Are black bridal party dresses appropriate?

Yes, and they're often seen as a classy, elegant color choice. A nice way to have the dresses stand out is to have each bridal party member wear the same color but a different style of dress.

What color flowers go best with black bridal party dresses?

This really depends on your wedding theme as well as the time of year which will determine what flowers are in season. With that said, white flowers contrast nicely, or if you're looking for a darker mood, go for red wine shades along with darker greenery.

What color shoes go best with black bridal party dresses?

Pretty much any color pairs well with black—including metallic or prints.

20 Best Black Bridesmaid Dresses

There's no denying the allure of a black bridal party dress—from classic shapes to fashion-forward silhouettes; it's an elegant and timeless choice for your bridal party. Whether you're into a moody palette or are having a New Year's Eve wedding with a darkly romantic theme, black dresses seem like a no-brainer. Plus, the shade is flattering on every silhouette, whether you go for a sleeveless maxi dress, a one-shoulder midi, or an off-the-shoulder mini.

More than easy to wear, black dresses are always on offer, and usually more so than bold colors, which means they come at a range of price points so you can find a dress that suits the budget of every bridal party member. No matter what type of black bridal party dress you choose, chances are your gals will be able to wear their dress again and again—especially if a black-tie wedding or event is on their agenda.

Read on for the best black bridal party dresses for every bridal style and budget.

Our Top Picks

Most Body-Hugging:

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress at Lulus ($59)

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For a Sophisticated Wedding:

Social Bridesmaids Chiffon Trumpet Gown at Nordstrom ($221)

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Best Halter-Neck:

BHLDN Serephina Dress at Bhldn ($220)

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Best Floral Print:

Reformation Nadira Dress at Reformation ($278)

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Best Cutouts:

Amsale Black Dress at Amsale.com (See Price)

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Most Sweet:

After Six Chiffon Bridal Party Dress at Dessy.com (See Price)

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For a Timeless Wedding:

After Six Crepe Dress at Dessy.com (See Price)

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For a Spring Wedding:

Lovely Style Cowl-Neck Midi Tank Dress at Dessy.com (See Price)

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Most Comfortable:

Show Me Your Mumu Emily Empire Maxi Dress at Showmeyourmumu.com ($78)

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For a Bold Bridal Party:

Staud Cutout Maxi Dress at Net-a-Porter (See Price)

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Most Body-Hugging

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

Lulus

View On Lulus $59

With a flattering off-the-shoulder neckline and high-low silhouette, this black bridal party dress feels fresh for any style of wedding. Mix it with various shapes or have your entire lineup rock this modern style.

For a Sophisticated Wedding

Social Bridesmaids Chiffon Trumpet Gown

Social-bridesmaids-v-neck-back-tie-chiffon-trumpet-gown

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $221 View On Dessy.com View On Verishop.com $193

It doesn't get more sophisticated than this chiffon column gown. Featuring super clean lines and a flattering neckline, we love this silhouette for a formal affair. Plus, the drapey back tie lends a romantic touch and will look stunning in all your photos.

Best Halter-Neck

BHLDN Serephina Dress

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn $220

A halter neckline is universally flattering, highlighting your shoulders and arms just so. The ruched detailing on this dress gives it a distinctive feel. Style with shoulder-grazing earrings to draw even more attention to this exquisite neckline.

Best Floral Print

Reformation Nadira Dress

Reformation

View On Reformation $278 View On Farfetch.com $278 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $278

A black bridal party dress doesn't always mean you have to go solid. Case in point: this romantic floral print with a sweetheart neckline, a bustier-style bodice, and pretty tie straps.

Best Cutouts

Amsale Black Dress

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Modern side cutouts give this timeless dress a fashion-forward feel. Don't worry—the unique design won't steal the spotlight from the couple of honor! What's more, this sleek dress could easily be worn again making it a smart investment for any formal wardrobe.

Most Sweet

After Six Chiffon Bridal Party Dress

After-six-bowed-tie-shoulder-chiffon-dress-with-tiered-ruffle-skirt

Dessy

View On Dessy.com

Romantic as ever, this chiffon gown features bow-tie straps and ruffle detailing. We love it for a garden wedding or an outdoor venue with lots of flowers and greenery. Follow the styling lead and complete your bridal party look with a bouquet of fresh white flowers.

For a Timeless Wedding

After Six Crepe Dress

After-six-draped-backless-crepe-dress-with-pockets

Dessy

View On Dessy.com

We love a classic bateau neckline for timeless sophistication. As an unexpected twist, this style features a draped back and one of our favorite dress features: pockets!

For a Spring Wedding

Lovely Style Cowl-Neck Midi Tank Dress

View On Dessy.com

Channel '90s style with this midi dress with an elegant cowl neck. Keep things sleek by finishing with a simple metallic sandal and delicate jewelry. We love this timeless style for a spring semi-formal wedding.

The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

Most Comfortable

Show Me Your Mumu Emily Empire Maxi Dress

Show-me-your-mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com $78

This empire maxi dress is as comfortable as it is flattering. With sheer romantic sleeves and a floaty skirt, you'll feel elegant as ever in this effortless design.

For a Bold Bridal Party

Staud Cutout Maxi Dress

Staud-jayla-one-shoulder-crystal-embellished-cutout-maxi-dress

Net-a-porter

View On Net-a-Porter

No rule says cutouts should be barred from wedding party attire. This gathered gown by Staud features a one-shoulder neckline and side cutout framed with dazzling crystals. It's an impeccable style for a bolder moment and is sure to make your bridal party feel like a million bucks.

Best Gown

Galina Signature Bridal Party Dress

Galina-signature-charmeuse-strapless-a-line-bridal-party-dress

Davidsbridal

View On David's Bridal

Pared-back and sleek, this strapless gown is as versatile as it is classic. Utterly stunning in black, we also love the idea of styling it with a mix of jewel tones in the fall or winter. Plus, the A-line silhouette is flattering for all body types.

Best Lace Style

Lulus Lace Maxi Dress

View On Lulus $88

Lace isn't relegated to brides. A lacy black bridal party dress like this maxi style is utterly romantic and sweet. Wear yours with a sleek updo so as to showcase the alluring open-back detail.

Best Midi

ASTR The Label Gaia Dress

Amazon

View On Revolve $98 View On Nordstrom $35 View On Bloomingdales $49

This super-sleek spaghetti strap gown is perfect for a pared-back look. The simplicity feels very '90s supermodel-chic, too! Style this simple yet striking silhouette with a pair of strappy sandals, delicate earrings, and, a bold lip.

Best Strapless

Black Halo Divina Gown

Shopbop

View On Nordstrom $575 View On Shopbop.com $575

This strapless gown comes with an architectural feel to it—a look we love for a formal black tie wedding or slick city venue. The slit at the back makes it functional for dancing at the reception, too!

For a New Year's Eve Wedding

The Vampire's Wife Jacquard Maxi Dress

The-vampires-wife-the-night-flight-floral-jacquard-maxi-dress

Modaoperandi

View On Modaoperandi.com $1,006

This gown comes with princess-like puff sleeves, but that hardly prevents it from feeling edgy and dramatic. With a sheen to the fabric, it's an outstanding choice for a nighttime ceremony and equally festive on New Year's Eve.

For a Fashion-Forward Wedding

Name of Love Joan Dress

Name-of-love

View On Nameoflove.com

This strapless gown was designed to stand out, featuring a unique rounded shape that will beautifully highlight your upper body. Cut in a heavyweight crepe; it's incredibly well-made for a luxe look.

Most Sexy

Fame and Partners Callais Dress

Fame-and-partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

This refined gown is ideal for a more experimental bridal parties. Featuring a plunging ruffled neckline and high slit, it strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and sexy.

Best Long Sleeves

Lulus Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

Lulus

View On Lulus $69

This long sleeve black gown is perfect for fall and winter weddings. Accentuate the look by styling in a statement earring in rhinestones, a mix of metals, or pearls.

Best Slip Dress

Birdy Grey Lisa Long Dress Curve

View On Birdygrey.com $99

We love a simple slip dress in black, and this Birdy Grey style feels so fresh for a modern lineup of bridal party members. The softly draped cowl neckline beautifully offsets the thigh-high slit for an elegant look.

For a Summer Wedding

Reformation Lissa Dress

The Reformation

View On Reformation $278

You can wear black to a summer wedding! This midi dress—which is cut from lightweight and breezy linen—is so sweet for warm-weather "I do's."

What to Look For in Black Bridal Party Dresses

Timeless and versatile, black bridal party dresses make for a polished and cohesive bridal party look. What’s more, black bridal party dresses come in a wide range of silhouettes, fabrics, and price points to accommodate everyone in your crew. Even better? A LBD is something your bridal party will actually want to wear again.

When it comes to shopping for black bridal party dresses, it’s important to find a style that matches your venue, dress code, and overall vibe of your wedding. For example, floor-length gowns cut from silky satin or heavyweight crepe are always a fitting choice for a black-tie affair, while chiffon or linen midi dresses are great options for spring, summer, and destination weddings.

FAQ

Are black bridal party dresses appropriate?

Yes, and they're often seen as a classy, elegant color choice. A nice way to have the dresses stand out is to have each bridal party member wear the same color but a different style of dress.
What color flowers go best with black bridal party dresses?

This really depends on your wedding theme as well as the time of year which will determine what flowers are in season. With that said, white flowers contrast nicely, or if you're looking for a darker mood, go for red wine shades along with darker greenery.
What color shoes go best with black bridal party dresses?

Pretty much any color pairs well with black—including metallic or prints.

Why Trust Brides

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry (she pens the occasional beauty conundrum and travel essay too). Her work can be found across various outlets, including ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, The Zoe Report, Well+Good, and Barneys New York, among other titles and brands. She was the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and POPSUGAR, and she has additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.

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