will shimmer and shine as you walk down the aisle.

One-Shoulder Cutout Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Sultry Stunner Black One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

The asymmetric neckline and thigh-high slit of this slinky dress leave an unforgettable impression. And the knit fabric is soft and comfortable, too!

Black Sleeveless Ruffled Mermaid Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Feeling the Romance Black Sleeveless Ruffled Mermaid Maxi Dress

This dress’s hip-hugging silhouette is enhanced by the flouncy sleeve ruffle and flirty thigh slit.

Floral Black Wedding Dresses

Floral motifs are typically associated with bright colors, but trust us– they look amazing in black, too. 

Black Floral Tulle Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Radiant Fantasy Black Floral Embroidered Tulle Maxi Dress

This dress’s delicate botanical floral motifs and sweetheart neckline bodice are perfect for a cottagecore bridal outfit. 

Black and Silver Floral Jacquard Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Sleek Shine Black and Silver Floral Jacquard Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Look like royalty in this black and silver gown! You’ll love the dramatic details, like the high gathered waist and metallic woven pattern. Wear it with silver shoes and silver jewelry for a regal look.

Black Ruffled Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Forever Be Black Floral Jacquard Ruffled Maxi Dress

Woven floral chiffon wraps around this ruffly dress, creating the sweetest silhouette. A flouncy asymmetric neckline and skirt flutter like the falling leaves in the jacquard motif.

Are you wearing a black wedding dress? Show us on Instagram or TikTok @lulus or shop more in our Black Wedding Dresses edit!

This post was originally published in April 2023 and has been updated with new content.

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