A few years ago, the mere mention of a Halloween wedding would bring screams of protest from all involved. Now the words "till death do us part" conjure up thoughts of their own! As an increasing number of couples reject traditional services in favor of a ceremony more fitting to their personalities, Halloween themed weddings are becoming a popular choice. Although some couples choose to take the theme to the extreme, there are a variety of ways to incorporate America's favorite holiday into a wedding, while still having an elegant and tasteful event. Three popular types of Halloween weddings are:

Autumn Theme

For weddings during the autumn months, the rich colors of fall provide a beautiful array of choices for floral arrangements and decorations. Fall leaves and brightly colored blooms are plentiful and with a few subtle Halloween additions, they can be used for a truly elegant affair.

Traditional Halloween Theme

For a traditional Halloween theme, orange and black is the obvious color scheme and pumpkins or apples are affordable additions to centerpieces. This type of Halloween wedding is especially suitable when a large number of children are included in the guest list. Although a single item can be featured in decorations (for example pumpkins, scarecrows, bats, etc.) it is fun to combine a variety of spooky and fun items.

Masquerade Theme

For couples that love Halloween but prefer a traditional wedding ceremony, a costume ball reception provides the perfect compromise. Specify on the reception invitation that guests are to arrive in costume, but have a few masks on hand for the unprepared. Of course, for the truly adventurous, a masquerade wedding gives the bride and groom, as well as the guests, an opportunity to “dress their best”.

Bridal Gown - Selecting a wedding gown may be the first major obstacle when considering a Halloween wedding.
Many brides select a traditional gown, with Victorian styles being a favorite. A slinky black dress and a long red gown are both possible choices. For a masquerade wedding, the bride and groom may choose to dress in princess and prince costumes or as a famous couple.

Location - The location of a Halloween wedding can greatly add to the mysterious atmosphere and the choice is limited only by the imagination. If there is an infamous haunted house in the area, consider having the reception there. Castles, mansions and barns are also popular choices. An outdoor wedding can be held in a pumpkin patch or a cornfield.

Wedding Invitations - The invitation choice is especially important for a Halloween themed wedding. The perfect invitation will set the mood for the wedding and reception and will let the guests know that this is no ordinary wedding! Popular Halloween wedding invitation designs include scarecrow couples, golden pumpkins, silver foil spider webs, and even wedding skulls!

Miscellaneous - A Halloween wedding focuses on fun, so feel free to add any extras you think will add to the enjoyment of your guests. Fog machines can transform a dance floor from mundane to mysterious. Trick or treat bags filled with small trinkets provide an inexpensive favor for guests. Disposable cameras always add to the fun, but are especially important for masquerade receptions. Small dishes of candy corn are a colorful substitute for mints.

A wedding should be enjoyable from the first planning session until the last thank you note is sent. Utilizing the help and enthusiasm of friends and family will make the task much easier, and will create memories you will share forever. The key to a successful wedding is to have fun, and having Halloween theme gives you a big head start!