Halloween is upon us. And if you love this time of year as much as we do, you could get hitched on this special day. Just how do you throw a tasteful affair that won't have your guests screaming for the hills?
For starters, ditch the fake spider webs, carved-out pumpkins and skeleton mobiles, and think of Victorian or gothic touches like candelabras, heavy drapery, ornate picture frames, winding staircases, chandeliers and lots of sexy red and black interiors. If you have seen the palatial home of Dorian Grey in TV series Penny Dreadful, you'll have a better idea.
Here are six more tips and Pinterest pics for creating a Halloween wedding that is stylish, not scary.
Bring on the pumpkins
Halloween is never complete without pumpkins. Place them everywhere – the aisle, centerpieces, reception, wedding signs, dessert table and floral decorations. You could even paint them white, gold, silver or black for a touch of class.
Ambient lighting sets the mood
Lights play a very important role in setting the mood, so stock up on some giant candles (or LED alternatives) to add a mysterious feel to the venue. Better if they're in black candelabras or hanging from the ceiling. If your wedding is outdoors, you can add fairy lights and lanterns for a rustic affair like a Salem witch séance. Don't forget the wooden crates and bales of hay!
Turn your look romantic goth
It's very easy to turn your ensemble Halloween without being Halloween. It's all in the accessorising – go gothic with corseted gowns paired with a birdcage veil, bejewelled choker and Venetian mask (optional). Some brides do the opposite and keep it airy fairy by donning a flowy Grecian gown and fairy wings. Others incorporate orange into their look in the form of a sash, tulle lining or dip-dye fabric.
Go for an autumn colour palette
If you are superstitious, go easy on black. Although it is the go-to colour for Halloween, we still want to throw an auspicious event. Infuse a mash up of autumn shades like brown, purple, mahogany, burgundy, deep reds, and burnt yellows and oranges. We love a sexy dark hand bouquet of deep red roses, dark calla lilies, dried autumn leaves and berries.
Have edible good fun
The dinner reception is where you can infuse spookier touches like mashed potatoes shaped like ghosts, severed finger sausages and a wedding cake dripping with "blood." Go crazy with the dessert table and include candied apples or cherries, cupcakes topped with ghouls, jack-o-lantern cookies and more. We love candy stations inspired by flicks like Corpse Bride, Harry Potter and Beetlejuice. Let's not forget the cocktails – get your mixologist to create ghoulish martinis in shades of red, black and green.
It's the details that matter
For a classy celebration, the décor can be more goth and less gore. Instead of luscious floral centerpieces, try twigs and dried leaves and berries, placed in black or red vases. Serve the alcohol in vintage metal cups or black goblets and bring out the gilded tableware. Red velvet and black lace, on anything and everything, also does wonders to add an air of mystery and sexiness.
PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Imboden Photography, Ace Photography, Time Frozen Photography, A Day To Remember, True Photography, April Smith & Co. Photography, Click Photo Designs, Rennai Hoefer, Rennai Hoefer, Cheriefoto, Newberry Photography, Ali Express, Pinterest, New House New Home, Colin Cowie Weddings, Bumby Photography, Cake Central, Pinterest, Pinterest, Balocoloc Venetian Masks, Pinterest, Etsy/Hello My Sweet
