Ever since Vera Wang opened my eyes to the beauty of a bold colour with her 2012 and 2013 collections, I have been more than a little obsessed with brides abandoning tradition and eschewing the conventional white gown for something a little more dark and oh so decadent. And as the nights draw in and we count down the days to Halloween, there can be no better time of year to embrace this look!

Of course, whilst a black wedding dress is the perfect choice for a spooky celebration these gorgeous gowns aren’t just for goths or All Hallow’s Eve affairs! Offering all of the bridal trends we’re loving this year, and starting to see for next: long sleeves, portrait backs, sequins, fishtails, illusion necklines and perfect for the current Victoriana trend!; they’re also a bold choice for any fashion forward bride looking to wow, or the more frugal bride wanting to get some wear out of her wedding dress long after the big day.

Elegant, sophisticated, and creating the most sleek of silhouettes black is the trusty shade we ladies have long turned to for special occasions. And what occasion is more special than your wedding? So, if you’re looking for a dress that will make a bold fashion statement, but is no less bride-worthy, beautiful or romantic; here are 22 of the most stunning black wedding dresses – including some straight from the catwalks for 2017……and yes I know I promised 30, the other 8 are here too I promise!

Sareh Nouri // Photography ~ Laura Gordon

Naeem Khan

Saiid Kobeisy

Claire Pettibone’s Into the Sunset Collection

Zuhair Murad

And of course the designer who started it all didn’t disappoint with this fabulous take on the separates trend featuring a black ostrich feather skirt *swoon*…….

Vera Wang

Photography ~  Jessica Claire via Green Wedding Shoes

Night ~ Lilu Bridal

Eva Poleschinski // Photography ~ Ladies & Lord via Southbound Bride

Claire La Faye // Photography ~ Mari Sabra Photography via Artfully Wed

Glam of the Free Maxi Dress ~ Modcloth

Lace V-Neck Wedding Dress ~ Cathy Telle

Photography ~ Megan Robinson via Green Wedding Shoes

Chic Little Devil Style House // Photography ~ This Modern Romance via MOD Weddings

Gala Gown ~ Cleo & Clementine

Emily Riggs

Artemis Photography via Artfully Wed

Galia Lahav

Black Lace V Neck Wedding Dress ~ Cathy Telle

Black Long Sleeve Wedding Dress ~ Cathy Telle

Anemone ~ Lilu Bridal

I especially love this velvet gown (velvet is predicted to be a BIG trend in 2017) from Badgely Mischka…..

Accents of Black

Or for any brides not wanting to shy too far away from the traditional white, but still wanting to add some drama to your wedding day look, how about some accents of black? Create a softer look that is still unique by pairing it with a more traditional, romantic and lighter shade: white, nude, silver or even blue all work well to contrast and really highlight the design details. These final divine 8 of my 30 dresses prove you don’t have to go all black to wow on your wedding day.…..

Saiid Kobeisy

Elizabeth Mackenzie Designs // Photography ~ Luna de Mare Photography via SMP

Chi Chi London ~ ASOS

Premium Lace Midi Dress ~ Chi Chi London

Emily Riggs

Black Silk Chiffon Wedding Dress ~ Cathy Telle

Petal Embroidered Gown ~ Needle & Thread

Saiid Kobeisy

*sigh* all of these black beauties just make me wish I had been a bit bolder when I was a bride! If nothing else it might have meant I got an opportunity to wear my wedding dress again – another good reason to choose a colour over the traditional white meringue! If you loved these you may want to take a look at my first selection – you can see them here. Oh and if they have you wanting more in the way of unique dresses, then do take a peek at these gorgeous floral frocks, and pop across to Chic Vintage Brides Pinterest page where I have a whole board dedicated to coloured wedding dresses! With over 250 pins you fill find plenty there to have you swooning.

Amy

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