When people attend a wedding ceremony they usually expect to see the bride looking resplendent in a beautiful white gown.

However, it seems as though a new trend is emerging that could see the traditional dress become a thing of the past.

Black wedding gowns are becoming increasingly popular and even those who do not dare to go the whole way are adding touches of the midnight shade to their frocks.

A spokesman for WeddingPath said that the dresses are ideal for anyone who wants to "make a bold statement".

"Black dresses embellished with lace and pearls are an attractive choice, but you can also consider black piping or embroidery over the classic white dress," they added.

One famous face who wore black on her big day is Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Earlier this year, she confessed that she regrets wearing the somber gown for her wedding to Matthew Broderick.