If I asked you ‘Would you wear a black dress?’ the chances are you’d reply ‘Of course’ without having to think about it. However if I asked you ‘Would you dress your bridesmaids in black?’ chances are you’d either immediately refuse or have to have a good long think about it. This assumption is based on the reactions of many brides I’ve worked with that having loved black as a staple wardrobe shade, still wouldn’t consider incorporating it into their big day or many other occasions for that matter! But why? Why do we tend to hesitate when it comes to wearing black to weddings? After all black is timeless, black is classy, black is elegant, black is incredibly forgiving, black is beautiful.
So what’s the big deal?
It seems that many of us still see black as code word for sombre, yet teamed up with the right accessories black can be the epitome of beauty, style and sophistication – begone all those morbid thoughts of typical funeral attire! Just take a peek at this stunning image and you’ll understand completely…
Thanks to Givenchy, here is one of the most iconic black dresses of our time!
Are you getting any hint of grave-side mourner or grim reaper? Nope, me either.
However, for us mere mortals who’s purse strings don’t exactly stretch to the Haute Couture boutiques of Paris, I’ve managed to uncover a few high street gems that are just as visually delicious in their own unique way – and with a price tag that doesn’t drain your complexion as well as your life savings. With the right accessories you too could have your very own Aubrey Hepburn inspired leading ladies, so take a peek at these black beauties….
1) This sumptuous Lori Lee maxi gown is available from the rails of Coast, with its beautifully cinched waist and faux gems you’ll be sure to bring a touch of opulence to the occasion. A hidden feature is the incredible key-hole style back that is simply stunning!
2) This Felix Maxi, also available from Coast is the epitome of elegance. This beautiful floor sweeping gown skims over the bust and follows your curves ever so gracefully, it can also be cinched at the waist to create a little bit of added definition using the embellished slim-line belt.
3) This fun pleated ‘fit & flare’ dress sits playfully on the knees, perfect for showing off an eye-catching pair of stilettos don’t you think? The gown also boasts a wonderfully wide waist tie feature that is perfect for enhancing those feminine curves! Available from M&S.
4) For those of you who still like the idea of a little bit of colour on your frock, take a peek at this stunning JS Collection offering available from House of Fraser. This beautiful lace panel gown has a deep raspberry tone under the lace to create a sumptuous pop of colour *swoon*
5) I couldn’t believe my eyes when I stumbled across this beautiful Wallis maxi, also available at House of Fraser. Not only is it super flattering thanks to the beautiful ruched detailing, it also boast an impressive 3D necklace trim – best of all *brace yourselves* it’s currently on sale for a mere £48!! Yes, you are reading correctly… in fact why are you still here?! Go grab your gown girl!
Black for any occasion should never conjure up visions of doom & gloom, in fact it’s the perfect way to play with a multitude of other colours! It’s perfect teamed up with the likes of beautifully bright fuscias or you can rock the metallic’s by opting for glam gold accessories. Whatever your taste black can look amazing, plus it’s an incredibly easy colour to wear time and time again. I dread to think how many girls have old bridesmaid dresses stuffed at the back of their wardrobe, that will never again see the light of day; and so with that said, I’ll leave you with these wise words from Karl Lager field…
Do you have a favourite little black dress? How would you feel about your maids dressed in black – yay or nay? What colour contrast would you add to liven up a black themed wedding?
Whatever your thought’s do let me know, as always I love reading them in the comments below 🙂
Love this post Karen! I always turn to black if I ever feel I need to dress up – there’s something just so sophisticated about a black dress or ball gown I think! The pictures on Pinterest of black bridesmaids always look so classy too – so if it fits in with your theme then why not? 🙂 xxx
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Thanks so much Hayley 🙂 I love black too – I think it’s such a versatile, classic colour. One of the most amazing weddings I ever seen was a theme of black & gold – it was incredibly sophisticated and timeless. I’m a fan 🙂 X
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Reblogged this on British Blonde.
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I’ve only just spotted this in my ‘pending’ folder *grrrr* – so my apologies for such a late response lovely!! Thank you so much for Re-Blogging, huuuuuugely appreciated 🙂 Xo
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Aw youre so sweet! Ita ok hun i never expect people to reply xo
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Awwh, well you’ll always get a reply from me – if you don’t you know WordPress has ate it on me and I’ll stumble upon it at some stage!!! lol Again, thank you so much, greatly appreciated! Have a super week 🙂 Xo
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You too chick!xo
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Oh, that Coast dress is amazing!!!
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Which one has caught your eye Anne? I’m in love with both the coast gowns – so beautiful 🙂 K x
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Oh the first one without question: I adore lace! The little sparkly belt is also pretty, just too bad I don’t have any formal occasions coming up 😦
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Isn’t it gorgeous – lace is one of my all time fav materials, so beautiful. Awwwh, what a shame, maybe one day eh? 😉 x
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Black is my favourite colour (and I probably own too many black clothes). These dresses are so beautiful 😀
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I’m a black-obsessive too Lynne 😀 Aren’t they gorgeous? X
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I wish I could have all those dresses 😀
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Me too!!! 😀 X
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I currently own three black dresses and am eyeing two more. You cannot go wrong with a little black dress! #3 is my favorite, I love a good fit and flare.
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I completely agree Julia – I own one!!!! Time to update the collection me thinks hehe 😉 Thanks for commenting x
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I’m an all black-everything kind of person! I find you can’t go wrong and you can easily dress it up with statement jewels.
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I agree Romy – it’s a safe/classic choice that never lets you down, dressing it up is so much fun!! 🙂 X
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People are quite apprehensive when it comes to wearing black to a wedding. I have also noticed. It’s quite strange actually. I know I also wouldn’t necessarily reach for black if it was my wedding. I love these dresses though! They are so gorgeous. 🙂
I am absolutely nuts about black dresses. I can’t stop buying them. 😀 Xx
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Aren’t they beautiful Nadine!!! I completely understand – many brides are a little apprehensive, it’s an unusual colour to choose (for many) I only have one lbd – can you believe it?! Time for a shopping spreeeeee 😀 hehe X
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That sounds like the perfect excuse! 😉 You can never have too many LBDs. I currently have five. 😀 xx
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Oooh, lucky duck 😉 X
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I am not so sure my shopping habits are so good for my bank account though. :’D xx
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Haaa – something else we have in common Nadine 😀 X
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We are twins at heart, it seems. 😉 x
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Great post Karen! I love your dress picks! Especially #4. I would consider having my bridesmaids wear black because I think of it as more elegant and classy. Though I already have my wedding colors picked out for my dream wedding lol. 😉
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Thanks so much Katie – you’re always so encouraging 🙂 I absolutely LOVE #4 too – it combines my fav raspberry colour & material (lace) – what’s there not to love eh? Oooh, you’re clearly a great organiser, I’m sure your dresses will be absolutely gorgeous 🙂 X
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You’re always so welcome Karen! I just love yout posts! ❤ I would like an autumb wedding and I want to use a dark purple and kind of a burnt orange for my colors. Listen to me planning it out and I'm not even engaged yet lol. 🙂 xo
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Oooooooh my gosh – amazing, amazing colours. Autumn is my fav time of year so I get sooo excited at the prospect of a wedding containing all those gorgeous rich tones. How beautiful. Hey – it’s never too soon to start dreaming missy.. just means you’ll be uber organised when he finally pops the question hehe 😀 Thank you so much for such a lovely comment – you really are a gem! K Xo
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You’re welcome Karen and thank you for all of your lovely comments!! 🙂 xo
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So welcome hun 🙂 X
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Ooh, I love #1 and #5!! But I don’t think I would consider putting my bridal party in black unless it was a super formal wedding…I just love color too much! But you have an excellent point about wearability. A black bridesmaid dress definitely would not be relegated to the depths of the closet forever!
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A burst of colour is always gorgeous Amelia 🙂 Yes, black does tend to get worn a bit more after – especially with bridesmaids who opt for getting it shortened into a LBD! 1 & 5 are very beautiful 🙂 X
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Love this post Karen! I agree black is timeless and chic. My wedding colors were black and white and my bridesmaids wore black dresses. So I have no problem with this idea for a wedding. Plus, like you mentioned there is nothing worse then having another bridesmaid dress that you won’t ever wear. My bridesmaids have since worn their dresses on a few occasions. 🙂
http://laceandpearlsblog.com
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Thank you so much Asa 🙂 I adore black – it really is such a classy choice – you have great taste in my humble opinion girl 😀 Wonderful that your ladies have got extra wear from their dresses too!! K x
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Aww thanks Karen! You’re too kind. I am grateful that my bridesmaids liked their dresses and could re-wear. It’s unfortunate to pay so much for a one time thing.
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So welcome & such a valid point Asa!!! Just getting ready to upload your Behind the Blog – v excited 🙂 X
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I love a little black dress! However, I also thought for a long minute on if I would have my bridesmaids wear it. I think it is an idea I will always keep, but maybe not use. I have had my heart set on plum if I am going dark. And a fall wedding. But such a lovely post and interesting idea still!!
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Plum is super beautiful – and autumn is my favourite time of year too!! Gee you & Katie from http://www.plusbeautykatie27.wordpress.com have quite a bit in common when it comes to wedding ideas – maybe you’s should collab?! hehe 😀 Thanks for commenting huni, great to read your feedback! X
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Awesome, we should for sure!
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