Gothic style wedding

We tend to associate weddings with bright colors. White, powder pink and even green is an inseparable element of such events. Few brides and grooms decide on slightly darker climates and dark colors. It turns out that in this season it is even desirable. The gothic style of weddings is the real hit. Everything from the engagement rings to the bride’s dress and the decoration of the wedding venue is on trend. 

Gothic weddings are still rare, like almost all the alternative wedding ideas. The gothic style is mainly associated with a gloomy, dark side and grotesque. However, there are also those, who are attracted by this avant-garde stylistics and try to refer to the gothic motives, interweaving also references to the Victorian period, retro style or even the Middle Ages.

Outfits for gothic themed wedding

Dresses

The gothic image consists of clothing, stylized as romantic or medieval outfits, characteristic hairstyles (in men’s hairstyles reminiscent of punk hairstyles, in women’s long, loose hair or fancy chignons and buns) and dark, almost theatrical makeup. The external image is very important because it expresses attitudes towards the world, a dramatic nature, a fascination with literature and art, and symbolizes feelings, usually filled with sadness and nostalgia.

Beautiful black wedding dresses are now available on the market. However, black dress is not the only indicator of the gothic style. Gothic look allows us to make a sensible choice. We can opt for a classic, long sleeves ball gown in Victorian style in deep reds, purple or dark green or for a flirty, girly mini dress with tulle skirt in gothic Lolita style. Gothic wedding dresses often feature corset elements, modelled on the Victorian era, but also on the French fashion of the 17th and 18th centuries. 

Contemporary gothic corsets are a loose interpretation of the fashion of the time and remain only a decorative element, highlighting the female shape. Gothic bride clothes are also modelled on outfits typical of the Romantic era (long and wide ball gown, flared long sleeves with black lace, multi-layered creations, capes, coats, hats, bonnets) and the fashion referring to the end of the 19th century – laced corsets, gloves, fans, dresses with wire frames, umbrellas, various brooches and other jewelry decorations.

The color scheme of the outfits is mainly gothic black, but purple, deep red and violet, and even an innocent white wedding dress can also creep into the Gothic theme. Consideration is also given to the juxtaposition of material and textile types, such as satin, velvet, chiffon, lace, velour or taffeta.

The Groom

The groom should think of an elegant black tailcoat or jacket with appropriate motifs for his wedding attire. Men have a taste for laced shirts with high collars and jabots, hooded capes, and top hat.

Accessories for gothic wedding dress

Gothic details and bridal accessories are a real showstopper: black veil, velvet scarves, lace parasols, Victorian earrings, collars, cuff links. An important addition is fine jewelry, usually made of silver, which includes earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets, as well as chains, collars or belts hung on the hips.

Venue

For a gothic wedding, a location in the right atmosphere is essential. We have at our disposal castles in gothic or Victorian style, restaurants in old, stylized cellars, historic towers. The bright, scorching sun is rather not suitable for a gothic wedding. So plan your gothic wedding after sunset or in the darkest of months, i.e. in November, beloved by the Goths. 

Decor for gothic wedding theme

It doesn’t have to be all black decorations straight away. Just make sure you have maroon flowers, tall candles on the tables and gold accessories. This will give the decor a gothic feel – you’ll be happy, and your wedding guests won’t be shocked.  If you want to go all in, black candles, invitations in black envelope, black wedding cake and only red roses are always available for you to choose.

Candles and decorative chandeliers are a must in a gothic room. Let’s make sure that the light complements the solemn character of the ceremony. The tables should be prepared with the utmost care: velvet tablecloths and table runners, old-style tableware, goblets, dried flowers, decorative platters, etc.

In the wedding decor in the hall important are the “little things”, which together create a unique atmosphere: thin candles in tall candlesticks, openwork chandeliers, black candles in glass vases, lace bedspreads on chairs. 

A great solution is to use props, which are most often used in the United States to decorate houses during Halloween, i.e. cobwebs, skulls, skeletons, ghouls, spiders, bats, witches, coffins and lots of candles, which will give the atmosphere of the wedding hall. This styling is dominated by a very distinct color scheme; red, black, purple, with a mix of white.

Photos and music

A gothic wedding needs to be reflective and romantic. A photo session in a gloomy forest or an old castle will certainly differ from wedding standards, but it can turn out to be a wonderful experience and a souvenir for life. Additionally, believe me, it will be fun for a wedding photographer to work with you on your wedding day.

Gothic wedding style does not exist without an appropriate musical setting. Choose from solemn stunning classical music and electronic music hits to gothic rock and cold industrial.