How To Plan a Gothic Wedding

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With Halloween just around the corner, it’s tempting to let your imagination run wild.

If you were stranded in a zombie apocalypse and could only choose three items for your safe house, what would they be? What if you faced a witch who offered to show you your future—would you say yes or no?

More seriously, what if you met the love of your life and found out they were just as weird as you? And what if you both decided to plan an utterly fantastic Halloween wedding?

For all you non-traditional brides out there, or perhaps for lovers of medieval art and architecture, we’ve come up with six killer elements you need to style a wicked Gothic wedding.

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Archaic Venue

The best place for a Gothic wedding would obviously be a Gothic cathedral. According to Wikipedia, this style of architecture arose in France in the 12th–16th centuries and migrated to pre-Renaissance Europe. Castles and cathedrals overseas were often built with flying buttresses, pointed arches, and ribbed vaults. A few Neo-Gothic churches and universities in America have also incorporated these haunting yet beautiful features.

Dark Romance

Another meaning of gothic relates to 19th century literature characterized by desolate or gloomy settings with mysterious, supernatural events. These strange tales often incorporate romantic elements. A few prominent writers in this genre include Ann Radcliffe, Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley, Robert Luis Stevenson, Emily Brontë, and Bram Stoker. You can pay homage to their literary talents with décor such as crows, cages, thick draperies, dark flowers, and quotes. Play up “’till death do us part.”

Horror & Mystery

Some gothic novels dip into the realm of sensationalism and horror. Stephen King and Anne Rice have dazzled brave readers with terrifying characters and plots. Add elements of mystery to your setting with candlelight and medieval table settings. If you’re hosting a macabre Halloween wedding, serve vampire-inspired foods and dark wines. Set up an old-fashioned photo booth and entertain your guests with a murder mystery game!

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Film Inspiration

Maybe your vision is inspired by modern Gothic films such as Underworld, Sleepy Hollow, Interview with a Vampire, Dorian Gray, or The Woman in Black. You can plan your wedding around an Underworld theme with elegant tablescapes set for vampires and werewolves. Prefer a rustic wedding? The Legend of Sleepy Hollow evokes a barn celebration with pumpkins. For a classy Victorian affair, make black lace your main fabric and decorate with black or red roses.

Bewitching Bridal Ensemble

To create a soft goth ensemble, play off a black and maroon color scheme, or even choose a black wedding gown! If you’d prefer a ghostly look, get a foldover veil and let it float around you with mysterious allure. Wear a sparkling belt or vintage-inspired headpiece for attention-grabbing style. You can accent your outfit by filling your bouquet with dark colors or autumnal touches. Add ribbons or an antique brooch to complement your theme.

Vintage Dress Code

The most deliberate way to style a Gothic wedding, apart from period-inspired décor, is by asking guests to come dressed accordingly. The word gothic can mean barbarous or uncouth—enter counterculture movements—but typically this means medieval clothing. You can alternatively use a black tie dress code or ask guests to wear dark colors. Take inspiration from your favorite Gothic tale and let your imagination fill in the rest.

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How would you create a spooky Gothic wedding? Share your ideas!

10 Trending Fall Wedding Ideas You’ll Love

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Are you planning an autumn wedding?

Get ready to fall in love with these gorgeous, festive ideas for your décor, attire, food, and more! Read on and make your seasonal wedding stand out.

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Leafy Décor

This is the perfect opportunity for you crafty DIYers out there. Decorate mason jars, hang gilded gold or silver leaves, make confetti, create a wedding arch with bright leaves and flowers, or line your wedding aisle walkway! You can also use leaves as cute place cards, on your invitations, or for your guest book.

Vibrant Flowers

The season’s most abundant flowers include sunflowers, chrysanthemums, carnations, freesias, junipers, roses, marigolds, asters, or dahlias. Pack your bouquet with bright colors, make a floral crown, and feature pumpkins or gourds for centerpieces. Incorporate greenery, lotus pods, feathers, or berries.

Autumn Themes

Fall is ideal for a variety of wedding themes. You can host a rustic or glamping celebration; a laid-back bohemian bash; or a vintage-inspired garden party. A falling in love theme also nicely fits with this season. There’s nothing more magical than an enchanted forest wedding—except for a Halloween-style soirée! If you’d prefer to avoid a specific theme, you can incorporate classic autumnal colors.

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Pop of Color

Bold colors are the hallmarks of a good autumn wedding. Rich fall hues include marsala, cranberry, plum, emerald, yellow, navy, and orange. Balance them with neutrals like ivory, charcoal, dove grey, brown, and black. Want a splash of sparkle? Copper and gold are the trending metallics. For a more rustic and down-to-earth look, you can use plaid table runners, chair covers, or napkins.

Pumpkins Galore

Would any festive fall wedding be complete without pumpkins? You can write on or carve them for your save-the-dates, make welcome signs, line your aisle, feature them in centerpieces, or use pumpkin place settings. Jack o’ lantern lights are a spooky and fun addition to a Halloween theme. For a fairy-tale celebration, paint pumpkins white or bejewel them with rhinestones.

Golden Lighting

The days in autumn grow shorter. When daylight fades, you can illuminate your reception with lanterns, candles, strung lights, mason jar lanterns, chandeliers (even outside), light-up signs, or jack o’lanterns. Be sure to light up your walkways, the aisle, your dance floor, and tablescapes. It’s worth your time to get this right: beautiful lighting creates a magical ambiance.

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Signature Drink

Signature cocktails have been a huge hit at weddings the past couple years. Autumnal beverages include spiced rum cider cocktail, apple cider sangria, pumpkin apple shandy, maple-bourbon smash… Mix just about any form of spirits with berries, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice to create something nice! Hot chocolate, pumpkin spiced coffee, or sparkling cider floats are delicious, non-alcoholic options.

Seasonal Dessert

Fall is a great time to serve utterly mouth-watering morsels. Decorate your cake on an autumn or harvest theme, or go with a naked cake covered with berries. If that’s not your thing, you can serve pies or pie pops, candied apples, s’mores, turnovers, autumn brittle, pears, or candied nuts. A full-on candy station filled with your favorite goodies is a fun option, too!

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Scarves, Jackets, Cover-Ups

Let’s talk comfort. Autumn kicks off the beginning of snuggle weather! For extra warmth, you can provide blankets for your guests after the sun goes down. Keep your bridesmaids warm and dry with plaid jackets or scarves, and be sure to choose a cover-up for yourself, too! Bring an umbrella if there’s a chance it’ll rain (some brides even wear boots if it might be cold).

Enchanting Hair

Now we’re at the best part: your hair. Autumn hairstyles include braids, loose curls, messy buns, and chignons with flowers or leaves tucked in. Fall flower crowns typically feature bold colors and greenery. Another gorgeous option is to wear a sparkling tiara, comb, or garland. For a Halloween wedding, try feathers or black French net. Your veil provides an ethereal finishing touch.

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Want even more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram for bridal style updates, and check out our Fall Weddings board on Pinterest for an overload of pretty wedding ideas.

Reasons to LOVE Flower Headpieces

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6450)

Are you a bohemian bride? A romantic? A modern, trend-follower? A trend-setter? No matter what your wedding look may be, we have ten good reasons to swoon over a gorgeous flower halo or headpiece.

ROMANCE

A flower halo is super romantic—just like the bridal bouquet. There’s just something about flowers that sets our hearts aflutter.

SPARKLE

These days, flower halos and tie headbands include sparkling elements like metallic details, crystals, and rhinestones. If you can add a little extra bling to your bridal style, go for it!

TRADITION

Flower crowns have been around for centuries. Back in the day, brides wore certain flowers for luck, superstition, or symbolism.

BEAUTY

A flower halo looks perfect styled with loose, romantic waves. You’ll get photos with flowers all around your gorgeous face, you lucky girl.

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FEMININITY

Flowers are a symbol of femininity—come on, how many guys do you see wearing flowers in their hair? Grace your locks with your favorites.

SEASONAL THEME

Since flowers are seasonal, many brides wear floral halos during the spring and summer months. This look is gorgeous for a warm-weather wedding.

EASY TO WEAR

A flower crown doesn’t need much maintenance. You can wear it over a draped veil for dramatic effect or even alone for a light touch of beauty.

MIX & MATCH

Coordinate your floral headpiece with other elements in your wedding wardrobe. If your gown is soft blush, you can choose a blush-colored halo. If you’re in love with gold jewelry, match a gold halo.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6460)

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Tell us, which flower headpiece is your favorite and why?

Thanksgiving Love Notes

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Happy Thanksgiving! Here at Bel Aire Bridal, we are giving thanks for our friends and families by sharing a few thoughts from our staff. Enjoy a wonderful and safe holiday, and tell us what you are thankful for!


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“I was thankful for having family and close friends there. We enjoyed good music, food, and cake! Our two dogs, Thor and Natasha, were with us.” –Margie

“I was so thankful that we avoided rain! Our families were so helpful with setting up, and the flowers were gorgeous. The best part was when my groom saw me and grinned.” –Erin

“I was thankful that so many family and friends were able to be there, and that everything went off pretty much without a hitch! But mostly, I was thankful to be marrying the man of my dreams.” –Stephanie

“I was SO looking forward to this day and my favorite memory is that it was exactly how I wanted it – all of my family and friends smiling and supporting us. Truly perfect!” –Irene


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“I am thankful for having a very understanding husband.” –Margie

“My husband and I are very career-oriented, so I’m most thankful for the time he sets aside for our marriage. He’ll drop whatever he is doing and give me attention, which shows me how much he cares.” –Erin

“Marriage is such a beautiful thing when two people work together to cultivate and nurture a relationship. With God’s help, it has all been possible.” –Obdulia

“I have too many good things to choose from but most importantly I’m thankful for the journey we have had together. Our love and closeness has grown tremendously as our families have united over these past 33 years. I am truly blessed and thankful!” –Irene

“It’s fun to have someone to talk to and laugh with. It’s such a blessing. We haven’t shut up since we met almost twelve years ago!” –Joyce


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“I am very thankful for having the most beautiful step-daughter and two beautiful grandchildren.” —Margie

“I am most thankful for the female influences in my life: my mother, sister, aunts, and cousins. They give the best advice, have been there for me, and always remind me how lucky I am to have them.” –Marissa

“The number one blessing is that God has given us our children as a result of our marriage. We are thankful for their health and well-being as they grow up and share their dreams with us.” –Obdulia

“My relationship with my mom because she’s been an amazing parent, business partner, confidante, and friend. It sounds so silly, but it’s true. I’m thankful that this is my ‘normal’: working with my family. There aren’t many industries w/ multi-generational family businesses.” –Eric