There’s no one way to be goth. Some of us were raised on fantasy novels and Victorian mourning gowns. Some of us still listen to Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge on repeat. Others just feel most themselves in black, with a little lace and a lot of eyeliner. Whether you’re leaning medieval, romantic, emo, soft goth or something in between, a gothic wedding is about choosing aesthetic over tradition and owning the mood that feels most like you.
Black obviously works best as an anchor for this theme, but a classic white dress with deeper accessories and flowers looks incredible as well. Whichever way you go, pair it with rich tones like plum, wine, forest green, or deep rust. Silver, gold or glitter can add contrast without disrupting the mood. Metallics are totally a neutral in this instance!
One of the simplest and most effective ways to introduce that signature dark romance is through your flowers and wedding bouquets. Faux, dried or fresh flowers all work within a gothic aesthetic, and mixing them gives great texture and depth. Think deep burgundy roses, black-dyed foliage, dried ferns, or blooms with bold black centres like anemones. You can go full drama or keep it subtle, but the right bouquet instantly sets the tone.
Start with your everyday style and let that be your inspiration. Are you all about romantic silhouettes and velvet textures? Maybe you’re more punk or emo-influenced, into spikes and studs, or drawn to dark academia and dried flowers. Your gothic wedding theme can reflect all of that, as much or as little as you want.
For brides, a black dress would get all the attention (and rightfully so). Grooms or masc-presenting partners can lean into velvet jackets, brocade waistcoats, or even dark kilts with embellished belts. What about deep burgundy tailoring or a dark green velvet suit. Statement jewellery, eyeliner, nail polish, or custom capes are all options too.
For the ceremony space, create atmosphere with layered drapery in black or jewel tones, tall taper candles, and antique mirrors. A gothic arch made of twisted branches or wrought iron, decorated with faux blooms and hanging amulets or crystals, can turn your vows into a theatrical moment. Some couples even incorporate handfasting rituals with custom cords, or write vows on aged parchment.
Your venue décor can also reinforce the vibe with elements like dramatic drapery, moody lighting, antique or thrifted furniture, lace table runners, and candlesticks. Accent with skulls, vintage books, brooches, taxidermy or even musical elements like vinyl inspired place settings/ table numbers or gig tickets as invitations if that’s your thing. Reuse the florals from the ceremony by asking someone to move them to the reception space to save money and get the most bang for your buck!
A gothic wedding doesn’t have to mean going full Addams Family. Unless you want it to of course! It can be elegant, dramatic, romantic, or rebellious (or all of that at once). It’s your day so turn up the volume on your darkness however it suits you.
About the Author
To help bring your vision to life, Kochetova Flowers offers bespoke faux floral design that’s tailored to your taste, your style, and your mood. Whether you’re looking for dramatic dried blooms, gothic glamour, or something completely custom, their expert designers work with you to craft something one-of-a-kind.
They say, “Artificial flowers are a perfect way to embody the most daring gothic fantasies at your wedding. They allow you to create unique compositions emphasising the mysterious atmosphere. we work with luxury materials, and love making bouquets in unusual shapes, inspired by the couples’ own impeccable style.”
“Every bouquet is built using high-quality materials and no extra charge for custom work. Our process includes personalised consultations to help you choose colours, shapes, and compositions that reflect your aesthetic and your budget. With fast, worldwide delivery, we are confidence that your dream bouquet from us will arrive safely and looking exactly as you imagined.”