Black Bridesmaid Dresses: Why They Work and the Shona Joy Styles to Mix and Match

Black bridesmaid dresses work for evening, winter and black tie weddings, flatter every skin tone, and are the easiest colour to mix and match across different necklines. The simplest way to do it is to keep one fabric family, such as satin, and let each bridesmaid choose her shape. Shona Joy makes black in satin, slinky jersey and stretch cotton, including the new Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Black and Campbell Bow Backless Maxi Dress.

Are black bridesmaid dresses appropriate?

Yes. Black has become a mainstream bridesmaid colour, particularly for evening receptions, city weddings and formal dress codes. It makes the bride’s white the brightest thing in every photograph, and bridesmaids can wear the dress again. The one exception is a culture in which black is linked to mourning; if either family follows such a tradition, choose a deep colour such as burgundy and navy instead.

How to mix and match black bridesmaid dresses

Mismatched bridesmaids look intentional when one element stays constant. With black, the colour is already constant, so fix the length (all floor length) and the finish (all satin, all matte) and let the necklines vary. A one shoulder, a scoop neck and a halter in the same black satin read as a set. Mixing shiny satin with matte jersey in the same line-up can look accidental, so if you do it, place them symmetrically.

Shona Joy black bridesmaid dresses

1. Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Black

Satin acetate of 74% acetate and 26% polyester, with a low scoop neck, a low T bar racer back and a relaxed fit designed to sit away from the body. With no zip and no fastening, it is the most forgiving fit in the group, a good choice for a bridal party of different shapes.

2. La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress in Black

La Lune soft touch satin of 58% LENZING ECOVERO viscose and 42% viscose, bias cut, with a one shoulder neckline, double adjustable rouleau straps and a low cowl back. It pairs with the Savanna in the same satin finish for a mixed neckline line-up.

3. Campbell Bow Backless Maxi Dress

Stretch cotton of 56% cotton, 40% nylon and 4% elastane, a round sleeveless neckline, a fitted bodice gathered at the waist and an open back that ties with an adjustable bow. A good choice for a daytime ceremony and an evening reception, and the bow is a detail the bride sees as her party walks ahead.

4. Campbell Halter Plunged Maxi Dress in Black

The same stretch cotton with a plunged halter neckline and a pencil maxi skirt with a centre back split. Pair it with the Campbell bow maxi for a matching fabric, different neckline set.

5. Agnes Ruffle Slip Bias Maxi Dress in Black

Matte finish satin with a V neck cutout edged in ruffle trim and an open low back. For a party that prefers a softer, less shiny finish.

6. Miro Slinky Jersey Sleeveless Maxi Dress in Black

Slinky viscose jersey with an asymmetrical neckline and silver hardware. Comfortable for a long day, easy to pack for a destination wedding.

The maid of honour

To set the maid of honour apart without changing colour, change the length and the detail. The Campbell Bow Backless Mini Dress in the same stretch cotton as the Campbell maxis works for a rehearsal dinner. On the day, a distinct neckline such as the Campbell ruffle strapless gives her a different silhouette in the same fabric.

Styling a black bridal party

Black lets flowers and jewellery carry the wedding palette. Gold jewellery warms it; silver keeps it cool. Bouquets in white, blush and deep red stand out most. For a church ceremony, the Lucent Scarf in Black, a long viscose georgette scarf, covers the shoulders and folds into a clutch for the reception. Keep shoes in one tone, black satin and metallic, so the line-up reads as one.

For more colour options see our Shona Joy bridesmaid dresses guide, and the yellow, brown and navy bridesmaid edits.

Black bridesmaid dresses by season

Autumn and winter: black is at its best. Choose satin for evening and add a faux fur stole and a long georgette scarf for photographs outside. Spring: soften black with blush and white flowers and a lighter fabric such as the Campbell stretch cotton. Summer: keep black for evening ceremonies, choose lighter cloth and a racer back for air, and swap black shoes for gold.

Ordering for a bridal party

Order early, since popular sizes sell first; at the time of writing the new Savanna in Black has limited sizes left. Ask each bridesmaid to measure bust, waist and hips, then choose the style whose fit note suits her: the relaxed Savanna for anyone between sizes, the slim Campbell bow maxi for a defined waist. Allow time for hemming to the shoe height chosen for the day.

How Shona Joy sizing works

Shona Joy cuts in Australian sizes, and an AU size carries the same number as a UK size, so an AU8 is a UK 8. Coveti lists every style in UK sizes, and the size guide on each product page converts UK sizing to US, Italian, French and German sizes. The brand also states the model’s size on every page: on the new Savanna and Campbell maxis the model is 178cm and wears an AU8. Read the fit note before you choose. “Designed to sit away from the body” leaves room through the hips, “slim fit” follows your shape, and “fitted” sits close everywhere, so the fit note matters more than the label.

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad luck to have black bridesmaid dresses?

No. Black bridesmaid dresses are common at modern weddings, especially in the evening and at formal venues. The only reason to avoid them is a family tradition, cultural and religious, that links black to mourning.

What colour flowers go with black bridesmaid dresses?

White, ivory and blush stand out most against black, and deep red, burgundy and plum look rich. Greenery adds softness. Avoid very dark flowers, which disappear against a black dress in photographs.

Should all black bridesmaid dresses be the same style?

They do not need to be. Keep the length and the fabric finish the same, then let each bridesmaid choose a neckline. Satin styles with different necklines, such as a one shoulder, a scoop neck and a halter, read as a deliberate set.

What season suits black bridesmaid dresses?

Autumn and winter weddings suit black best, along with any evening and black tie wedding. For a summer day wedding, choose a lighter fabric such as stretch cotton and add gold accessories.

What should the maid of honour wear if the bridesmaids are in black?

Keep her in black and change the neckline, length and detail, for example a strapless style with ruffles while the others wear slips. She stands apart without breaking the colour scheme.

Related guides: black maxi dresses, can you wear black to a wedding, burgundy bridesmaid dresses, Shona Joy black dresses, Shona Joy bridesmaid dresses guide, black dresses, designer maxi dresses.