Attire & Accessories Forum

Black versus Gold - Bridesmaid Dresses

okay, so my color theme is 'Black & Gold'  after the NOLA Saints.  yes the groom had a helping hand in pickign this and tbh while i'm not a die hard Saints fan i loved the idea as well XD


anyways, my original idea for bridesmaid dresses was to have them wear a mainly gold colored dress (likely a deep gold or pastel gold) with blakc accents to tone the color down so it's not too gaudy.  but i realize that Gold doesn't go well on everyone, and all my bridesmaids have light to pasty skin tones and don't tan well.

so i've been doing my research (reading and watchign SYTTD on TLC) and i see that alot of weddings are using black dresses for their brides maids.   my initial reaction is o.0 oh heck no!!  as the color black symbolizes death and tbh balck dresses int eh wedding party seems a bit ... morbid ... to me in a way.  no offense to brides who use them, to each their own; but personally i'm not attracted to the idea.

anyways, i've since warmed a bit more (but not much) to the idea of maybe being forced to use mainly black dresses with gold accents so my bridesmaids aren't hideous in the pictures.

we haven't begun tryign on dresses yet, but we are looking at styles and colors currently to get an idea.  so i was wondering what everyones opinon was on Gold versus Black colors for the bridal party dresses.


i'm also keeping an open mind for colors similar to gold (like a light deep bronze or deep golden yellow)
Wedding Countdown Ticker

Re: Black versus Gold - Bridesmaid Dresses

  • If you do gold accessories, such as shoes, jewelry, hair baubles, etc, it will really lighten the black.  Some dresses can also be worn with a colored sash, and you could do that in gold.

    I have a very small bridal party, but gold is my main color. I was thinking of putting my MOH in gold, if we find a gown we like. She also tried on a black lace gown with sheer lace on the cap sleeve that looked very elegant. She would like nice with the tuxes, and I figure black would make me pop out even more.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • I think black with gold accents would look great. No everyone can carry off a gold dress and look amazing (skin tone and such) but black seems to always look good on everyone!
  • Black isn't morbid when it's obviously a party dress. A fun and flirty style cheers up the most drab of colors.

    Look for any dresses in black and gold, not just bridesmaid dresses. Find a few ones that you like, get your ladies to look at them, then start narrowing it down from there. Many cocktail dresses come in some combination of black and gold, and I'm sure you can find several that would be just fine as a bridesmaid dress. Think gold bodices with black skirts. Gold dress with black overlays. Gold with a black print.

    And if you do end up with black dresses with gold accents, then do as PPs suggested and go heavy on the gold accessories to brighten things up further.
  • JennLaxJennLax member
    100 Comments Third Anniversary
    You could always do a black dress with a gold accent belt.   Here's an example from Dessy Group - Dessy Collection style 2802 with a black dress and "marigold" belt:





    http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/2802/
    ~*June 2013 Sig Challenge: Our Cake*~
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Follow Me on Pinterest
  • I like what PP posted, the black with the gold accent belt. Plus, LBDs are likely to be worn again which your BMs would probably appreciate.


  • You could do black dresses with either gold jewlery or a gold sash. Our colors are charcoal and black. My bm dresses are black, but to lighten it up and add a bit of sparkle we added a silver brooch on the waist. You could even look into using a gold brooch depending on your bm dress style.
    October 2012 May Siggy Challenge: Bridesmaid dresses Image and video hosting by TinyPic
  • Red2111Red2111 member
    10 Comments

    i definately agree with tryign to pick dresses that they can hopefully wear again.  even a $60 purchase is a bit much for a dress that your gonna wear one time *nods*

    if we do end up goign with black, i'll be adding ALOT of gold accent;s to it,  gold belts, gold shoes, gold sashes/jackets, and gold jewlery or even clips and such in the hair


    this is the style of dress i'm really attacted too for my bridesmaids

    http://jlm-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/lz/bm/zoom/lazaro-bridesmaid-chiffon-gathered-v-neckline-halter-jeweled-wrap-skirt-natural-3127_zm.jpg


    either halter or (thickish) spagetti strap.  

    though i do love the bridesmade dress in your siggie Karla ^.^ bad this is one of my bridesmaids is heavily endowed, so she can't wear strapless lol



    which brings me to another question ...  if i end up havign to go with an ivory dress because of my skin tone, do you guys think the gold would mesh too much and prevent me from standing out?

    also, i seem to be favoring (looking at pictures anyways) the floor length ball room gowns with the drop waist and sweetheart neckline.   do you think it wouldlook off in my pictures to have my bridesmaids in knee length dresses while i'm in a floor length.


    i was also thinking about having my MoH in a slightly differnet dress than my 2 bridesmaids, as it's a position of honor and to set her apart but not so much.  either a differnet style of dress or more embelished or even a different color (like have her wear gold with heavy black accents and have the other two wear black with heavy gold accents)

    Wedding Countdown Ticker
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards