How to Plan a Halloween-Themed Wedding
Hello fellow monsters! As an alternative wedding photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of amazing kooky weddings which have been spooky chic! 👻 Here are some fun and creative ideas to pull off a Halloween-themed wedding that’s unique, stylish, and full of personality. It’s easier than you think to get the perfect balance of eerie and elegant and I’d love to hear all about your Halloween wedding or plans if you’re engaged! 🎃
1. Spooky Colour Schemes
The obvious choice for a Halloween wedding would be a black and orange colour scheme, you can go classic and add in some other colours to complement like purple OR you can pick other rich tones which will work just as well to create the vibe. Dark and sophisticated can be deep wine, emerald green, navy, or even neon shades! Add gold or brass accents to create an old-world touch without being too loud. A few metallic details or a hint of dark lace can create that subtle Halloween vibe in a really chic way too. There are loads of websites where you can find pre-made colour palettes and then you can show these to your suppliers to match everything up. 🎨
2. Haunted Venues
I have had the privilege of going to SO many amazing venues which have character and history. Looking for venues that already have a bit of an atmosphere – maybe a listed house, a converted theatre, or an old lodge with lots of character will minimise the amount of decoration you need and will standout in your wedding picture. You need to check ou the epically spooky Samlesbury Hall, in Lancashire! If maximalist isn’t your vibe, you could try a cool, blank space and go big on candles and lighting to set the mood. OR even take a celebrant and a photographer out to the middle of Wales and have a secret hand fastening!🕯️
3. Moody Blooms
For the florals, create drama with dark, wild-looking blooms – black dahlias, deep red roses, eucalyptus, and dried grasses for texture. Go a little mysterious, with a looser, just-picked arrangement, or you could enlist the help of an amazing designer who creates bouquets with added details such as crystals, jewels and sculptures like the incredible Maddison Rocks Floral! 💐
4. Stylish Stationery
The invites are the first thing your guest sees, so why not go all out to give them a flavour of what’s to come? You can choose a theme, your favourite horror films, artists or music to inspire the look. Then opt for a dark colour way with gold or silver lettering, or add calligraphy, vellum or embossed or foiled details - the sky is the limit! For the big day, bring the theme into the table décor with favours for the guests, seating chart and thank you cards 🖤
Bird House 197 has the most magnificent designs.
5. Terrifying Table Décor
For your reception tables, I recommend using your chosen colour palette to choose details that fit the theme. For the basics you’ll need table cloths, dinnerware and perhaps some lighting such as candles (real or LED) or fairy lights. Then you can have fun adding your stationery, flowers, and props – did you know that you can shop at shops like TK Maxx to buy Halloween home décor which you can use on the big day then keep for your home? 💀 Eva Rose is spectacular at bringing these visions to life.
6. Alternative Attire
Halloween weddings are perfect for trying out bold wedding looks! If you're up for it, consider a black or an alternative coloured wedding dress, or add some spooky details with a dark veil or haunting makeup. For a more traditional look, you could keep your dress classic and add dark, dramatic accessories or shoes. Your wedding party can join in with dark, rich colours too. Think about bringing fun props, like pumpkins, umbrellas and candles to use for photography sessions through the day. 💫 No-one does dark wedding dress like Legend Bridal!
7. Frightening Lighting
Lighting can make or break the Halloween vibe, and the trick is to keep it warm and cosy. There are so many options - candles, lanterns, fairy lights and maybe even a few chandeliers if your venue can arrange it. The goal is to create a glow that feels inviting but a little mysterious. Talk to your wedding photographer about fun lighting tricks for couple pictures and when all the guests hit the dance floor! 💡. Pop me a massage if you have any photography queries!
8. Trick or Treat
Halloween is known for gluttony and for satisfying a sweet tooth - not just for the kids! For your wedding cake, you can go full goth or Halloween when it comes to the design; then keep the theme going with a pick and mix bar, spooky themed cocktails and maybe charcuterie board! You can’t really go wrong, your guests will thank you for all the treats throughout the day. 🍰 Don’t forget to look at Seven Crows chocolate creations!
9. Beautiful Alt Wedding Rings
One of the best parts of getting married is choosing your rings, or you can even make your own for that extra special touch. These days there are so many amazing designs that bring in a spooky theme, dark metals and gems to remind you of your day and your beloved boo 👻 I love getting special shots of the rings, chat with your photographer about how to capture the rings in a way that suits the theme. 📸 Kipkalinka is a master at skull jewellery!
10. Halloween Hijinks
Last but not least, you’ve gone to all the effort of planning the wedding, adding demonic details to create the perfect Halloween-inspired day - now it’s time to have fun! You can plan fun party games, silly playlists or set aside time to get ghoulish pics with your wedding party! Let loose and do the monster mash with your besties!💃
Your Halloween inspired wedding can be just what you want it to be - go for little details or totally over-the-top to make your day unique to you! With a little creativity, you can have a celebration that feels like it was made for the season - that will be an immersive experience for all your loved ones. By picking the right colours, lighting, and details, you’ll have a wedding that’s both romantic and a little bit eerie, perfect for a Halloween-loving couple looking to keep it classy.
Happy Halloween!
Vicky xx
