to have black bridesmaid dresses?

[BlackTieEvent]

Hey! I’m getting married this November, and pretty much immediately decided on having black bridesmaid dresses.

It’s an evening wedding at kinda an “upscale” venue, where a lot of the decor is cream, gold, brown wood and black accents. Very formal, and classic.

Husband and his groomsmen will all be in black, and I love synchronicity, so the idea of my bridesmaids matching the groomsmen really stands out to me. Plus, black is versatile and can be reworn.

A friend of mine (not a bridesmaid) went off on me when I showed her a pic of my bridesmaid dresses inspiration (not purchased yet, as bridesmaids are picking out their own styles). She told me it would be like attending a funeral, and bridesmaids are supposed to be colorful and bright. I reminded her that I’m not really a color person, as I prefer neutral tones anyway (my favorite color is genuinely white). She said “well I won’t be wearing black” and I reminded her I wasn’t asking her to. Guests can wear whatever they like - I don’t mind if someone shows up in pjs, as long as everyone has a nice time!! She then said “everyone is going to hate it but won’t want to tell you. You’re making a mistake.”

The whole thing has left me baffled. So what do you think? AIBU to have my bridesmaids in black?

I plan on letting my bridesmaid choose their own styles. All of them have already chosen quite classic styles (one off the shoulder, one is a halter neck, etc). It’s important to me that they choose what they feel most comfortable and confident in as one silhouette doesn’t always fit all

I’d do exactly what you want. Who cares if it’s usual, traditional, or anything else? I think it will look really classy.

I’ve been married almost 30yrs and was talked into a white wedding dress, when I wanted a coloured one. I wish I’d not listened.

Oh no! Lilac is one of those colours where it either suits you or doesn’t. Personally, I hate it, but a cousin had lilac dresses and they were fab.

I was a bridesmaid 3 years ago, and wore a gorgeous blue ball gown. Lovely fit, so cute… but hasn’t been touched since. I’d like my bridesmaids to get some use out of their dresses if at all possible so any “out there” colours wouldn’t work

Sounds amazing and very stylish. I love black and if I was ever a bridesmaid would be very pleased to be asked to wear black as it really suits me and I feel comfortable and attractive in it. I've only been a bridesmaid once for my sister and she let us have free reign on a blue dress, any shade. I wore midnight blue velvet. So almost black! If I was asked to be a bridesmaid and wear any shade of pastel I'd say no, seriously. Black or dark jewel colours all the way.

Sounds great. Nothing like the shiny taffeta, off the shoulder, bejeweled thing I was in 😂 lucky bridesmaids!

Your wedding. Your choice.

But I think it sounds awful.

I know that is the done thing in the USA, do you live there? Sorry I’m afraid that I don’t like back for weddings I find it too funereal.

*black

Personally I'd go navy as I think it has a similar vibe, goes with white, gold and wood etc, but a bit more forgiving colour. But black is fine!

Nope, I live in Ireland

i attended a goth/natured wedding in feb
ceremony was in the local forest then back to the social club

it was amazing, all dark purples blacks and blood red décor and dresses.

brides were both in a short rich purple gown, all piecing's and tattoos and hairstyles and makeup of a typical goth

majority of guests were either goth, same sex couples or classed as alternative

as a atheist i loved it as i cant sit through a traditional church wedding

you wear what you want

I told my my sole bridesmaid to wear what she wanted. She wore a black suit with a lilac pinstripe. She looked amazing. I loved it.

It’s a no from me. I suspect that if you have black dresses lots of guests will complement you on your bridesmaid dress colour to your face, then discuss you unfavourably behind your back. However it doesn’t matter what random people think, it’s what you are happy with that matters. I personally like bright colours and I feel that black looks somber, formal and like a work do rather than a fun occasion. Another poster has mentioned wearing black to a goth wedding and black clad bridesmaids would fit in with that as there’s a gothic theme but as it looks like you are having a more traditional wedding black doesn’t seem quite right. Off topic (sort off) but it makes me think of the Spidernan movie where MJ jilts her fiancé at the altar to run off with Spider-Man. The black clad bridesmaids are clearly meant to symbolise negativity.
Lots of posters here suggesting that black dresses look stunning and amazing but I would take what MN posters say with a large pinch of salt. There are so many posts on Style and Beauty where someone posts a photo of a shocking looking tent, asks for opinions and everyone says how gorgeous and flattering it looks.
Go with your gut, sounds like you have a few doubts yourself. Good luck with your wedding 💐

I'd love to be a bridesmaid in black. Elegant AND I CAN WEAR IT AGIAIN!!! I have a load of lilac, pink, eggshell, satin monstrosities,.. oh for a nice black dress. You sound like a lovely bride

Sounds gorgeous to me.

I've been a bridesmaid twice. Once in black and one in navy. Not sure if that helps!

If it's a winter wedding black velvet would look good.
Just have what you like, black is not just for a funeral, and that tradition is changing now anyhow.

I am in Ireland too.

I had black bridesmaid dresses 12 years ago, nobody said anything about it to me and my BMs loved them, so all good as far as I know.

Definitely not funeral like, I don't think an Irish wedding could be mistaken for an Irish funeral based on two women wearing a black dress.

Your granny not liking green isn't unusual though, green is (was?) considered unluckily. One reason (among others) you don't see many green cars here.