If you’re drawn to the dark side and love Halloween and all things goth, then you may have even considered having a gothic-type wedding. Don’t worry if friends and family might think it’s “out there” or too non-traditional – themed weddings can be some of the most creative, memorable, and enjoyable experiences for guests. The experts at Marco Island Florist – Weddings & Special Events are here to help you bring to life your dream gothic or Halloween-inspired wedding.
A Gothic Halloween Wedding Checklist
A Mysterious Venue
When it comes to having a spooky or goth wedding, the setting is everything for creating the proper mood and tone. Think of places not typically used in traditional weddings, such as historic buildings, abandoned churches, or dark and creepy woods. Another thought is a vineyard, but not when the vines are lushly green and blooming, but when they are dormant, and all you see are thick, twisted, gnarly vines – they make for a great gothic backdrop. Lush or overgrown gardens are also an excellent option, as well as castles, ornately decorated ballrooms, and Victorian mansions.
Dark & Moody Blooms
Dark blooms help create the floral ambiance of mystery, passion, and love. To keep in line with the gothic theme, select flowers in colors such as burgundy, black, dark violet, rich reds, purples, and blues. For example, blue thistle, red roses and mums, succulents, purple calla lilies, and black dahlias (which are actually very dark burgundy). Other blooms that create contrast in Halloween wedding bouquets are anemones, protea, amaranthus, orange roses, burgundy hydrangeas, and eucalyptus.
Elegant Gothic Decor
Add elegance to your gothic wedding by including items such as ornate candelabras, chandeliers, velvet chairs, pictures in ornate frames, and black and white family photos. Decor like skulls, skeleton keys, cauldrons, crystals, and rows and rows of candlelight are additional details that help create an elegantly gothic setting.
A Twist on Fall Foliage & Pumpkins
Put a spooky twist on classic autumn decor like leaves and pumpkins by painting them gold, silver, black, or white. Or, stick with their true, natural beauty and place them throughout your wedding ceremony and reception for a hint of fall shadows.
An Unexpected Bridal Gown
Get creative for your bridal look. Choose a gown in a non-traditional color such as black, burgundy, dark green, purple, or blue. Of course, you can still wear white but perhaps go with an old Victorian dress instead or something light and ethereal referencing a ghost or spirit. Don’t forget to accessorize with statement pieces like long gloves, sparkling gothic jewelry, and amazing shoes.
Sleek and Edgy Tuxedos
Wedding tuxedos are no longer a must for men, who can now wear a variety of outfits from a sophisticated suit to a more casual, yet sleek, pants and jacket. For a gothic wedding, though, a historic tuxedo might just fit in perfectly. You could also go all out with a long outer jacket, velvet vest, top hat, and ornate walking stick.
Creative Bridal Party Attire
For themed weddings, there are no set rules. If you want the wedding party to dress as vampires, skeletons, or zombies, you totally can! Use your imagination to create the look you desire. You can have your bridesmaids’ outfits match or let them choose their outfits within one scheme, such as witches, vampires, ghosts, etc. Or, they can wear dresses that reflect autumn hues like burnt orange, burgundy, maroon, blush, light pink, or forest green.
Should Guests Wear Costumes?
If your big day lands on or around October 31, then it’s perfectly acceptable to have guest wear costumes at your wedding. Just decide early if that is what you want, and if dressing up is mandatory or not, and be sure to include it on your wedding invite. Guests wearing costumes will make your wedding truly memorable. It’s a fun way to celebrate the holiday and your wedding.
When it comes to themed weddings, there’s no limit on creativity. And if it suits you and will make your wedding day even more special, then go for it! Themed weddings are one of the most creative, memorable, fun, and enjoyable experience anyone can have. It’s your day, have fun with it!
