Embracing the Darkness: What to Wear to a Goth Wedding

a man and a woman dressed formally in black smiling and turning to the camera

So you’ve been invited to some eerie gothic nuptials. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your loved ones and have fun with the dark wedding theme at the same time. But what on earth are you going to wear? If you’re wondering about goth wedding outfits, here are some ideas to get you started and help you select a supremely spooky fit.

How a Goth Wedding is Different

Conventional wisdom states that bright, cheerful colors, florals, and soft pastels are the most appropriate wedding attire—maybe with a hat if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Well, when it comes to a gothic wedding, you’re going to want to throw that rulebook out the window. Dark colors are the order of the day, and Addams Family rules apply: think creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky.

There’s more to getting into the goth spirit than just dressing for a funeral, though! Goth style is fun and often a bit theatrical and campy, incorporating things like creative makeup looks, black veils, bat jewelry, and skull designs. Instead of being totally somber, embrace the whimsy and have fun with it—after all, you’re going to be part of a celebration.

a woman in a lacy black mesh dress sitting at a checkered cloth covered picnic table with roses and champagne glasses

Goth Colors & Patterns

While the go-to gothic color is black (naturally), other colors can include both bright and dark shades of red, as well as dark purple, gray, and dark neutrals.

Common gothic clothing patterns include: stripes, brocade, floral lace, paisley, and damask. Goth clothing often has an opulent, extravagant feel, and is richly textured with a lot of interesting visual details like buttons, bows, and lace cuffs, making up for its dark color palette by creating a sense of enchantment.

a woman in a red lace dress with long sleeves standing on a staircase in front of a building

Goth Fabrics

Apart from dark colors, the choice of fabric is often what takes an outfit from ordinary to goth. Lace, velvet, chiffon, mesh, and satin are all goth-friendly fabrics that will make your wedding guest dress scream “for better or hearse.”

a woman in a short black dress with long sleeves standing on a dirt road

Little Black Dress

Ah, the LBD. It’s a timeless classic for a reason, and it would be absolutely appropriate for a gothic wedding. A dress with ornate details like a lacy hemline or velvet ribbons is the perfect choice to bring a touch of goth glamor to the proceedings.

Black Jumpsuit

For a sleek and sophisticated look, you can’t go wrong with a black jumpsuit. Complete the look with some razor-sharp winged eyeliner for a look that goes from day to night and lets you unleash your inner dark creature.

a black and white photo of a smiling woman in a black blazer sitting on a chair

Black Pantsuit

For formal goth wedding attire, a black pantsuit is a timeless option you can easily accessorize with a lacy blouse or a subtle gothic collar pin for a touch of the macabre. Chances are you already have one in your closet, so you can be ready to attend a goth wedding just by adding a little gothic styling.

a woman in a lacy red dress shown from the neck down walking through the woods

Red or Purple Dress

Dark red and deep purple would be gorgeous gothic wedding guest dresses for a vampy aesthetic. A knee-length dress in deep red or plum would be perfect with a beaded choker or other goth jewelry for a striking yet elegant look.

a woman in a white dress with black lace on the sides facing the camera

Black and White Dress

Try combining black and white for a high-contrast statement. A dress with black and white stripes or a white dress with black lace (or vice versa) would be a ravishing addition to any gothic wedding.

a tattooed woman in a red and black dress standing on a rooftop wearing yellow sunglasses

Black and Red Outfit

Black and red is always a ravishing gothic color palette, whether it’s incorporated into a dress or a skirt and blouse combo. Go all out with a matching red and black goth makeup look that will amplify your dark allure.

a woman in a long black dress with full sleeves standing in front of a metal gate

Black Dress with Bell Sleeves

Bell sleeves are deliciously dramatic and would give a Morticia Addams flair to your goth wedding guest dress. For best results, pair with some pointy boots for a witchy wedding outfit.

Gray Dress

A gray dress with subtle gothic details is also a great option if you don’t feel like wearing an all-black ensemble. Accessorize with red, black, or burgundy, and try a deep wine red lipstick shade to make your outfit pop.

a woman in a black and white striped skirt, black blouse, gray wig, and harlequin tophat standing in front of a wooded area

Victorian Dress

For a gothic Victorian or steampunk wedding theme, you can go all out with a ruffled dress, corset, hat, gloves, and even a dainty parasol. If you’ve always wanted to channel your inner Victorian widow, now is your chance. (Just be clear on the theme—you wouldn’t want to upstage the bride.)

a woman in a black and white floral dress holding a glass of champagne standing in front of a black background

Black and White Florals

If you want to be festive but still keep to the dark and moody theme, a black dress with subtle white florals would be a wonderful idea. This keeps your black dress from looking too funereal and lets you express a bit of whimsy.

close up of a man’s chest in a black suit with a red plaid waistcoat, red tie, rose pin, and paisley pocket square

Goth Wedding Attire for Men

A black suit is always a good call when it comes to male goth wedding guest attire. You can accessorize it with a tie and pocket square in blood red, burgundy, forest green, or another dark, moody color in a pattern like paisley or brocade.

Add a waistcoat and find a suit jacket with velvet details for even more gothic flair.

a woman in a long sleeve black lace dress facing the camera and smiling in a white room

What to Wear to a Cold Wedding

Many goth weddings take place around Halloween, so if the weather is chilly, you might want to wear a long-sleeved black dress and bring a shawl. A fringed velvety shawl or duster with a Stevie Nicks vibe would be an excellent choice. Opt for boots over strappy sandals or pumps, and consider adding some chic black satin or leather gloves

a woman with black lipstick and nail polish holding her hand to her head and looking down

Goth Wedding Makeup

Once you’ve selected the perfect outfit, it’s time to find makeup to match. Black lipstick is always a gothic staple (and it’s a lot easier than attempting an elaborate eye look). If you’ve always wanted to try a bold black lip, this is absolutely the time to go for it. Red lipstick is a classic choice, or you could go darker with wine, burgundy, or eggplant.

If you’d rather focus on creating hypnotic eye makeup, a black smokey eye would pair beautifully with any goth look, as would black eyeliner. Other gorgeous goth eyeshadow shades are: slate gray, dark purple, deep green, red, and even hot pink.

A bit of highlighter can bring a touch of ghostly glamor to your look as well.

And there you have it! Creating the perfect goth wedding look is all about exploring the fun and whimsical elements in an otherwise dark aesthetic. Choose goth clothing that speaks to you, and who knows—maybe you’ll discover your new signature look.