On the contrary, I would be married on the stage of whatever Broadway play I was starring in at the time. There were no windows nor sunlight to speak of, and my dress was as black as the night outside. What can I say, I was a rebel! Though now I find my vision of rebellion was not so original after all.
New Rules for New Brides The brides of today are different from those of generations past. She may marry in a church or barefoot upon the sand, and she may wear whatever she likes. Nonetheless, the color black is considered especially daring. Having been equated in ancient Egypt with death and the afterlife, the stigmas attached to black remain strong. However, what most people don't know is that black is perhaps the most empowering color there is.
In accordance with today's modern mystics, black is no longer a symbol of death, but rather symbolic of survival, independence, confidence, focus, fearlessness and strength. Moreover, black is said to protect one from pain and misfortune, as it is able to actually deflect vibrations of negative energy. And whether one believes in mysticism or not, just think of the last time you donned a slinky black evening dress; think of how you felt as you walked through a crowded room; remember the weight of so many eyes upon you, retinas filled to the brim with the deepest of admiration, respect and desire combined, eyes that belonged to woman as well as men, your appeal apparent to all, indiscriminate of gender or orientation.
The Power of Black
This is power of black. Black is independent, fearless of society's reprimands, grounded in a species of strength that may only come forth from within. And when is such strength more necessary for any woman than on the day of her wedding?
Now that we have somewhat dispelled the ancient myths of black, let us consider the various possibilities of its use. A formal, floor length evening gown is always stunning in black. It may be a sleek, body-hugging silhouette of chiffon or silk, or a two piece princess gown, complete with ball gown skirt and strapless, beaded corset. This sort of dress is ideal for an after five event. However, if you wish to wear black to a daytime affair, lighten it up with a tea-length skirt and sash of baby pink or blue. Trim in this same pink or blue would also work, as would a touch of pale yellow here and there; a wide ribbon around waist, perhaps, or color in the form of flowers worn in the hair and across the line of the bust would do nicely.
Another option, suitable for the bride of night as well as day, is the addition of black mesh over a lighter colored gown, such as a very pale pink, or merely the accent of black here and there; a white dress with black ribbon or trim, for instance, is perhaps combining the best of both worlds. One can achieve the allure of black, without abandoning, altogether, the elegance of time-tested tradition. These last suggestions are intended for brides who wish to incorporate black without giving themselves over to it completely.
The bottomline is this: there is nothing wrong with a black-as-night wedding dress. In fact, with the independent spirit of contemporary women in mind, black may very well be a more suitable hue than any other of the color spectrum.