Are black and white wedding dresses traditional?

While this style isn't as traditional as pure white or ivory gowns, black and white are classic wedding hues, and blending them together is a sophisticated and timeless choice. This is a great solution if you’re not a fan of a straight white gown, but don’t want to fully eschew the white bridal aesthetic.

Can I wear a black and white wedding dress to my religious ceremony?

The good news: There typically aren’t any color rules for houses of worship. That said, if you’re getting married in a religious setting, it’s a good idea to check with the ceremony venue before buying your gown, just in case your specific location has any clothing rules (such as your shoulders need to be covered or you can/can’t wear a colored gown).

Are black and white wedding dresses expensive?

As with most wedding gowns, prices vary greatly depending on where you purchase your gown, what materials it’s made out of, and who the designer is. Typically the more embellished or ornate the gown is, the pricier it’ll be, but there are plenty of options for every budget, so chances are you’ll be able to find something within your vision and within your budget for the big day.

18 Best Black and White Wedding Dresses of 2022

black tie wedding dress — Courtesy of Galia Lahav

When you think of a bride’s wedding day look, chances are you picture a beautiful white wedding dress. In the modern age, however, brides and taking the opportunity to veer away from the expected and lean into their personal aesthetics more and more on the big day. For some, that means short dresses and bridal suits. For others, that may mean black and white wedding dresses.

These multi-hued gowns are growing in popularity thanks to their sophistication and uniqueness that seamlessly blend with the classic bridal look. From white gowns with touches of black details to elaborately colored and adorned gowns that look straight out of a dream, we’re starting to think it was love at first sight with tuxedo-inspired frocks.

Check out some of our favorite black and white wedding dresses below that’ll stun your guest and give off an unstoppable air of style and stateliness.

For Fashion-Forward Brides: Houghton Alexis Gown

black flowers wedding dress — Courtesy of Haughton

If you view the aisle as your runway, it doesn’t get more stylish than Houghton’s Alexis Gown. With its high, French Chantilly lace neck, long sleeves paired with a curve-hugging silhouette, and floral appliques, you’ll feel as fierce as you will bridal.

Price at time of publish: $9,000

Moody-Hued Favorite: Azazie Persephone BG

black wedding dress — Courtesy of Azazie

Looking for a black bridal dress that still has a pop of white? Azazie’s Persephone has a peek-a-boo black and white lace bodice and a brilliant white skirt, under black tulle, to marry edgy and classically bridal in one exquisite gown.

Price at time of publish: $359

Best Dipped Skirt: Sweet Caroline Styles Cordelia Skirt in Caviar

One of the best things about a bridal skirt is you can easily pair it with any type of top you want—and can switch it out between the ceremony and reception for two different looks. Opt for this sweeping white-to-black dipped option from Sweet Caroline Styles for a marvelously modern look.

Price at time of publish: $1,550

Best Mini: Vera Wang Carmen Dress

white wedding dress with black puffy sleeves — Courtesy of Vera Wang

This perfect mini makes dancing easy in the most fashionable way. Extra bonus: The bold black balloon sleeves add extra drama, which will make you stand out all night long.

Price at time of publish: Not listed

Most Modern: BCBGMAXAZRIA Draped Evening Gown

black and white wedding dress — Courtesy of Runway Catalog

Can’t decide between a black or white gown? This draped dress from BCBGMAXAZRIA splits the choice right down the middle with a fabulous ruffle and knotted neckline detail.

Price at time of publish: $740

Best Budget: Azazie Adelaide BG

black lace wedding dress — Courtesy of Azazie

If you’re dreaming of a princess ballgown but don’t want to break the bank, Azazie’s Adelaide‚which comes in a variety of hues—boasts layers of fluffy tulle, a chapel train, and a boned bust that will give you that regal feel without eliciting a call from your credit card company.

Price at time of publish: $559

Favorite Pop of White: Alexander McQueen Crystal-Embellished Scoop-Back Dress

black dress with pearl details — Courtesy of FarFetch

If a sleek black gown is your wedding day vision, but you still want a pop of white to check off that “bridal” box, this superb Alexander McQueen gown with its crystal and pearl-line scooped back and front detail will immediately have your feeling those “I do” vibes.

Price at time of publish: $8,590

Most Comfortable: Gabriela Hearst Abbey Lace-Trimmed Cotton And Silk Dress

white with black mid section wedding dress — Courtesy of Matchesfashion

You might not think cotton works for a wedding gown, but this Gabriela Hearst’s Abbey dress—featuring a bodice made from jersey cotton and a skirt of bias-cut silk velour—proves otherwise. Bonus: The added black lace at the waist adds a touch of romantic and whimsy while defining your natural curves.

Price at time of publish: $3,490

Best Convertible Sleeves: Platinum Lace And Tulle V-Neck Long Sleeve Ball Gown In Black Blush Ivory

black lace overall wedding dress — Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

From the bold floral lace, black detail overlay, and glamorous V-neckline, there’s so much to love about this Adrianna Papell gown. The best part? It's long, detachable black lace sleeves that can quickly convert your look from ceremony to reception.

Price at time of publish: Not listed

For the Elegant Bride: Carolina Herrera Cut-Out Tulle-Layered Gown

black top with white bottom wedding dress — Courtesy of FarFetch

If you're into tulle wedding gowns, then this elegant-meets-edgy Carolina Herrera’s layered, cut-out dress is for you. With a fitted black bodice on top that gives way to a tulle, A-line skirt, brides who want to turn heads while still nodding to timeless beauty have finally met their match.

Price at time of publish: $4,195

For the Chic Bride: Erdem Angelique Crystal-Embellished Chantilly-Lace Dress

black bow wedding dress — Courtesy of Matchesfashion

From the bold, black bow strap details, to the sophisticated crepe and satin drape, to the crystal and faux-pearl flower embellishment, this Erdem Angelique dress is the definition of sophistication and style.

Price at time of publish: $7,115

For Sparkle Lovers: Naeem Khan Beaded Sequin V Neck Gown

black glitter gown — Courtesy of Runway Catalog

Nonstop sequins make up this sultry, sparkling Naeem Khan gown. The low-V neckline elongates the torso while the subtle-yet-strategic chevron pattern adds some "va-va-voom" to your curves for a balanced but showstopping bridal look.

Price at time of publish: Not listed

For a Courthouse Wedding: Betsy & Adam Fit & Flare Tuxedo Dress

black tue wedding dress — Courtesy of Macy

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw in style by rocking a blazer wedding dress, like this formal tuxedo-inspired attire for your courthouse “I dos” and post-wedding celebrations.

Price at time of publish: $140

For Fairytale Weddings: MywonyBridal Calypso Nightfall

black etsy wedding dress — Courtesy of Etsy

Layer upon later of soft lavender, blue, grey, white, and black tulle make up the fairytale worthy skirt of MywonyBridal’s custom-made gown that, when paired with the detached, strapless lace bodice, creates a one-of-a-kind castle-worthy look.

Price at time of publish: $2,199

Most Playful: Galia Lahav Couture Dove Gown

Pretty, playful, and on-trend, this satin ballgown would pair perfectly at any wedding—be it a cottage celebration, or at a vintage-style nuptial.

Price at time of publish: Not listed

Most Whimsical: Needle & Thread Wild Rose Ruffle Gown

ruffle grey dress — Courtesy of Needle & Thread

Ruffles upon ruffles upon ruffles makeup Needle & Thread’s spectacular Wild Rose gown—further elevated by the hard net base of the dress creating a voluminous, sweeping, and oh-so-flattering skirt.

Price at time of publish: $679

Most Classic: Morilee by Madeline Gardner Blu Delaney Wedding Dress

white wedding dress with black belt — Courtesy of Morilee by Madeline Gardner Blu

A-line gowns are perfect for brides who subscribe to classic tastes, and this spectacular dress from Morilee by Madeline Gardner Blu is the one to buy. Pair it with some black heels for an additional pop of flair.

Price at time of publish: Not listed

For Vintage Loving Brides: Marchesa Notte Bead-Embellished Evening Dress

white dress with black detail dress — Courtesy of Farfetch

Whether it’s an art-deco celebration or a vintage romantic wedding, the black sequin art deco details of this Marchesa Notte’s gown are reminiscent of old-world style and elegance that have plenty of modern elements such as the high slit and V-neckline.

Price at time of publish: $995

FAQ

Are black and white wedding dresses traditional?

While this style isn't as traditional as pure white or ivory gowns, black and white are classic wedding hues, and blending them together is a sophisticated and timeless choice. This is a great solution if you’re not a fan of a straight white gown, but don’t want to fully eschew the white bridal aesthetic.
Can I wear a black and white wedding dress to my religious ceremony?

The good news: There typically aren’t any color rules for houses of worship. That said, if you’re getting married in a religious setting, it’s a good idea to check with the ceremony venue before buying your gown, just in case your specific location has any clothing rules (such as your shoulders need to be covered or you can/can’t wear a colored gown).
Are black and white wedding dresses expensive?

As with most wedding gowns, prices vary greatly depending on where you purchase your gown, what materials it’s made out of, and who the designer is. Typically the more embellished or ornate the gown is, the pricier it’ll be, but there are plenty of options for every budget, so chances are you’ll be able to find something within your vision and within your budget for the big day.