Black has become an accepted colour to wear at weddings and there's nothing more chic and stylish than black bridesmaid dresses. Standing among your girls while they’re dressed in black means that a statement wedding dress - whether white, floral or colourful - will really stand out.
Another benefit to black dresses is that your bridesmaids will happily wear them again after the wedding, so if you're asking them to buy the dress, they won't mind as much. If you're the one splashing out for the dresses, black is such a popular colour for occasionwear that you really do have your pick of every brand's best looks - and even simple dresses can be glammed up with accessories and shoes.
Head of product at Coast Annabel Louise says that when it comes to choosing your bridesmaid dress style, "Tulle is great for adding drama, lace for some sophistication and satin for something more figure hugging. It's also a lovely idea to go for one fabric type and let your bridesmaids pick their own styles that they feel comfortable in as we all like to show off and celebrate different parts."
We've chosen a selection of plain, embroidered, beaded and sequinned dresses so there's something for every style of wedding and at every price point. If you want your maids dressed in this versatile and universally flattering colour, then check out our pick of the 28 best black bridesmaids dresses.
1. Keeva Black Beaded Maxi Dress - £120, Lace & Beads
The eye-catching sequins are just one detail we love about this beaded dress from Lace & Beads. It's great value for the quality at just over £100 and hugs curves like a glove, meaning your bridesmaids will feel great in it.
2. Midi Satin Slip Dress - £28, ASOS
You can't go wrong with a simple slip dress so it's a fail-safe option if you have a lot of bridesmaids to dress. This black scoop neck option from ASOS is only £28 so you can deck the whole crew out without breaking the bank.
3. Lissa Dress - £285, Reformation
Reformation makes beautiful quality dresses that will last a lifetime, so these gowns are something to invest in. We adore the romantic Lissa dress which has detachable straps so your bridesmaids can choose to mix and match as strapless or with spaghetti straps. The material is a lovely stretch cotton and will be wonderfully cool in summer.
4. Embroidered Midi Dress - £88, Chi Chi London
Available in sizes 6 - 26, Chi Chi London's embroidered black midi dressfeatures a classic silhouette with a unique floral bodice. Its shorter skirt length makes it an ideal pick for weddings in the warmer months.
5. Sweetheart Midi Dress - £45, ASOS
How gorgeous is this long sleeved black bridesmaid dress from ASOS? The sweetheart neckline is universally flattering and the ruched wrap skirt will give your bridesmaids room and keep them comfortable.
READ MORE: 25 Satin Bridesmaids Dresses
6. Plunging Satin Maxi Dress - £120, Nasty Gal
If you're having a glamorous black tie event, this sultry dress will make your girls feel like goddesses. Made from a luxurious satin, it's been cleverly crafted with a thick waistband for an hourglass effect.
7. Puff Sleeve Sequin Dress - £179, Coast
Made for dramatic entrances, this sequin dress would suit a glamorous autumn or winter wedding when candlelight can sparkle off the embellishments. It features gorgeous puff sleeves too that keep this bridesmaid look totally on trend.
8. Midi Dress with Draped Detail- £45.99, Zara
Here at Hitched we love a high street bridesmaid dress and one of our go-to brands is Zara. You're bound to find a fashion-forward piece that your girls will adore in there like this strappy black midi dress.
9. Petite Dip Hem Dress - £36.99, Quiz
For a structured look this tailored dress from Quiz is perfect. It comes in petite sizing so if your bridesmaids are on the shorter side it won't swamp them and there will be no need to spend money on alterations.
10. Claire Satin Drape Back Maxi Dress - £89, Meshki
Meshki designs are simply divine and the Claire dress is no exception. With an elegant halter neck and sexy low open-back it'll turn heads for all the right reasons and your bridesmaids will be feeling sensational.
READ MORE: 31 Beautiful Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
11. Picasso Iridescent Maxi Dress - £90, Lace & Beads
Add some sparkle to your special day by dressing your bridesmaids in this gorgeous iridescent maxi frock from Lace & Beads. It's also available in dusty pink, nude, teal, mocha, green, navy and burgundy should you wish to have mix and match bridesmaid dresses.
12. Wrap Neckline Jumpsuit - £59.99, Mango
If you hadn't considered dressing your bridesmaids in jumpsuits, we reckon this chic number from Mango will have you convinced. Not only will it keep them comfortable all day, it's a really trendy look that will gain your crew lots of style points.
13. Genevieve Ruffle Gown - £450, Needle & Thread
Needle & Thread are known for their romantic and decadent designs and the black Genevieve gown is one of our favourites. From the ruffled angel sleeves to the frothy layers of tulle frills it's truly heavenly.
14. Boutique Lace Plunge Bridesmaid Dress - £140, Boohoo
Avoid black bridesmaid dresses from looking too harsh by opting for a dress with a lighter underlay. This beautiful pick from Boohoo has a nude layer of fabric underneath a delicate cover of black lace for a softer finish.
15. Pleated Twist Back Cap Sleeve Dress - £38, ASOS
We don't know what feature on this ASOS dress that we love the most - the pretty pleats, flattering sweetheart neckline or the dreamy angel sleeves. Oh, and we're also big fans of that affordable price tag!
READ MORE: 24 Glittering Gold Bridesmaid Dresses
16. One Shoulder Maxi Dress - £49, Nasty Gal
For a pretty take on black bridesmaid dresses opt for a one shoulder style. This simple dress from Nasty Gal is giving us major Grecian vibes so it's perfect for a destination wedding.
17. Tempest Bodice Cami Ballerina Dress - £215, Needle & Thread
Combining a delicate tulle skirt and a sparkling sequin bodice in a dark shade, the Tempest ballerina dress from Needle & Thread is an edgy take on an otherwise dainty design.
18. Chiffon Skater Bridesmaid Dress - £25, Boohoo
Boohoo's collection of bridesmaid dresses are to die for and the price will put an even bigger smile on your face! We adore the delicate shoulder bow detailing on this black beauty, as well as the interesting cross over straps.
19. Embellished Fringe Maxi Dress - £349, Coast
A glamorous wedding is calling out for this glittering floor-length dress. It'll sparkle so beautifully under lights and the fabric will keep your bridesmaids warm on chiller days; it's ideal for a winter wedding, but would suit a twilight ceremony across the seasons.
20. Compact Stretch Prom Dress - £295, Karen Millen
Your black bridesmaid dresses don't have to overly showy - a simple style like this piece from Karen Millen can still make a special statement. Dress it up with metallic accessories and a red lip.
READ MORE: 33 of the Best Elegant Lace Bridesmaid Dresses
21. Kourtney Dress - £248, Reformation
Add interest to your black bridesmaid dresses by opting for a floral design. It'll break up the colour and create a lovely relaxed feel - just imagine how beautiful the Kourtney dress from Reformation would look at a summer soiree!
22. Hazel Sequin Maxi Dress - £250, Phase Eight
Hello, Hollywood glam! With a floor-length skirt that is sequinned with a vintage inspired design, your bridesmaids will be ready for the red carpet in this dress. Available in sizes 16 - 26, it would match a 1920s style wedding dress wonderfully.
23. Puff Sleeve Tulle Mini Dress - £129, Coast
For a trendy, youthful and flirty bridesmaid dress, this Coast number has you covered. The puff sleeves and tulle fabric will earn you and your crew major style points.
24. Cowl Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress - £42, Nasty Gal
Take a satin black bridesmaid dress up a level by going for an interesting neckline like this off the shoulder beauty from Nasty Gal. It's effortlessly chic and so sophisticated.
25. Sequin Midi Dress - £89.99, Quiz
Sparkly, floaty, and affordable: there's not an inch of this Quiz dress that isn't stunning. The drop-hemmed skirt and angel sleeves give it a gorgeous swish and it'll nips you in at the waist. This dress is crying out to be shown off at a wedding.
READ MORE: 34 Gorgeous Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses
26. Halter Neck Dress - £35.99, Mango
A halter neck is a unique way to instantly add style to a black bridesmaid dress, like this Mango dress. It'll ensure the darker hue feels far from stuffy and give it a summery touch.
27. Juliette Dress - £218, Reformation
From the fitted bodice to the sexy side split, Reformation's Juliette dress is simply stunning. Add a playful pop with patterned heels like this model has done or keep the whole look sleek with barley-there sandals.
28. Strapless Tube Midi Dress - £95, & Other Stories
Pleats are universally flattering as they draw the eye down and elongate the body - perfect if you have lots of bridesmaids to please with different body shapes. This & Other Stories dress is timeless and will never go out of style.
Are Black Bridesmaid Dresses Okay for a Wedding?
Absolutely and they'll look classy and elegant! Head of product at Coast, Annabel Louise, points out that, "Black bridesmaid dresses are the perfect complement to a white dress, whether it's a black tie wedding, a beach side in Sorrento or a country church celebration. No-one wants to be in 'that bridesmaid dress' and black is the perfect modern bridesmaid. They are also very flattering, great for day to night, work perfectly on all skin tones and body shapes, plus can actually be used post-wedding so they'll get a second life!"
Keep your girls on your good side by making sure you are clued up on the things you should never say to a bridesmaid.
