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.

The 15 Best Black and White Wedding Dresses of 2023

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 dual-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.

Our Top Picks

For Fashion-Forward Brides:

Houghton Alexis Gown at Houghtonnyc.com

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Moody-Hued Favorite:

Azazie Persephone BG at Azazie.com

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Best Budget:

Azazie Adelaide BG at Azazie.com

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Best Convertible Sleeves:

Platinum Lace And Tulle V-Neck Long Sleeve Ball Gown In Black Blush Ivory at Adriannapapell.com

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Most Playful:

Galia Lahav Couture Dove Gown at Galialahav.com

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Most Whimsical:

Needle & Thread Wild Rose Ruffle Gown at Needleandthread.com

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Most Classic:

Morilee by Madeline Gardner Blu Delaney Wedding Dress at Morilee.com

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For the Elegant Bride:

Mac Duggal Colorblock One-Shoulder Satin Gown at Nordstrom

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Best Bow Detail:

Hebeos Sheath Column Stretch Crepe Bowknot One-Shoulder Sleeveless Floor-Length Dresses at Hebeos.com

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For the Elegant Bride:

Lela Rose Two-Tone Off-The-Shoulder Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue

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Houghton NYC

View On Houghtonnyc.com

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

Size range: 0-30 | Materials: Chantilly lace | Length: Floor-length

Courtesy of Azazie

View On Azazie.com

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

Size range: 0-30 | Materials: Tulle | Length: Floor-length

Courtesy of Azazie

View On Azazie.com

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

Size range: 0-30 | Materials: Tulle | Length: Floor-length

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

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: Price available upon request

Size range: 0-30 | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor-length

Courtesy of Galia Lahav

View On Galialahav.com

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: Price available upon request

Size range: Custom-made | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

Courtesy of Needle & Thread

View On Needleandthread.com

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

Size range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length

Courtesy of Morilee by Madeline Gardner Blu

View On Morilee.com

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: Price available upon request

Size range: 0-28 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

Mac Duggal

View On Nordstrom View On Lordandtaylor.com

Having trouble deciding between a black and a white dress? Mac Duggal's one-shoulder dress features a ruffled design in honor of both colors. The colorblock gown epitomizes grace and sophistication with its white draping detail, black belted design, and thigh-high split.

Price at time of publish: $398

Size range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length

Hebeos

View On Hebeos.com

We adore the bowknot detail, which adds a feminine and romantic touch, making it an exquisite choice for a memorable black and white wedding. Its modern sophistication captures the classic allure of a formal wedding celebration. The one-shoulder neckline adds sophistication and modernity.

Price at time of publish: $119

Size range: 2-26 | Materials: Stretch Crepe | Length: Floor-length

Lela Rose

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Lela Rose created this eye-catching dress with an off-the-shoulder bodice that exudes sophistication and femininity. It's a refreshing alternative to more conventional bridal gowns thanks to its clean lines and two-tone color scheme. The embellishment of faux teardrop-shaped pearls makes the gown look more elegant and luxurious. Furthermore, the fit-and-flare silhouette is figure-flattering and feminine because it clings in all the right places and flares out at the hem.

Price at time of publish: $3,290

Size range: 2-16 | Materials: Wool, nylon, elastane | Length: Floor-length

Johanna Ortiz

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Johanna Ortiz's high-low wedding dress is perfect for a creative bride. The designer took cues from her Colombian roots to create a show-stopping evening gown. The contrast between the high-low ruffled hem in black and the deep-V halter neckline in white is both dramatic and playful. This gown is perfect for the bride who isn't afraid to show off her expressive side on her big day.

Price at time of publish: $3,290

Size range: 0-12 | Materials: N/A | Length: high to low length

Sachin & Babi

View On Nordstrom View On Neiman Marcus View On Lyst.com

The Kenzia embellished gown by Sachin & Babi is so charming that it has a major royal essence. In particular, we love to spotlight the brooch-like embellishments on the gown's shoulders, which give it a touch of class.The luxurious and romantic vibe created by the voluminous taffeta fabric is perfect for a formal occasion, while the deep V-neckline and charming crossover back add a touch of glamour and chic respectively. You can't go wrong with this dress if you want your wedding night to feel like something out of a fairy tale.

Price at time of publish: $895

Size range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length

Topshop

View On Asos

This gown is ideal for the bride who wants to look beautiful without trying too hard on her wedding day. For a simple yet luxurious bride, the Topshop dress is a stunning choice. With its sweetheart neckline and detachable straps, this top is both feminine and functional. The crochet bodice design adds a beautiful and intricate detail, enhancing the overall elegance of the dress.

Price at time of publish: $102

Size range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length

The Bar

View On Revolve

If you've always imagined yourself walking down the aisle in all black but with a touch of white to mark you as the bride, then this stunning Grayson gown by The Bar is for you. Your future spouse will be smitten with the halter neck and open back of this dress, as well as the fabulous floral accent that is removable.

Price at time of publish: $568

Size range: 00-10 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length

Tadashi Shoji

View On Neiman Marcus

One of the standout features of this gown is its long sleeves. Tadashi Shoji's use of black and white in bridal fashion is a daring and modern choice, representing a meeting of old and new. The A-line silhouette is universally flattering, drawing attention away from the hips and emphasizing the waist.

Price at time of publish: $488

Size range: 2-20 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length

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.