This blog post answers the burning question of what to wear to a Halloween wedding and gives you easy outfit ideas.
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Ever faced the conundrum of dressing up for a Halloween wedding?
You’re not alone.
Imagine receiving an invitation that mixes the elegance of a wedding with the fun and spookiness of Halloween.
The question is—what on earth do you wear?
Fear not, I’ve got the answers and outfit inspirations you need.
This guide will help you be the best-dressed guest while respecting the bride and groom’s special day.
Understanding the Halloween Wedding Dress Code
Decoding the Invitation
The first step in deciding what to wear to a Halloween wedding is understanding the dress code.
The invitation often gives these hints.
Is it a formal affair or more on the casual side? Are costumes encouraged, or should you lean towards traditional attire with a spooky twist? Is there a specific theme?
Decoding these clues will set the stage for your outfit choices.
Balancing Halloween and Wedding Etiquette
Halloween weddings can be tricky—you want to honor the festive spirit without compromising wedding etiquette.
Stick to the tone set by the couple.
If costumes are allowed, keep them elegant and wedding-appropriate.
Pop culture costumes may be fun, but are they respectful in a wedding setting? With that in mind, I would avoid anything too gory or scary.
Aim for a balance that pays homage to both Halloween and the sanctity of the wedding.
Opt for Halloween-inspired colors
If costumes aren’t explicitly requested, consider wearing darker tones or autumn colors that fit the Halloween theme.
Black, deep purple, orange, or burgundy are excellent choices.
But, keep in mind if the couple explicitly states to AVOID certain colors as well. The bride may be wearing a black wedding gown for instance and wouldn’t want guests to be in that color too. This is something that would typically be noted on the invitation.
Incorporate subtle Halloween Accessories & Elements
You can add Halloween-inspired accessories or makeup to your outfit without going full costume.
For example, you could wear a mask, carry a themed clutch, or add some gothic jewelry.
These are subtle ways to keep your guest attire simple while staying on theme for a Halloween wedding. This also makes it really easy to wear an outfit you already have.
With these helpful tips in mind, let’s explore some outfit inspiration ideas that perfectly blend Halloween flair with wedding sophistication.
What To Wear To A Halloween Wedding: Stylish Wedding Guest Outfits
Elegant Costume Ideas
Combining elegance with a touch of whimsy can make for a stunning outfit. Think of classic characters like Morticia Addams or Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
You can even go with a “Disco Isn’t Dead” theme by wearing a sequin jumpsuit and adding disco-inspired accessories.
You could also consider historical figures or literary characters that exude elegance.
Cleopatra and Marc Anthony, Daisy and Gatsby from “The Great Gatsby” or Mr. & Mrs. Smith would make a great couple costume!
If the couple has specifically requested costumes and is having more of a Halloween party than a traditional wedding reception, follow the themes.
This can be anything like Star Wars, fairy tales, masquerades, etc.
Remember to keep your costume simple and comfortable since you’ll be spending quite a few hours in it. And, avoid over-the-top elements that might overshadow the couple.
Non-Costume Options for Halloween Wedding
If costumes aren’t your thing, you can still pay homage to Halloween with your attire.
A black lace gown with intricate details or a dark green velvet dress are perfect choices.
Incorporate elements like opera gloves, feathered accessories, or a statement choker to add some subtle Halloween flair.
Formal Attire with Gothic Touches
For a more formal wedding, consider adding a touch of gothic style to your outfit. This could include lace, dark jewel tones, and mystical motifs.
You could also incorporate subtle Halloween elements like a spider hairpiece or snake earrings.
This approach allows you to stay true to your personal style while still honoring the Halloween theme.
Edgy Wedding Guest Outfit
For those who prefer a non-costume look, channel your edgier fashionista.
Opt for an edgy yet tasteful wedding guest outfit.
Halloween is the perfect excuse to try it out!
Think leather accents, dark lace, or rich velvet fabrics.
A deep burgundy dress with moody flowers can offer just the right amount of edge while staying true to the formalities of a wedding.
And when in doubt, look to the celebrities and their red-carpet attire for inspiration.
Fall Wedding Guest Attire with a Spooky Twist
Go-To Color Palettes for Guests that are Perfect For A Halloween Wedding
Choosing the right color palette is essential. Darker shades like deep purples, midnight blues, blacks, and burnt oranges are great for fall weddings in general.
Just make sure you’re not matching with the bridal party or the actual wedding colors!
Accentuate these with metallic accessories in gold or silver.
These colors not only fit the Halloween theme but also look stunning in fall settings.
Incorporating Autumn Elements and Fall Trends into Your Wedding Guest Outfit
There are certain textures and elements that everyone connects with Fall Fashion.
And, subtle autumn elements can add a stunning touch of seasonal flair.
Think autumn leaves, starry nights, or even autumnal florals.
Dramatic draping sleeves or a vintage fur shawl can also add to the fall aesthetic.
So why not incorporate these elements into your wedding guest outfit?
Additionally, if you’d like to keep an eye on fall fashion trends that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe, check out my post about it here.
Balancing Elegance and Festivity
Remember, it’s all about balance.
While it’s fun to incorporate Halloween elements, don’t forget the wedding’s formal nature.
Elegantly blend these elements into your attire to ensure you look both festive and refined.
Do’s and Don’ts of Halloween Wedding Fashion
What to Avoid
Firstly, avoid anything that could be deemed offensive or overly revealing. Respect the couple’s wishes and the sanctity of the event.
Secondly, steer clear of overly elaborate costumes that could overshadow the bride and groom.
Unless otherwise stated, I would avoid specific “bride and groom” costumes.
This includes: Bride of Chucky, Bride of Frankenstein, Corpse Bride, and even a Dia De Los Muertos couple. Unless you’re toning down the costume by focusing on the sugar skull makeup, then that idea is completely appropriate.
This dress from Asos would be perfect for that style of Halloween makeup or just as a typical wedding guest dress.
Remember, anything marriage or bride & groom should respectively stay with the actual couple.
Lastly, avoid loud colors that clash with the fall color scheme.
And again, unless stated I would still avoid wearing a white dress. So no classic Marilyn Monroe, but her ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President’ dress is still an option!
How to Stand Out (In a Good Way)
Standing out doesn’t mean being the center of attention.
Opt for elegant, well-thought-out outfits that show you’ve put effort into your appearance.
One of my favorite outfits to wear is an eye-catching jumpsuit. I styled influencer Lauren Amanda Jones (@itslaurenamanda) in one when she appeared on Season 24 of The Bachelor.
But overall, unique accessories or a beautiful, thematic outfit can make you memorable for all the right reasons.
Maintaining Comfort
Comfort is key.
While it’s fun to dress up, remember that you’ll be wearing this outfit for several hours.
This is especially important if you’re wearing a costume. I know you may not want to spend a lot of money on quality costumes, but oftentimes cheaper costumes are equal to cheaper material. And those are known to be almost suffocating.
Whether it’s a costume or a standard dress, it’s always best to pick materials that are breathable and fit well!
Along the line of shoes, make sure that you can dance in them and that you break them in before the event.
Many brands are now including memory foam in their insoles, and the kitten heel is such a comfortable and chic option for these types of special occassions.
A well-rounded outfit balances both style and comfort, ensuring you enjoy the celebration to the fullest.
Makeup and Beauty Tips for Halloween Wedding Guests
Sophisticated Spooky Makeup Ideas
Your makeup can elevate your entire look. Think smoky eyes with a hint of glitter or dark, vampy lips.
Elegant yet spooky makeup can complement your outfit beautifully.
Avoid overly theatrical makeup that might be more suitable for a costume party than a wedding – unless that’s the theme!
If you want to learn how to make your makeup last all night and practically sweat-proof, check out my post here.
Hair Styling for Halloween Weddings
Hairstyles can range from sleek and sophisticated to more elaborate.
Consider a classic updo adorned with subtle Halloween-themed accessories like a snake hairpin.
Alternatively, loose waves with a touch of sparkle can add an ethereal feel to your look.
You can also never go wrong with the timeless Hollywood waves hairstyle. It fits both costume-themed as well as formal attire.
Nail Art and Final Touches
Don’t forget about your nails. Elegant Halloween-themed nail art can add a fun twist without being too distracting.
Think dark hues with small, intricate designs like webs.
I have an entire list to help give you some inspiration on the perfect elegant Halloween manicure. You can read it here.
These final touches can complete your look perfectly.
Shopping Guide: Where to Find Halloween Wedding Guest Outfits and Budget-Friendly Options
Not everyone wants to splurge on a new outfit though!
Understanding what to wear to a Halloween wedding can be challenging, but with the right guidance, you can find the best options that suit your style and budget.
Like I mentioned before, you can be on theme for a Halloween wedding by simply choosing some thematic accessories like the ones I have listed below.
Online Retailers
Online retailers offer a vast array of options.
Websites like ASOS, VICI, and Lulus have sections dedicated to wedding guest outfits and seasonal attire. Search for keywords like “formal Halloween attire” or “elegant Halloween dresses” to find suitable options.
Rental Options
If you don’t want to buy something new, renting is a great option. Websites like Rent the Runway or FashionPass offer designer outfits at a fraction of the cost.
This allows you to wear something fabulous without the long-term commitment.
If you’re attending an actual costume party for the Halloween wedding, renting a costume from a local costume shop is another great opportunity.
Many times you’ll get a quality and accurate costume that you don’t have to deal with storage or what to do with afterwards.
This is a perfect option if the couple is choosing a masquerade theme as well!
If you’re in Los Angeles here are some wonderful costume rental shops that are open to the general public:
Final Thoughts…
Attending a Halloween wedding is a unique experience that blends the fun of a Halloween party with the elegance of a wedding.
By following these tips, you can ensure you’re the best-dressed guest while respecting the couple’s wishes.
Remember, it’s all about balance; combining style, comfort, and a touch of spookiness.
What’s your top pick for a Halloween wedding guest outfit after reading our guide? Share your thoughts and inspire others in the comments below!
If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to my blog for more style and outfit inspiration. Happy celebrating and Happy Halloween!
