Black and Alternative Wedding Dresses: A Modern Bride’s Dream at Arc Bridal
Sherlock by Tara LaTour
When it comes to finding the dress, today’s brides are redefining tradition. At Arc Bridal, we’re seeing more and more brides fall in love with black wedding dresses, colorful bridal gowns, and alternative wedding looks that let their unique style shine. Whether you’re planning a moody, romantic wedding or simply want to stand out from the sea of white, our curated collection of non-traditional gowns offers endless inspiration.
In recent years, bridal fashion has embraced a bold departure from the classic white gown, celebrating individuality through black wedding dresses and other colorful alternatives. Designers are reimagining bridal wear with rich hues, intricate details, and modern silhouettes that capture the spirit of today’s bride.
A black wedding dress offers a striking blend of elegance and edge. Often crafted from luxurious fabrics like lace, satin, or velvet, these gowns create a dramatic, sophisticated look — perfect for brides seeking something unconventional yet timeless. Many designers enhance black gowns with delicate embellishments, sheer overlays, or daring cuts for extra impact.
Ruthie by Tara LaTour
Beyond black, today’s bridal palette includes deep reds, blush pinks, soft blues, and vibrant jewel tones. These colorful options let brides reflect their personality, culture, or wedding vision while keeping the formality and grace of traditional bridalwear. From subtle pastels to bold statement pieces, designers skillfully balance color with classic bridal elements.
Choosing a black or colorful wedding dress is an empowering way to make a lasting impression. As bridal couture continues to evolve, these vibrant alternatives represent a new era of creativity, diversity, and confidence in wedding fashion.
Black & Colorful Wedding Dresses by Our Designers:
Alena Leena
If you dream of a black wedding gown, look no further than Alena Leena. Designs like Armeria, Plumeria, Nolina, Mimosa, Santolina, Eustoma, Bells and Ixora are all available in striking black fabrics that bring a fresh, modern edge to classic silhouettes. Alena Leena also offers floral print wedding dresses, including the dreamy Eglantine, ideal for garden weddings or brides who want a touch of whimsy.
Eglantine by Alena Leena
Monstera in black by Alena Leena
Dany Tabet
Known for couture craftsmanship and incredible detail, Dany Tabet offers many gowns with custom lining color options—think pink, blue, or other special shades that subtly peek through delicate lace and embroidery. A standout alternative look from his new Alhambra collection is Tuscany, which is covered in dramatic red roses—a perfect blend of romance and bold style.
Tuscany by Dany Tabet
Tara LaTour
Our most colorful designer, Tara LaTour, celebrates fearless fashion. Many of her gowns can be made in black, including favorites like Sherlock, McCartney, and Phillips. Tara’s color palette goes beyond black — explore gowns in mustard yellow, blueberry, dove grey (Pearl), and vibrant floral prints (Francis, Georgianne, Flora to name a few favorites). If you’re looking for a gown that tells your story, Tara LaTour’s creations are sure to inspire.
Hall by Dany Tabet
Francis by Tara LaTour
Bridal Separates: Mix, Match, and Make It Yours
For the ultimate alternative bridal look, consider bridal separates. Pair a statement bodice with a flowing skirt or chic trouser. It’s a fresh, flexible way to create a one-of-a-kind wedding ensemble that’s entirely your own.
Opal bodice & skirt by Tara LaTour
Florence bodice by Tara LaTour
How We Help You Find Your Alternative Wedding Dress
At Arc Bridal, we currently stock the white or ivory versions of these incredible designer gowns in-store. But we make it easy to explore all the beautiful color options — we have swatches of black, colorful, and floral fabrics that can be special ordered to bring your vision to life.
Looking to see a black or colorful version in person? We can often arrange a sample loan from the designer’s showroom so you can experience your dream gown before ordering.
Why Choose a Non-Traditional Wedding Dress?
Wearing a black or alternative wedding dress lets your true personality shine. It’s about more than color — it’s about confidence, creativity, and making a statement that feels authentic to you. Whether you’re drawn to dark, dramatic tones, floral prints, or modern bridal separates, we’re here to help you find the perfect look.
Ready to Explore?
✨ Book your appointment today to discover black wedding dresses, colorful bridal gowns, and alternative styles that celebrate your individuality — with personalized service every step of the way.
Real Bride: Olivia
Dress - Golden by Scout | Photographer - The Isaacsons Photo Co.
Our real bride Olivia is a true ray of sunshine! For an effortless & boho look, she chose to wear the Golden gown by Scout Bridal.
Do's and Don'ts for Storing Your Dress Before the Wedding
How do you properly store your wedding dress before the big day? Many of our brides faced with postponed weddings are asking this very question. Here are some our of do’s and don’ts for keeping your gown in pristine condition for the big day!
DO store your gown in a breathable garment bag!
DON’T cover your dress in plastic. Plastic does not allow fabrics to breathe and can cause yellowing longterm as the chemicals breakdown.
DO use hanger loops if your gown has them! Ensure the weight of your dress is supported by the hanger loops rather than the neckline or straps. This will prevent your wedding dress from stretching or becoming misshapen over time. (Now, if you’re like me and these hanger loops drive you bonkers.. you can cut these out the day of the wedding, but don’t pull anything crazy and try to cut off the hanger loops too close to the fabric—you don’t want a last minute hole in your dress!)
DON’T hang your gown if it’s heavy. Depending on the fabric type and weight of your gown, you may want to store your dress somewhere where it can lay flat. If your wedding is months away, you may want to consider gently folding your gown and storing it somewhere flat to ensure there is no stretching
DON’T expose your gown to direct sunlight or humidity. Avoid storing your gown in the attic or basement if possible. Basements and attics are typically not the best places for gown storage as the air may be damp and musty.
DO store your gown somewhere dark and dry. A spare closet is perfect! Keep your dress in a spare room or closet where the temperature and humidity will not fluctuate too much, and the dress can remain out of direct sunlight.
2023 Omaha Bachelorette Party Guide
In recent years, there has been a rising trend of destination bachelorette parties. Vegas, Charleston and Scottsdale are all fantastic cities, but destinations aren’t convenient for every bride and their party. While we love a good destination bachelorette, we wanted to highlight our own city of Omaha and share ideas on how you can host an affordable stay-cation bachelorette, with the same excitement of getting out of town, to celebrate your bride-to-be.
Where to Stay
Sip French 75s in style at Hotel Deco’s stunning Monarch Bar. Photo via Monarch Prime & Bar
An Art Deco gem with nods to the 1930’s. The Hotel Deco blends history and a contemporary boutique hotel experience. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or dinner in their gorgeous Monarch Prime & Bar
Built in 1923, the structure was designed to mimic the Bargello, a palace in Florence, Italy. If not occupied by an event, their beautiful courtyard is a great gathering spot for tasteful bridal games and cocktails.
Located in The Capitol District with a sleek sophistication & engaging design. Weather permitting, bask in the sun in their 3rd story outdoor swimming pool or sip on curated whiskey flights at their Burdock + Bitters hotel bar.
What to Do
Enjoy the greenhouse or explore one of the many gardens at Lauritzen. Photo via Lauritzen Gardens
Art Museum Tour
Explore the Joslyn Art Museum. Public tours are free and held every Saturday at 10:30am, or you can schedule a private group tour. Modern art more your style? Check out an exhibition at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, just south of the Old Market.
Lauritzen Gardens
Grab a cup of coffee from Hardy Coffee Co. and take a morning stroll through the botanical gardens to start your day. Entry fee of $10
Karaoke
A short Uber from Downtown will lead you to Renos Karaoke in the historic Blackstone District. Have your gals send in their song requests and create your own playlist on their website to have ready when you arrive.
Winery & Brewery Hop
Rent a limo or sprinter to take you to local wineries and/or breweries. Pick up a few bottles of bubbles from The Looking Glass or Howard Street Wine Merchant to sip on your ride in between destinations.
Let’s Brunch
Boozy brunch? Yes, please! Photo via Le Bouillon
French comfort food and raw bar. Sip on mimosas or shareable drinks, such as their Lillet Pressé and brunch on french favorites and oysters. A great dinner spot as well.
Looking for a lighter option? Drive or walk a quick mile west of The Old Market to The Grove for smoothies, acai bowls and avocado toast. Don’t forget to grab some bottled cold-pressed juices and wellness shots for the next morning’s recovery.
What’s for Dinner
You can’t beat Mula’s smokey mezcal margarita. Photo via Mula Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria
Upscale
Rustic-chic loft eatery with a wine cellar serving craft cocktails & inspired New American fare.
A modern steakhouse with contemporary cocktails located in The Hotel Deco.
Carefully crafted pasta & wood-fired pizza. Excellent wine selection and unique cocktails.
Upbeat
Did someone say sake-bombs? With a discreet alley entrance, Ika San is more than just ramen. Enjoy their small plates, poke bowls and unique cocktails while hip-hop blasts on the sound system.
Ask to be seated upstairs in the lounge for a fun atmosphere as you indulge in a boat of sushi, small plates, and sake-bombs.
Mula Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria
Located in the Blackstone District. Great energy and food inspired by Mexican street food with fresh margaritas and of course, tequila shots. A perfect spot before or after karaoke at Renos.
Night Life
Tiny House…bigger heart. via Tiny House
The Old Market
If you’re staying in the Old Market, you’re in a great location to bar hop between a mix of cocktail bars and classic pubs. For a unique experience, grab a big booth at the Laka Lono Rum Club and share group tiki cocktails. Up the street and across from one another on 16th are The Green Room and Mercury, where you’ll find the best Old Fashioned in town. In the heart of The Old Market is The Berry and Rye, where a DJ begins at 10pm. From there, you’re in a perfect spot to hop along a variety of OM bars.
Little Bohemia
Head a mile south of The Old Market to enjoy nightlife in the Little Bohemia neighborhood. With the few bar options, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy each other’s company with boozy shakes in the booths of Fizzy’s or beers at Infusion Beer Hall. Challenge your friends to arcade games at Beercade 2, and for the best drinks of your life, hit up Tiny House. We suggest ordering the Obama Sex Dream.
Blackstone
As mentioned in our What to Do section, an Omaha bachelorette must is karaoke at Reno’s in Blackstone. Walk along Farnam Street to find other delicious cocktails, but tucked behind the main strip you will find Corkscrew’s wine patio and the door to the speakeasy, Osteria Segreto.
Benson
A 10 minute Uber will lead you north west to the Benson neighborhood. Catch the sunset on the rooftop of 1912 and enjoy many other outdoor spaces with a boot at Bärchen Beer Garden, margaritas at Taco Co., or a relaxing glass of wine at Eleven Eleven. For a cozier atmosphere, stop in to our owner’s favorite spot, Krug Park, or sneak below Ika Ramen to their not-so-secret bar, Kaitai.
This guest post was written by local restaurant brand manager and writer, Brittany Hanson
Real Bride: Stephanie
Dress - Rebecca Schoneveld | Photographer - Kate Ames
Stephanie opted for a classic, dreamy look for her Oregon coast wedding. For the reception, she removed the long-sleeve lace topper and added an heirloom statement necklace (her grandmothers!) for a glam look.
Meaningful & Creative Ways to Ask “Will You Join My Bride Tribe?”
Looking for ideas on how to ask your best gals (and guys!) to stand beside you on your big day? You don’t have to spend a ton of money or do something cheesy af to show them how you feel. Ask yourself--what is meaningful and unique to your friendship? What is something they’ll actually enjoy? (let’s be real--how many “bride tribe” koozies does a girl really need?) Maybe your style is over-the-top and original, or maybe you prefer to keep it simple and heartfelt. Either way, here are a few of our favorite ideas to inspire you along the way:
Personalize a Charmlet for each of your friends. via Inclosed
Keep it Local
-Coffee beans from a local coffee shop (Archetype is our fave!) and a cute mug
-Send a “Charmlet” from Inclosed— they’ll receive five personalized charmpads & a colorful pen
-A growler from local brewery (we’re partial to Kros Strain and Empyrean Brewing)
-Jewelry from a local designer (earrings from Eunice the Label? yes, please!)
-A box of Bon Bon Chocolates from Farine + Four. These are true works of art! And feel so special to receive as a gift.
DIY
This is not for the faint of heart! Just kidding--DIY sometimes sounds overly complicated to someone who is not particularly creative. Fear not! You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to put together a DIY gift. You can knit them a scarf, bake a batch of their favorite cookies, or put together a handpicked floral arrangement.
Plus, how cute is this minimalist packaging? via Wax Buffalo
Treat yo’self
Pamper your friends with a beauty box of some of your favorite hand selected products. Here are some ideas we love:
-Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 by Fresh
-Lavender Bath Bomb by Benson Soap Mill
-Soy Candle from Wax Buffalo
-Crystals like rose quartz (love) and amethyst (sincerity) to bring that good energy
Do something together
-Wine tasting at your place -- what says “I love you” more than wine and a charcuterie plate?
-Get out in nature. Go for a hike at Fontenelle Forest or enjoy the gardens at Lauritzen. Time in nature is good for the soul and inspires great conversation.
-One-on-one more your speed? Take your friend out for ice cream at Coneflower Creamery, hit the yoga studio together, or get a manicure together.
Keep it Simple
-Frame one of your favorite photos of the two of you. If you’re like me and rarely print photos anymore, Framebridge has some cute & affordable options to print and frame a favorite pic right from your Instagram feed.
-Send a handwritten note. What could be more powerful than the written word? This person plays a special role in your life--let them know how much their relationship means to you and why you would be honored to have them stand beside you on one of your most important days.
Real Bride: Paige
Dress - Anais Anette | Photographer - Huy Nguyen
Paige wanted her dress to be a touch vintage and a touch modern. The result? Très chic. She styled her Anais Anette gown with pearl buttons and a white leather (yes, leather!) belt.
