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Weddings are not a one theme fits all affair. One thing that’s considered perfect for one couple could be the total opposite of what another couple wants. Some may prefer to go traditional while others may desire something unique and out of the ordinary. Alternative wedding themes -- like a Gothic wedding -- are popular these days for the freedom they provide to couples getting married. These extraordinary themes let brides and grooms get fun and creative, empowering them to organize their big day based on their vision and personal preferences.
Goth & Pop Culture: Jenna Ortega’s Goth Wedding Dress at the “Wednesday” Premiere
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There has been a reemergence of gothic themes in pop culture, the latest one is the Netflix show Wednesday where Jenna Ortega plays the goth icon, Wednesday Addams, as she navigates through the adventures and challenges of being a student in Nevermore Academy. It’s not just the exciting story but also the fashion looks Jenna Ortega pulls off on and off screen that is getting noticed. Aside from her Wednesday wardrobe, the actress made jaws drop when she attended the Wednesday premiere wearing a goth wedding dress complete with a black veil. Now, that’s something brides all over the world can get inspiration from!
A background on Gothic weddings...
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One alternative concept that is getting traction these days is Gothic-themed weddings. Think elegant yet Gothic wedding venues, offbeat and dramatic decors, deep and dark colour palettes, and edgy fashion choices. Goth weddings have this enchanting and magical feel to them that transports the couple (along with their guests) to a fantasy land where dreams and nightmares reside, the perfect setting to seal their forever – a real ‘til death do us part’ moment.
Information on Gothic wedding fashion...
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You might be wondering about how complicated the attire could be for a Gothic wedding but it’s simpler than you think. The first rule is to embrace shades not usually used in traditional weddings – bloody red, pitch black, dark purples, greens, and greys. For gothic wedding and bridesmaid dresses, it is ideal to choose flowy material like lace or chiffon to add a romantic and haunting touch to the aesthetics of the female entourage. As for the male members of the wedding party, all-black outfits are mostly preferred. For the wedding guests, it is encouraged to stick to the motif and dress code set by the couple getting married.
Gothic weddings are not for everyone, but if you are curious as to what this wedding concept can bring to the table, let us convince you with this list. We’ve rounded up awesome and interesting Gothic wedding ideas that may give you a clearer picture as to why sometimes, the most unusual choices make the most sense. Scroll down and be mesmerized!
Gothic Wedding Element: Whimsical Wedding Dress
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Make a statement and wow your guests with a whimsical wedding gown! There are so many ways to pull this off fashionably – veer away from tradition and pick a black wedding dress made of velvet with embroidered details. Select a ball gown silhouette reminiscent of bygone eras to give off that bride of Dracula vibe. You may also go for something more enchanting like a dreamy and flowy off-the-shoulder tulle creation. Another option is a body-hugging lace gown that will make you look like a dark goddess out to steal hearts on the wedding day.
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To put a modern twist to the traditional white wedding gown, pick a black and white dress instead. Finish off the look with a dramatic veil in complementing colour or an elegantly embellished birdcage veil. If this is not your thing, wear an eye-catching Gothic-style metal or flower crown.
Gothic Wedding Element: Mesmerizing Makeup
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Although fresh and au natural can be an option, Gothic weddings call for something sultrier and more striking when it comes to makeup. Smokey eyes and thick black eyeliner are the standards but you may also play around with other colours like reds and purples. For the lips, you can go two different ways: nude lips or deep red or black.
Gothic Wedding Element: Impressive Ink
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Time to parade those tattoos! Body ink is personal and deserves some love so why not highlight them during your wedding? Pick a backless Gothic wedding dress to show off a beloved back piece or have your groom roll his shirt to display his cool tattoo sleeve. What’s great about doing this is you get to utilize your body art as part of your Gothic wedding decorations. A concept some of your guests may have never seen before.
Gothic Wedding Element: Rock n Roll Rings
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A Gothic nuptial deserves equally Gothic wedding rings. Instead of the classic white diamond, pick dark-coloured gems like blood-red ruby or deep green emerald. Design your wedding band in baroque jewellery style – bold and chunky. You can never go wrong with black diamonds and their unique sparkle. Make your Gothic wedding rings more unique by adding other related elements to the design like claws, skulls, moon, and stars.
Gothic Wedding Element: Strange Suit
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The groom also deserves exceptional and fashionable treatment that’s why his attire must include a Gothic wedding suit! The material could be from luxurious velvet or traditional wool in black or other darker hues. To make him stand out from the other male members of the entourage, his suit must have embroidery and embellishment just like his bride’s Gothic wedding dress. He can accessorize the whole outfit with a matching hat and cane as well as a blood-red rose boutonniere.
Gothic Wedding Element: Bewitching Bridesmaids
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A Gothic wedding is not complete without its bewitching bridesmaids. Doll up your ladies in elegant Gothic velvet bridesmaid dresses. Mix and match them with different styles and silhouettes but have a unifying element (similar makeup or accessory) to make the whole look flawless and cohesive. Other fabrics you can use for the dresses are tulle and velvet in black or deep red.
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Gothic Wedding Element: Uncanny Cake
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Still going with the Gothic theme, your cake must be something out of the ordinary, too. Instead of white or pastels, have it designed in black with a creepy cake topper. You can also include other finer details to your Gothic wedding cake like touches of gold, red, or silver. To elevate it further, have the cake designed marble-like or embellished with edible gemstones.
Gothic Wedding Element: Bizarre Venue
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There are plenty of options (both indoors and outdoors) when it comes to gothic wedding venues. You can hold your big day at an old or abandoned castle or hall ruins with a history of ghosts and ghouls. You can also take it outside in a dark and moody woodland setting. If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, saying “I do” at a graveyard is not unheard of when it comes to Gothic ceremonies.
Gothic Wedding Element: Offbeat Ornaments
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An unusual celebration requires not-so-usual Gothic wedding decorations. Unlike traditional nuptials, Gothic weddings are more inclined towards strange adornments like gargoyles, skeletons, black candles, and eerie draperies and chair ribbons. You can also get creative with the wedding arch by using a casket full of dark-coloured blooms. Lastly, to add some dramatic lighting, chandeliers are a must.
Gothic Wedding Element: Terrific Table Setting
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This peculiar wedding theme is not complete without its Gothic table setting. The design includes black candles, skull and floral centrepieces, bottles of potions, gold or silver plates and cutlery, sparkly glassware, tablecloths and runners in dark hues. Other table elements you may add include antique candle holders, old books, and miniature caskets.
Gothic Wedding Element: Beguiling Bouquet
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A Gothic bride walking down the aisle is incomplete without her Gothic bouquet. Forgo pastel and light-coloured florals and choose darker blooms and greenery. Purple calla lilies or blood-red roses would be great choices for the bouquet. You may also add some dark-hued wildflowers and grass for volume. Tie everything together with a black ribbon or lace for added texture. Lastly, hang an antique locket on the bouquet for a statement finish.
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