A difficult life or a desire to break free from unhappy traditions? What drives Korean brides to embrace such somber attire for their weddings?
When we think of a wedding, most of us imagine a bride in a luxurious white gown—a symbol of purity and innocence. However, this hasn’t always been the case.
A Brief History of Wedding Dress Traditions
During the Middle Ages, the color of a wedding dress wasn’t important—what mattered was the price of the fabric. Expensive textiles were rarely light-colored. Aristocratic brides wore brocade gowns in silver or gold, often layered with coats in red, green, or blue. The ultimate sign of wealth was the family crest embroidered into the wedding outfit.
This tradition faded only after Queen Victoria of England popularized the white wedding dress by wearing one for her own wedding. Her choice set a trend that spread across cultures and remains dominant today.
The Rise of the Black Wedding Dress in Korea
In 2019, the fashion world was taken by surprise when model Sora Choi opted for a black wedding gown. She asked all her guests to wear white, while she and her husband dressed in black. Media coverage of the event sparked mixed reactions—many criticized the choice, arguing that black symbolizes negativity and mourning.
However, Choi’s wedding was a success, and the couple remains happily married. The bold choice resonated with many brides, igniting a new trend. Designers quickly embraced the idea, incorporating dark elements into traditional gowns and even creating fully black wedding dresses. The trend caught on in Korea, though it struggled to gain traction in Western markets.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first attempt to promote black wedding dresses. In 2011, renowned designer Vera Wang unveiled a collection of black bridal gowns, though it didn’t become widely popular at the time.
Why Korean Brides Embrace Black
- Slimming Effect: In many Asian cultures, physical appearance is held to high standards, with women striving for a petite figure. Black is known for its slimming properties, helping brides achieve the silhouette they desire.
- Elegance and Mystery: Black dresses add an air of elegance, sophistication, and mystery—qualities that appeal to modern Korean brides.
To create a festive look, brides often pair their black gowns with bright jewelry to highlight their features and add sparkle. Soft, subtle makeup complements the dark gown, preventing the overall look from becoming too heavy. Working with dark colors also presents fewer challenges compared to white fabrics, which can be difficult to maintain throughout the day.
Practical Benefits of Black Wedding Dresses
- Stain Management: Weddings are joyful, lively events, and it can be difficult to keep light-colored clothing clean. Dark dresses are more forgiving, making them practical for such occasions.
- Reusability: A black wedding dress can easily be worn again at other events, unlike a traditional white gown. While some brides rent their dresses, owning a gown tied to fond memories can be especially meaningful.
Embrace the Freedom to Choose
For those who feel that a white wedding dress doesn’t reflect their personality or style, black—or any other non-traditional color—can be a bold yet elegant alternative.
Experimenting with wedding attire allows brides to express their individuality. If white isn’t your color, don’t hesitate to choose what makes you feel beautiful—even if that choice is black.