Choosing the right colour for your bridesmaids’ dresses is a challenge. You need it to match your venue decor, look great on your bridesmaids’ different body types, and be easy enough to find at a shop. Most brides choose a soft blush, romantic baby blues, or elegant deep reds…but why not stand out and challenge the status quo with black bridesmaid dresses?
Black gowns are timeless, modern, and effortlessly chic. Plus, everyone likes an LBD (a.k.a. long black dress). If you want a style that’s versatile and universally flattering, you can’t go wrong with a black bridesmaid dress. Here’s our guide on choosing the right frock, plus our top picks for the best black bridesmaid dresses in Australia.
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How To Choose The Right Bridesmaid Dresses
Weather
You should always consider what the weather is going to be like during your wedding. Is it in the colder months? Choose a bridesmaid dress that’s long and has sleeves. Is it at the peak of summer? A short strapless dress would be more comfortable.
Location
Like weather, your wedding venue is a great guideline when choosing dresses for your entourage. Casual beach or outdoor dresses can be junior or tea-length, while grand indoor celebrations at a hotel ballroom would call for something more modest and elegant.
Body Types
Even though tons of dresses claim to be “one size fits all”, the truth is that different styles will flatter different body types. It might be possible to choose a dress that all of your bridesmaids will look good in, especially if they have similar body types and sizes.
But if your entourage ranges from petite to plus size, consider the option of “mismatched” bridesmaid dresses in the same colour palette to accommodate the wide variety of shapes your bridesmaids come in!
Aesthetic
What your bridesmaids wear needs to match with the overall tone of your wedding. For garden weddings, floral dresses would go perfectly with the setting. For more traditional and conservative ceremonies, you might want to choose maxi dresses in classic silhouettes like A-line, mermaid, or sheath gowns.
Budget
Whether you’re paying for your bridesmaids’ dresses or not, an affordable bridesmaid dress is a MUST. Lace, chiffon, and satin are all gorgeous materials, but they are also very expensive. So if you want to save some money without sacrificing style, go for minimalist designs and single-fabric dresses.
The Top Black Bridesmaid Dresses In Australia
10. ASOS Design Tulle One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Store: ASOS
Price: $AUD 136
The use of tulle really softens this otherwise serious-looking bridesmaid dress. Plus, who can beat the convenience and affordability of an ASOS gown?
9. Black Infinity Gown
Store: The Gown House
Price: $AUD 99
If you want something that’s cheap yet versatile, meet the black infinity gown from The Gown House. No need to choose just one dress to fit your whole entourage – your bridesmaids can style this however they want!
8. Flora Pleated Dress
Store: The Iconic
Price: $AUD 139.95
Simple, elegant, and minimalist, this black dress from The Iconic works for every occasion. Finally, a bridesmaid dress you’ll want to use again and again!
7. Escala Dress
Store: Fame And Partners
Price: $AUD 349
Fame and Partners’ Escala dress is both sophisticated and sexy. This maxi dress has a flattering deep V-neck, open back, and thigh-high slit – and the optional train is just stunning.
6. Cassie Cocktail Dress
Store: White Runway
Price: $AUD 350
This classic off-the-shoulder midi dress is actually a two-in-one. It comes with detachable sleeves, so you can transform it into a strapless gown.
5. Annalise
Store: Bridesmaids Only
Price: $AUD 280
This high-neck ruched dress by Shona Joy is as simple and sleek as they come.
4. Core Cocktail Dress
Store: Shona Joy
Price: $AUD 280
We love Aussie designer Shona Joy, so we had to include another one of her creations. This particular cocktail dress is a Shona Joy signature and comes in an iconic bridesmaid silhouette.
3. Be Mine Off-Shoulder Dress
Store: Bec + Bridge
Price: $AUD 250
Want to give your bridesmaids a dress they can wear to any other event? Then choose this universally-appropriate off-shoulder frock.
2. Bali Dress
Store: Reformation
Price: $AUD 678
The sweetheart neckline and mermaid silhouette add romance and drama to any ceremony. Just make sure to secure that front with tape!
1. Enchantment Dress
Store: Alabaster the Label
Price: $AUD 279
Take it over the top with this stunning black sequin dress from Alabaster the Label.
Conclusion
Black used to be a big no-no at weddings, it was seen as an unlucky colour. But times are a-changing, and black is becoming more and more acceptable. Why not break tradition and dress your bridesmaids in black? Plus, it will help you and your white wedding dress really stand out!
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