Black Wedding Guest Dresses: What to Wear by Dress Code, with Shona Joy

A black wedding guest dress is right for most evening, formal and black tie weddings, as long as it suits the dress code and carries some warmth in the accessories. For black tie, wear floor length satin such as the La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress in Black; for cocktail, a short dress like the new Campbell Bow Backless Mini Dress; for a daytime wedding, stretch cotton with gold jewellery. Every piece here is from Shona Joy at Coveti.

Is it OK to wear black to a wedding as a guest?

For most Western weddings, yes. Black is now a standard choice for evening receptions and formal dress codes. Read the invitation, and consider the culture of both families: in some traditions black is reserved for mourning. Our full answer is in can you wear black to a wedding.

Black wedding guest dresses by dress code

Black tie and formal

Floor length, a refined fabric, and a clean line. The La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress is cut on the bias in soft touch satin with a low cowl back. The new Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Black is satin acetate with a low T bar racer back and a relaxed fit. See also black tie dresses from Shona Joy.

Cocktail

Knee length and above, with a strong shape. The Campbell Bow Backless Mini Dress is stretch cotton with a fitted bodice, a gathered yoke, side pockets and an open back with an adjustable bow. The Eniko Lace Open Back Mini Dress in Black is matte satin with a round halter neckline, an open cowl back and lace at the neckline and hem.

Semi formal and daytime

Midi and maxi in a matte fabric, with colour in the accessories. The Campbell Bow Backless Maxi Dress in stretch cotton holds its shape through a long day. The Miro Slinky Jersey Sleeveless Maxi Dress in viscose jersey suits a destination wedding.

Six black wedding guest dresses from Shona Joy

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

One shoulder, double adjustable rouleau straps, a low cowl back and a bias cut maxi skirt in LENZING ECOVERO viscose satin. A slip designed to be worn away from the body. For black tie and evening ceremonies.

2. Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Black

New in 74% acetate and 26% polyester satin. A low scoop neck, a low T bar racer back and no zip; it pulls on and sits away from the body. For formal evening weddings.

3. Campbell Bow Backless Maxi Dress

New in stretch cotton, with a round sleeveless neckline, a fitted bodice gathered at the waist, a centre back split and an open back tied with a bow. For semi formal and garden weddings.

4. Campbell Bow Backless Mini Dress

New. The mini version, with a gathered yoke, side pockets and the same bow back. Fitted through the bodice and relaxed through the skirt. For cocktail receptions.

5. Eniko Lace Open Back Mini Dress in Black

Matte satin with a round halter neckline, an open cowl back and lace at the neckline and the asymmetrical hem. For cocktail and evening parties.

6. Agnes Ruffle Slip Bias Maxi Dress in Black

Matte satin with a ruffle trimmed V neck cutout, a ruffle on one shoulder and an open low back. For evening weddings where you want less shine.

How to wear black to a wedding

Add warmth and light. Gold jewellery, a coloured clutch and a bright lip lift black instantly. Choose a fabric with sheen, such as satin, for evening, and a matte fabric for daytime. Avoid looking sombre by skipping black tights and heavy black outerwear at a daytime wedding; a cream wrap and a tailored jacket work better. For an autumn wedding, see fall wedding guest dresses.

Black wedding guest outfits by season

Autumn: satin with gold jewellery and a deep red clutch; see fall wedding guest dresses. Winter: long sleeves, such as the Miro Slinky Jersey Gathered Maxi Dress, with a tailored coat. Spring: stretch cotton and a pale wrap. Summer: keep black for evening, choose a racer back for air, and wear metallic sandals.

What to wear over a black dress

For a ceremony with covered shoulders, the Irena Oversized Tailored Blazer in black works over every dress here and comes off for dancing. The Lucent Scarf in Black is a 330cm length of semi sheer viscose georgette that drapes over the arms like a stole. For a cold venue, a cream wrap lifts the whole outfit.

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

Can a wedding guest wear a black dress?

Yes, at most modern weddings, particularly evening, formal and black tie events. Check the invitation and the cultural traditions of both families, since in some cultures black is associated with mourning.

What colour accessories go with a black wedding guest dress?

Gold jewellery, a metallic heel and a coloured clutch in red, burgundy and emerald add warmth. Pearls and a cream wrap soften black for a daytime ceremony.

Is a black mini dress appropriate for a wedding?

For a cocktail dress code and an evening reception, yes. A structured black mini such as the Campbell Bow Backless Mini Dress reads as polished. For black tie, choose floor length instead.

What should I wear over a black dress to a church wedding?

A tailored blazer, a long georgette scarf and a light wrap all cover bare shoulders during the ceremony and come off for the reception.

Which black dress is best for a black tie wedding?

A floor length satin dress with a clean line, such as the La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress, is the most formal choice in the Shona Joy collection.

Related guides: can you wear black to a wedding, black maxi dresses, backless dresses, Shona Joy wedding guest dresses, black tie dresses from Shona Joy, fall wedding guest dresses, black dresses.