Fashion + Beauty

Friday, December 11, 2009

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Style 911: Can I Wear Black To My Own Wedding?

“I’ve been reading The Frisky for a month or so (religiously!) and I thought this would be the place to get my questions answered. (You guys always seem to have the answers.) I’m getting married on Oct 31st of this year and want to know if it’s acceptable to wear a black wedding dress. I would pair it with an ivory shawl (in cashmere) with white pearls as accessories. Is this a fashion no-no? I just want something non-traditional and the bridal stores aren’t doing it for me. I’ve found this vintage black cocktail-type dress and hope that I can wear it! Thanks in advance!” —Melissa

Hey Melissa, what’s up? And welcome to The Frisky! Glad you’re here. I love your question because, personally, when it comes to fashion rules, I like to get all rebellious and say there are none. (Eh, OK, maybe just a few…) After the jump, let’s discuss whether a black dress can work for you on your wedding day or not.

So here’s the deal: The only reason that I can see for a bride to wear white to her 2009 wedding is a) it’s her “signatuh coloh” or b) later in life she’ll kick herself for not being more traditional. But since it seems like the color black is more your thang and, clearly, you don’t seem to harbor any old-fashioned visuals of yourself in a big white gown—as you said, the bridal stores aren’t doing it for you—there’s no reason to hold back. Your idea, vintage black with a pretty cashmere shawl and pearls, sounds gorgeous and classic, even if the black is more of a modern twist. And that’s the key: By blending the old and new in a subtle way, you’re ensuring that you’re not pulling any crazy moves you might regret later, but you’ll still look and feel unique and special.

As recently married fashion high priestess Katie Grand said, “I wore an Azzedine Alaïa brown snakeskin dress, which he tortured me for about two months to get into, but at least it’s something I can wear again. I didn’t want some stupid white dress; it seems like such a waste.” But there’s nothing wasteful about your black cocktail dress, which if you so choose and style differently, can be worn again and again and again. (That said, there’s no shame in white dresses, either—it really comes down to you and your individual style.) Congrats and have a great wedding! xoe

Have a fashion or beauty dilemma on your hands? Email your queries to style@thefrisky.com with the subject line “Style 911” and we’ll do our best to help sort you out.

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Comments 1-10 of 31
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__'s Avatar
    Posted by __A_YAHOO_USER__ Fri Sep 4, 2009 12:22pm PDT

    a "little black dress" iz purrfect for a wedding.

    and the bridesmaids?

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  • ♥YogurtLover♥™'s Avatar
    Posted by ♥YogurtLover♥™ Fri Sep 4, 2009 12:25pm PDT

    Why do people put up blogs about blogs? Couldn't you write your own article on the subject instead of hi-jacking another blog?

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  • TAY's Avatar
    Posted by TAY Fri Sep 4, 2009 12:48pm PDT

    If you want to then wear black. Women have worn black for their weddings before. It wasn't until about 1840 when white/off white dresses were favored. Before that those weren't the favored colors. At any rate, what you wear is your choice. You shouldn't have to ask a bunch of strangers if it's okay. Just pick a color and go with it.

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  • Mariah's Avatar
    Posted by Mariah Fri Sep 4, 2009 1:00pm PDT

    I love the idea of being non-traditional. Personally it's not my style, but I say go for it. If you look great and you're confident in it, you'll be happy years even years from now.

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  • KristaB's Avatar
    Posted by KristaB Fri Sep 4, 2009 2:10pm PDT

    i got married on halloween last year. i wore a black fitted 1940's vintage reproduction dress, a cream colored fascinator, and cream heels. i LOVED it. :) i revel in the idea that my dress is appropriate enough to wear again, and again for all sorts of occasions.

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  • elle's Avatar
    Posted by elle Fri Sep 4, 2009 2:25pm PDT

    I think getting married in a black vintage cocktail dress is a YES! More important that other people's opinions, is that this is YOUR wedding and YOUR day. If you feel sexy and confident getting married in a black vintage number, then that is the dress you need to wear. Being traditional works for some and not for others and there is nothing wrong with that. Wear the dress that makes you feel special and sexy on that day and go with your gut. More importantly, enjoy you and your future husbands day.

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  • Writers_block's Avatar
    Posted by Writers_block Fri Sep 4, 2009 2:57pm PDT

    Black wedding dresses were popular during the Victorian era. It wasn't until Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding in 1840 that it became common. Even then other colors weren't unusual, most brides couldn't afford a dress that was only worn once and prefered something more useful.

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  • Alison's Avatar
    Posted by Alison Fri Sep 4, 2009 3:03pm PDT

    I wouldn't. It's not a bad thing to wear black, but I would just stick with tradition. Besides, getting married is a good thing. Wearing black makes it look like you're sad about something.

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  • mattythemongoose's Avatar
    Posted by mattythemongoose Fri Sep 4, 2009 3:54pm PDT

    I wore a little black Betsey Johnson dress to my wedding last year! I rocked that dress & I am totally happy with my decision! On the other hand Sarah Jessica Parker regrets wearing Black on her wedding day. I guess it's up in the air on whether you will regret it later or not, I just know I don't. I wish you best of luck & Congrats on the Engagement!

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  • D-'s Avatar
    Posted by D- Sun Sep 6, 2009 6:00am PDT

    i personally love tha idea., thts your big day nd tha last think you wana do is be somethin your not, so if youd lyke 2 wear black then do it, u shuldnt care bout wht anyone thinks, plus i think tht wuld be cute bc its halloween, you know almost lyke a theme.., i think its a go.

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Comments 1-10 of 31

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