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15 Subtly Spooky Halloween Wedding Ideas

September 20, 2024 | Junebug Weddings

Halloween is right around the corner, which has us loving all things spooky. While your Halloween wedding may not be all witches and ghosts, there are a few subtly spooky elements you can add to your day without sacrificing style or elegance. From black table settings to pumpkin decor to killer jackets that will keep you warm while having you dressed in theme, these are 10 Halloween wedding ideas for your big day.

Halloween Wedding Ideas

1. Black Table Settings

Nothing says Halloween more than black table settings with orange accents. Because the color is so timeless, you’ll never have to worry about it looking out of style when you look back on your wedding photos years later.

2. Moody Florals

When it comes to choosing a color palette, you’re likely going to want to lean into darker colors. While black makes an appearance often, we understand that it’s not a color that everyone wants to include in their big day. That’s why moody shades of purples and reds can be used in your florals to help you tie into the theme without being too dark.

3. Dark Colored Wedding Cakes

If you want to keep your table settings light but want to incorporate the color black into your wedding design some other way, consider a black wedding cake. Not into the dark shade? You can also do orange, burgundy, green, or purple–topped with a ghostly cake topper, of course.

Image by Ama by Aisha

4. Black Denim Jackets

There’s nothing we love more than when newlyweds rock matching jackets on their big day. Sure, you could just wear a black denim or leather jacket and call it a day. Or you can take it a step further and add a decal or painting on the back that makes it all that much spookier.

Image by Kylie Farmer

Shop Halloween-Inspired Wedding Jackets: Till Death Gothic Skeleton Faux Leather Jacket; Gothic Skeleton Studded Denim Jacket; The Lovers Tarot Card Faux Leather Jacket; Floral Skull Till Death Faux Leather Jacket

5. Moody Wedding Stationary

To get your guests in the holiday spirit before the wedding day, send out moody wedding stationery. You can find everything from tarot card-inspired invites to programs covered in skeletons.

Shop Halloween-Inspired Wedding Stationary: NOVA Til Death Wedding Invitation Template; Skeleton Wedding Invitation Set; Tarot Card Personalized Wedding Invitation; Halloween Gothic Frame Wedding Invitation

6. Dramatic Makeup + Beauty Looks

Looking for more ways to incorporate Halloween into your bridal look? Go for dramatic makeup, with dark lipstick shades, a smokey eye, and deep nail polish colors.

7. Black Wedding Gown

Here at Junebug, we are firm believers that your wedding day should look exactly how you want. This means forgoing any traditions that don’t fit your personality. If a white wedding dress doesn’t call to you, don’t wear one! Black is a non-traditional yet elegant way to showcase who you are while being the perfect fit for the holiday.

Image by Alex Mabrey.

Shop Black Gowns:

8. Costumes + Masks

Okay, so this one may not exactly be subtle, but it’s such a fun way to entertain your guests at the end of the night. Ask your guests to bring their own favorite costume accessories or pass them out during your reception. Either way, be sure to snap a lot of photos because this is one detail you are definitely going to want to remember.

Image by Ana Hinojosa

9. All Black Groom + Groomsmen Attire

Nothing looks more suave than all-black groom and groomsmen attire. It’s easy to find, looks good on absolutely everyone, and photographs beautifully.

10. Pass Out Candy

One of the most exciting parts of Halloween is the trick or treating. While you may not be able to do this at your wedding, you can still incorporate the concept by passing out candy as your wedding favor or putting together a candy bar instead of having a wedding cake.

11. Subtle Pumpkin Decor

You don’t have to skip pumpkins altogether if you want a subtle look. Rather than place them everywhere, you look, place small pumpkins sporadically throughout your venue for a more subdued look. This can include your ceremony backdrop, your reception tables, or your photo booth.

Image by Martin McLellan

12. Themed Neon Signs

Neon signs are always a great idea, so if you’re going to include one for your reception, why not make it themed? Anything along the lines of “till death do us party” is the perfect fit.

Shop neon signs: 1. Till We Are Ghosts Neon Sign; 2. Old English Til Death Neon Sign; 3. Til Death Heart Neon Sign; 4. In This Life And The Next Neon Sign; 5. Love You to Death Neon Sign

13. Halloween Entertainment

Nothing says spooky quite like including some spooky entertainment during your reception. Consider a tarot card reader, fire breather, magician, or circus performers.

Image by Brandi Potter

14. Smoking Cocktails

To add an element of spookiness to your cocktail hour, consider adding dry ice to your cocktails to make it seem like it’s smoking. Not a fan of that? Try smoked cocktails with the help of a cloche instead!

Image by Gallivan Photo via Pinterest

15. Candles Galore

There’s something about fall that makes us think of lighting an abundance of candles and curling up in bed with a blanket and some hot tea. Bring those same cozy vibes to your big day with candles everywhere. From the aisle of your ceremony space to your reception tables, there are so many areas where you can include them And they can be cheaper than flowers, so it’s a great money saving options without sacrificing beauty.

Loving these Halloween wedding ideas and looking for even more ways to make your special day feel extra cozy? Check out these 15 delightfully cozy ideas. And don’t forget the signature cocktails that will help you warm up, too!

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Whimsical North Carolina Botanical Garden Wedding

September 20, 2024 | justine

Charisse and Hannah, being true New Yorkers, wanted to keep that vibe alive on their big day. Hannah’s father, who’s a botanist and the director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, played a special role in this. After Hannah’s mother passed away in 2020, the garden dedicated the breezeway entry to her memory. So, getting married in the Sara Waitt Breezeway was a beautiful way for them to honor and include her in their celebration. With a summer garden theme, a soft, romantic color palette, and a touch of whimsy, their vision came to life perfectly at the North Carolina Botanical Garden wedding.

Surrounded by their closest loved ones and the lush beauty of the gardens, the brides pledged their love in a heartfelt ceremony at the breezeway. They chose simple decor that perfectly complemented the picturesque setting, with flowers climbing up the beams to enhance the serene atmosphere. After the ceremony, they hosted a stunning reception at Carolina Grove. The all-white indoor space, with its soaring ceilings, was beautifully accented by tablescapes featuring delicate centerpieces, candles, and vintage-inspired settings, creating a truly unforgettable celebration.

If you and your partner dream of greenery and florals as the perfect backdrop for your special day, this enchanting celebration is a must-see. Christian Reyes captured all the swoon-worthy details of this gorgeous garden wedding, filled with inspiration you’ll definitely want to share with your vendors.

The Couple:

Charisse and Hannah

The Wedding:

North Carolina Botanical Garden, North Carolina, United States

Personalizing their North Carolina Botanical Garden Wedding Ceremony with Their Favorite Songs

We made our ceremony special with our own personal guitarist. Hannah’s Uncle Mike, a very talented musician, played for each of us as we walked down the aisle. Hannah walked to “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves, and I to “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo.

A Quiet Moment Amid the Wedding Whirlwind

Our private last dance was the most memorable moment of the day. The wedding was such a whirlwind, but for 3 minutes and 18 seconds—the length of “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves—everything came to a standstill, and we were able to fully soak in the moment together. It was so special.

Why Hiring a Planner Is Worth Every Penny

Hire a planner! If possible, find a way to budget for one—you will never regret the help. A skilled planner can take care of the countless details that go into making your wedding day run smoothly, from coordinating vendors to managing timelines and troubleshooting any last-minute issues.  It’s an investment that brings peace of mind and helps turn your vision into reality.

How the Breezeway Became a Tribute to Hannah’s Mom

Hannah’s father is a botanist and the director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. When Hannah’s mother passed away in 2020, the garden generously dedicated the breezeway entry to her. Getting married in the Sara Waitt Breezeway was a deeply meaningful way for us to honor and include her in our special day. The forecast predicted temperatures in the high 90s, but it felt like Hannah’s mom really put the “breeze” in her Breezeway for us that day!

Bringing Jamaican Flavor to Their Celebration

Our dinner menu was a tribute to Charisse’s home country, Jamaica! It was exciting to bring Jamaican culture into our celebration with dishes like jerk chicken, coconut rice and peas, plantain curry, oxtail-style short rib, and more. We were a bit concerned about finding authentic Jamaican food in North Carolina, but our fantastic catering team went above and beyond, making the menu taste just like home.

Making the Day Unique with Bluebonnet Bouquets and Monogrammed Sneakers

Hailing from Austin, Hannah and our florist worked hard to source Texas bluebonnets for her bouquet. When it became clear that getting the preserved flowers across state lines was a slim chance, I found a beautiful bluebonnet bouquet pin as a perfect alternative. Meanwhile, knowing that I’m a huge sneaker enthusiast and would want to switch out of heels for the dance floor, Hannah surprised me with a fresh pair of AirForce1s, custom monogrammed with my new initials.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Christian Reyes
Event Planning – Kathryne Krueger
Ceremony Venue – North Carolina Botanical Garden
Reception Venue – Carolina Grove
Floral Design – Sweetlove Blossoms
Catering – HL Catering
Dessert – Sweetwater Ices
DJ – Triangle Sound Service
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Wedded Kiss
Rentals – Curated Events + Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Lighting – Themeworks
Transportation – Triangle Corporate Coach

 

Congratulations to Charisse and Hannah on their whimsical North Carolina Botanical Garden wedding. A big thank you to Christian Reyes for capturing all the swoon-worthy details of this gorgeous garden wedding. 

Honoring passed loved ones in meaningful ways adds a deeply personal touch to your celebration, making it all the more special. Whether through a sentimental ceremony, thoughtful decor, or a tribute to cherished memories, these touches can create lasting, heartfelt moments.

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This Santorini Elopement Inspiration Shoot is the Definition of Elegant

September 18, 2024 | justine

Drawn from Santorini’s breathtaking landscapes, architecture, and culture, this talented team crafted a beautiful wedding vision. With a soft, romantic color palette, dreamy flowers, and elegant fashion, this Santorini elopement inspiration blends stunning views with timeless details. The location’s charm and the carefully chosen elements come together to create an unforgettable celebration that captures the essence of Santorini’s magic.

The editorial began with a sunset boat photoshoot, gliding across the ocean as the sun sparkled on the water. The main wedding celebration took place at The Diamond Rock, a luxurious cliff top villa with breathtaking ocean views. A floral canopy set the stage for the vow exchange, framed by the stunning waterfront backdrop. For the intimate reception, a beautiful tablescape featured soft blooms cascading down the sides, flickering candles, and elegant gold settings. While the decor added to the magic of this elopement, the fashion also shone. The bride wore three stylish dresses, and the groom looked dapper in a classic suit.

This styled shoot beautifully showcased the landscape’s natural beauty, brought to life by carefully crafted details. Want to see more? Chloe Bolam has perfectly captured every postcard-worthy moment and stunning detail. These photos are sure to spark your imagination and inspire some unique wedding ideas!

The Vision Behind This Santorini Elopement Inspiration

Couples will love this stunning three-day Santorini wedding shoot, featuring iconic fashion, a sunset boat trip, and breathtaking views. With Santorini’s rising popularity as a wedding destination, this venue and its picturesque streets offer endless inspiration. From the sunset boat ride and ocean-view venue to the charming sunrise streets, this editorial shows how to maximize your destination wedding experience. Captured in a bright, timeless style, it highlights Santorini’s natural beauty and elegance, making the most of its landscapes, architecture, and culture. The inspiration came from Santorini itself, starting with a sunset boat photoshoot, moving to The Diamond Rock for the main celebration, and ending with a sunrise stroll through Santorini’s postcard-perfect streets.

Beautiful Blooms and Elegant Table Settings for This Santorini Elopement Inspiration

The florals in this editorial were stunning! Pink roses and delicate gypsophila adorned the archway canopy and dining table, enhancing the breathtaking view. The subtle pink and purple hues created a harmonious look that shifted with the changing light. These elegant blooms were paired with gold-rimmed tableware and cutlery, sparkling in the setting sun.

Recommended Reading: Elevate Your Reception Decor With These Wedding Table Settings

Continuing the Theme with Sophisticated Wedding Attire

Our bride wore three stunning gowns: a dramatic cape and puff sleeves by Kimberely Stone Atelier for most of the celebration, including the boat ride and rooftop views; a unique lace dress with a corset by Liz Martinez Bridal for the ceremony, paired with a vintage veil; and a dazzling glitter dress by Gibson Bespoke for the evening. She accessorized with feathered Bella Belle heels and pearlescent earrings. The groom started with a casual white shirt and black trousers for the boat, then switched to a sophisticated black tie suit, beginning with a white jacket and ending with a classic black version for the evening.

Setting the Tone With a Picture-Perfect Santorini Wedding Location

The Diamond Rock is a luxurious Santorini wedding spot perched on the Caldera Cliffs in Oia, offering stunning ocean views in a serene, private setting. It provides an enchanting backdrop for your wedding, perfect for an intimate celebration with loved ones. Spend your wedding morning relaxing by the pool, then enjoy elegant preparation photos in the shadow of palm trees. Exchange vows with a breathtaking ocean view under a floral canopy and captures iconic Santorini rooftop shots. The venue’s daily sunset and golden light add a magical touch to your special day.

The Talented Team:

Photography – Chloe Bolam
Event Planning– Lucy Ann Events
Venue – The Diamond Rock
Floral Design – Paula Rooney
Workshop Host & Styling – Charlotte Wise Photography
Invitation Design – Liv Laermann
Makeup + Hair Styling – Chloe GH Bridal
Wedding Dresses – Liz Martinez + Kimberley Stone Atelier + Gibson Bespoke
Bridal Accessories – Gibson Bespoke + Megan Therese
Groom’s Apparel – Black Tie Menswear
Rentals – Maison Trilogie Dinnerware

 

A special shout out to Chloe Bolam for capturing every stunning detail of this Santorini elopement inspiration. This styled shoot shows how much the right venue can set the tone for your entire celebration. When planning your big day, remember that the location really matters. Check out our handy guide for tips and advice on picking the perfect spot. Your dream celebration starts with finding the ideal backdrop!

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