If you love Halloween and all things goth, then you probably want a gothic or Halloween-themed wedding, too. If you’re worried the idea is too “out there” or maybe a bit tacky, relax. There are things you can do to keep your wedding elegant, creative, romantic, and also gothic. The experts at Walter Knoll Florist – Weddings & Events are bringing you the essential decor items, flowers, and other things to make your Halloween wedding dreams come true.
Gothic weddings pull inspiration from the Romantic Gothic (1800 – 1850) and the Victorian Gothic (1837 – 1901) eras; think brooding ghosts, moody vampires, and dark, shadowy corners. With mystery, passion, suspense, and eerie beauty, gothic weddings are truly unique events that will stand out from all other weddings.
A Gothic Halloween Wedding Checklist
A Mysterious Venue
When it comes to having a spooky or goth wedding, the setting is everything. And, you should think of places not typically used in a wedding, such as a historic building, abandoned church, woods at night, or a vineyard when the vines are gnarly and twisted and devoid of foliage. Lush or overgrown gardens are also an excellent option, as well as castles, large ornately decorated ballrooms, and Victorian mansions.
Dark & Moody Blooms
Flowers are essential to weddings as they help set the tone and provide a unique, delicate, fleeting beauty like nothing else can. Dark blooms are what’s in order here, with colors such as burgundy, black, dark violet, and dark or pale greenery. For example, blue thistle, red chrysanthemums, dark-hued succulents, and deep purple calla lilies – which can mimic black calla lilies since flowers are never truly black in color -are all great flower choices. Other blooms that create contrast in Halloween wedding bouquets are anemones, protea, amaranthus, orange roses, burgundy hydrangeas, and seeded eucalyptus. Finally, we cannot forget the deep, rich, passionate red rose, which brings romance to any wedding theme. Another option to consider is dried flowers which have their own unique look that fits in perfectly with spooky and goth decor.
Elegant Gothic Decor
Bring elegance to your gothic wedding by incorporating items such as black candles, candelabras, velvet lounge sets, romantic poetry in ornate frames, and black and white family photos. Decor like skulls, skeleton keys, cauldrons, potion vials and bottles, witchy crystals, and rows and rows of candlelight are details that will bring more of a look of a spooky room if that’s the effect you desire.
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 tuck them throughout your wedding ceremony and reception for a hint of “autumn spice.”
An Unexpected Bridal Gown
Get creative with your wedding gown and bridal look. Of course, you can still wear white, but choose an old Victorian dress, a black gown, or something uniquely wonderful to you. Bridal gowns for Halloween weddings can be anything and often stray away from the traditional look. Wedding dresses with full skirts, like a ball gown or A-line, embody the Victorian Gothic Era, especially if the gown is adorned in lace detail. Long, billowy sleeves and a sheath or mermaid silhouette will pay homage to the Romantic Gothic Era. Don’t forget to accessorize with statement pieces like long gloves, bulky, gothic jewelry, and killer 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 decide if you want your guests to wear costumes or not. Having guests wear costumes makes for a unique wedding experience that will surely stand out from others. It’s a fun way to celebrate the holiday and your wedding. If you like, you can choose to request formal costumes in line with Victorian times, spooky costumes, or even a mascarade-type outfit for fun.
Weddings today don’t follow established rules from yesteryear, so go ahead and create the type of wedding that will make you happy and expresses your likes and interests. It’s your day, have fun with it!
