The venue is packed with friends and family excitedly chatting to themselves. The ring bearer has made their adorable way down the aisle, and the music strikes up Wagner's 'Here comes the bride,' from the Bridal Chorus. Out steps the bride and women worldwide are doing so in red or black dresses. Wait, what?

It's true! Many of today's brides are more interested in shucking tradition and wearing a wedding dress that genuinely befits them. The trend of wearing a black or red wedding dress began roughly at the end of 2021, surged into 2022, and has stayed one of the most popular searched items online since then, meaning red and black wedding dresses are here to stay!

More and more brides are leaning toward bucking the white dress tradition, and we're so excited to support it and explore the topic further with the question: Which dress is the perfect color for you: a red or black bridal dress? Which one should you choose? Which one is right for you?

The Black Bridal Gown

Nowadays, wearing a wedding dress of any color is not considered unusual. More and more brides are choosing black bridal gowns for the same reasons why many women have that little black dress in their wardrobes. Black as a color has grown to symbolize elegance, formality, and modern design. On the big day, if you're wearing a black bridal gown, you're making a bold, resilient, and current statement that is both sophisticated and enchantingly beautiful.

If you're considering a black bridal gown, our designers and experts share our top reasons to choose the black vs. the red bridal dress.

1. It's not surprising that white is perhaps the most challenging shade to keep clean and look immaculate. On your wedding day, especially if you choose an outdoor venue or at least have to travel while wearing the dress, it can be far too easy to find your gown scuffed, grass-stained, or worse. But a black wedding dress? Perfect for avoiding mess and will look stunning for the entire wedding.
2. You can wear your black wedding dress more than once! Whether as is or with a few tailored adjustments, you can wear your black wedding dress as a formal gown, a night-out elegant solution, or even as a guest at another wedding! It's incredibly versatile, and when you spend a considerable amount of money on a garment, why not get your investment's worth?
3. Let's be honest; planning, arranging, and getting everything you need for a wedding can quickly become expensive. In most cases, a black bridal dress may be far less costly than traditional white. If you're working with a limited budget, we highly recommend you consider looking at a black bridal gown—or even a black dress that isn't labeled bridal!
4.  Black wedding dresses are simply beautiful and dramatic, perfect for memorable wedding photos of a modern era of weddings, and are classically formal.

Who Should Wear a Black Wedding Dress?

If you're wondering if it is appropriate to wear a black wedding dress, worry no more, it is! Especially if you're a bride looking to do something new and fresh instead of traditional. A black wedding dress is also perfect if you're a bride who adores the gothic aesthetic. Don't hesitate to embrace a stunning black wedding dress like our Sweetheart Fit and Flare Lo'Adoro Bridal for your big day!

The Red Bridal Gown

Red is a vivid, bold color that has long represented passion and love. The red bridal dress is having its perfect moment this year, and we love it! Deep precious gem tones and vibrant shades are breath-taking in every way, inspiring emotions like excitement, passion, bold romance, and the feeling of individuality.

If you're on the fence about wearing a red bridal gown, here are a few reasons it might be perfect!

1. In many cultures wearing a red bridal gown or outfit is traditional and seen as the norm. In China, Singapore, India, and South Sudan, red is the conventional and expected color to wear on a bride's special day. As a bride, it may be essential to represent the traditions and customs of where you came from. Wearing red is an excellent means of doing so.
2. Much like choosing a black wedding gown, a red bridal dress is ideal for brides to leave the tradition of the white dress behind them and embrace a more modern wedding. A red bridal dress is a unique statement for a special bride! It's a striking hue when paired with a neutral wedding theme too.
3. Because it's your wedding day, and perhaps red is your favorite color. This day is your day, and you should wear what you love!
4. A red wedding gown is just as versatile as a black dress, worn for any celebration, fancy occasion, or a special night out too! It doesn't have to be a one-and-done dress sitting in your closet.

Who Should Wear a Red Bridal Dress?

There are no rules to follow for your wedding if you don't want to. Your wedding should be a day made unforgettable with a dress you will love again and again. However, if you're worried about finding the perfect shade of red that works for you, here are some tips!

• Fair skin with cool undertones looks most flattering when wearing cherry, ruby, scarlet, and apple.
• Fair skin with naturally red hair looks gorgeous when wearing cool, brighter candy reds.
• Medium-light skin shines best in blood-red and luscious darker-red colors.
• Golden skin glows with many red shades, from deep, vivid red to ruby or even a vampy shade like jam.
• Medium skin with yellow undertones can stun with orangey red like candy red with a touch of tangerine.
• Tanned skin with cool undertones looks amazing in deep shades like garnet.
• Dark skin with warm undertones can rock ruby, cherry, and lipstick.
• Dark skin with cool undertones can wear nearly every shade of red and look stunning!

Red vs. Black Bridal Dress: Which Should You Choose?

Should you pick a black or red bridal dress? The correct answer is whatever you want! What color speaks to you and fits the theme of your wedding or resonates most with your personality? When it comes to these non-traditional colors, pick the dress color you love the most!