Emma Roberts Explains Why She Wore a Black Dress at Her Wedding

Emma Roberts has revealed the story behind one of the most talked-about fashion choices from her wedding to actor Cody John. While she walked down the aisle in a timeless off-white silk chiffon wedding gown, the actress later changed into a striking black dress for the reception. Both looks were created by renowned designer Monique Lhuillier, showcasing two contrasting aesthetics while maintaining the overall spirit of the celebration.

Speaking to Vogue, Roberts explained that her black reception dress was inspired by what she described as a “boudoir saloon” aesthetic. The design featured a Chantilly lace corset paired with a tea-length skirt handcrafted from layers of silk organza, creating a look that felt both delicate and distinctly vintage. Rather than opting for a traditional evening gown, Roberts wanted her reception outfit to bring an unexpected twist to the celebration.

Reflecting on the decision, the actress said, “I love the idea of wearing black for the after-party. We love doing something that’s a little unexpected.” She explained that she and her husband have always enjoyed embracing unconventional choices and wanted their wedding to reflect their personalities. For Roberts, changing into a black dress was more than a fashion statement—it was a way to make the occasion uniquely their own.

She added, “This looks like it could be totally vintage from 100 years ago, or from now. This is going to be so fun in Idaho at the after party.” Roberts believes the dress possesses a timeless quality, one that could easily belong to another era while still feeling modern today. That blend of classic and contemporary made it the perfect choice for the reception held in Idaho.

Emma Roberts and Cody John tied the knot over the weekend in an intimate ceremony in Idaho. The couple became engaged in 2024 after dating for approximately two years. Throughout their relationship, they have kept a relatively low profile, rarely sharing details of their romance on social media or with the press. Their wedding reflected that same preference for privacy, with only close family members and friends in attendance.

Born in 1991, Emma Roberts has been a familiar face in Hollywood since childhood. She is the daughter of actor Eric Roberts and the niece of Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts. Despite growing up in one of Hollywood’s most recognizable acting families, Emma has repeatedly emphasized her determination to build a career based on her own talent rather than relying on her family name.

Roberts made her film debut in Blow in 2001 before gaining widespread recognition as the lead of Nickelodeon’s hit teen series Unfabulous. The success of the show established her as one of the standout young stars of the mid-2000s and opened the door to a wide range of television and film opportunities.

As her career evolved, Roberts successfully transitioned into more mature roles with films including We’re the Millers, Scream 4, Nerve, Holidate, and Madame Web. However, her most defining work has arguably been in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story. Across multiple seasons, she portrayed vastly different characters, demonstrating her versatility and cementing her place as one of the anthology series’ most recognizable performers.

Beyond acting, Roberts has also earned a reputation as a fashion icon. She is a regular guest at fashion weeks and major brand events, while international fashion magazines have consistently praised her sophisticated sense of style. Her wardrobe often blends timeless elegance with vintage influences, yet she is never afraid to embrace bold choices—such as wearing black during her wedding celebration.

Roberts’ personal life has also attracted significant media attention over the years. Her long-term relationship with actor Evan Peters was closely followed by the press, with the couple experiencing several breakups and reconciliations before eventually parting ways. During their relationship, the two were involved in a 2013 domestic dispute that resulted in Roberts being briefly detained by police. Their representatives later described the incident as a misunderstanding following an argument, and the couple continued their relationship afterward.

Following her split from Peters, Roberts began dating actor Garrett Hedlund. The couple became engaged and welcomed their son in late 2020. However, their relationship eventually came to an end after more than two years together. Despite separating, Roberts and Hedlund have maintained an amicable relationship as they continue to co-parent their son.

After that chapter of her life, Roberts found love with Cody John. Although John has remained far less prominent in Hollywood than his wife, he is known for keeping his private life out of the spotlight. Their relationship developed quietly before they announced their engagement in 2024. Sources close to the couple have previously suggested that they share similar values regarding family life and place a strong emphasis on maintaining their privacy.

Roberts’ decision to wear a black dress for her reception also reflects a growing trend among Hollywood brides, many of whom are moving away from traditional wedding conventions. Increasingly, celebrities are choosing to change into a second outfit after the ceremony—either for comfort or to showcase a different side of their personal style—making the reception a more individual expression of who they are.

For Emma Roberts, fashion has long been more than simply choosing beautiful clothes; it is a form of storytelling. Whether walking a red carpet or celebrating one of the most important days of her life, she has consistently gravitated toward timeless designs instead of fleeting trends. Her black reception dress was therefore not merely an unexpected fashion choice, but another reflection of the personal style and creative identity she has cultivated throughout her career.

Now that Emma Roberts and Cody John have officially begun married life together, the actress continues to balance her successful acting career with her growing influence in the fashion world. After experiencing both professional achievements and personal challenges over the years, many believe this new chapter with John marks a fresh and more settled period in her life.