Planning A Gothic Wedding: A Dark Romance Guide

Planning a gothic wedding is all about creating a dark and moody atmosphere, with an all-black colour palette and strategic lighting. The venue, decor, invitations, dress code and menu can all be used to set the tone, while entertainment and music can add a gothic twist. From tarot card readings to a warm, glowing dancefloor, there are many ways to make your wedding day unforgettable.

Venue: Choose a bar, an old hotel, or a forest

When it comes to planning a gothic wedding, the venue is key. To create the right atmosphere, consider choosing a bar, an old hotel, or a forest as your backdrop. Each of these settings can be styled to perfection with gothic flair.

A bar can offer a unique and intimate setting for your nuptials. Opt for a venue with character, perhaps one with exposed brick walls, low-lit chandeliers, and a cosy fireplace. This will provide the perfect ambiance for a gothic celebration.

An old hotel exudes a sense of history and intrigue, perfect for a gothic-themed wedding. Imagine exchanging vows in a grand ballroom with ornate details, or perhaps a library setting, surrounded by ancient tomes and flickering candlelight.

For a truly enchanting experience, a forest wedding is a magical choice. Surrounded by nature's beauty, you can create a whimsical gothic ceremony. Adorn the trees with black ribbons and lace, and hang lanterns to guide your guests along a forest path.

When selecting your venue, consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. A gothic wedding is often defined by an all-black palette, with strategic lighting and dark jewel tones. Think about how you can transform the space to embody your vision, whether it's through dramatic decor, moody music, or unique entertainment like tarot card readings or a fortune teller.

Remember, the venue sets the tone for your special day, so choose a location that speaks to your gothic soul and allows you to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Decorations: Candles, drapery, lace linens, and dried flowers

When it comes to decorations, gothic weddings are typically defined by an all-black palette, with hints of dark jewel tones and strategic lighting. Candles are a must, as they create a moody atmosphere with a warm glow. To achieve the gothic look, opt for drapery and lace linens, and decorate with dried flowers. If you're looking for a more elegant take on the gothic theme, you can incorporate these elements while keeping the overall style sophisticated.

For a gothic wedding, the venue is key. Opt for a bar, an old hotel, or a forest to complement the dark and moody aesthetic. You can also be daring with your entertainment choices. Consider having someone perform tarot card readings or hire a fortune teller to entertain your guests.

When it comes to the dance floor, swap the bright disco lights for a warm glow, and choose a playlist that strikes a balance between gothic romance and songs everyone knows. For wedding favours, consider decanting wine or signature cocktails into giant vials as a memorable take-home gift.

The key to a successful gothic wedding is in the details. From the venue to the decor, and even the invitations, make sure everything aligns with your chosen aesthetic.

Dress code: Black with hints of dark jewel tones

When it comes to the dress code for your gothic wedding, black is the obvious choice. But to add a little extra flair, consider incorporating hints of dark jewel tones. Think deep purples, forest greens, and burgundies. These colours can be used as accents in the bridal party's outfits, or as the main colour for the groomsmen's ties or bridesmaids' dresses.

For the bride, a black wedding dress is a dramatic and unconventional choice. But if you're not ready to commit to an all-black gown, you can still embrace the gothic aesthetic with a black lace overlay, dark beading, or a black sash.

The groom might opt for a black suit or tuxedo, with a dark jewel-toned waistcoat or cummerbund. Or, for a more subtle touch, a pocket square or tie in one of the dark jewel tones.

Don't forget about your guests! Encourage them to embrace the dress code by including a note on your invitations. Suggest black outfits with hints of dark jewel tones, and perhaps even offer some specific colour suggestions to ensure a cohesive look.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your accessories. Black veils, dark jewellery, and even gothic-inspired tattoos can all add to the overall gothic aesthetic of your wedding.

Entertainment: Tarot card readings, fortune tellers, and tricks and treats

Entertainment is a key part of any wedding, and a gothic wedding is no exception. Tarot card readings, fortune tellers, and tricks and treats are all great ways to keep your guests entertained and add a touch of gothic flair to your big day.

Tarot card readings can be a fun and interactive way to get your guests involved in the gothic theme. You can hire a professional tarot card reader to set up a small booth or table at your venue, where guests can receive readings throughout the evening. This is sure to be a memorable experience for your guests, and it adds an element of mystery and intrigue to your wedding.

Fortune tellers are another great option for gothic wedding entertainment. Like tarot card readings, fortune tellers can provide guests with a unique and interactive experience. You can hire a fortune teller to wander through the crowd, offering readings to guests as they enjoy the reception. This is a great way to add a touch of theatre and surprise to your wedding, and it's sure to be a talking point for your guests.

If you want to encourage your guests to explore the venue, you can set up a trail of tricks and treats for them to follow. This could involve hiding small treats or favours around the venue for guests to find, or setting up a series of challenges or games for them to complete. This is a fun way to get your guests interacting with the gothic theme and can add a sense of playfulness to your wedding.

When it comes to the dance floor, consider swapping bright disco lights for a moody atmosphere with a warm glow. Choose a playlist that strikes a balance between gothic romance and songs that everyone knows, so your guests can dance the night away in style.

Music: A moody playlist with gothic romance and well-known songs

Music is a key part of any wedding, and a gothic wedding is no exception. When it comes to the dancefloor, swap the bright disco lights for a moody atmosphere with a warm glow. Choose a playlist that strikes a balance between gothic romance and songs everyone knows.

For a gothic wedding, you'll want to include plenty of dark and moody songs, but it's also important to include some well-known songs that will get your guests up and dancing. A good place to start when creating your playlist is with gothic rock and metal bands such as Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, and Type O Negative. These bands have a sound that perfectly captures the gothic aesthetic, with dark and romantic lyrics set to haunting melodies.

You could also include some classical music in your playlist, such as the works of Wagner, which have a dramatic and gothic feel. For a more modern take on gothic romance, you could include songs by artists such as Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, and HIM. These bands blend gothic and metal influences with pop and electronic elements, resulting in a sound that is both dark and accessible.

Of course, you'll also want to include some classic wedding songs that will get everyone on the dance floor. Songs like 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston, 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Elvis Presley, and 'At Last' by Etta James are sure to be crowd-pleasers. By blending gothic romance with well-known songs, you can create a wedding playlist that perfectly captures the mood of your gothic-themed celebration.

Frequently asked questions