Here’s Exactly What to Wear to a Halloween Wedding as a Guest

Halloween weddings are the perfect blend of romance and fun, allowing guests to get creative with their attire. However, figuring out what to wear to a Halloween wedding can be challenging because you want to find the perfect balance between festive and appropriate. Do you lean in fully to the spooky season vibes with an elaborate costume? Or play it safe with a traditional fall wedding look?

So, before you start your costume Pinterest board, read our style guide that has everything you need to know about what to wear for a Halloween wedding. We've listed tips and tricks from a fashion expert and included our top shopping picks to help you nail the scary-chic aesthetic.

• What to Wear to a Halloween Wedding
• Halloween Wedding Outfits That Aren't Costumes
• Halloween Wedding Costumes for Guests

What to Wear to a Halloween Wedding

If you're trying to figure out what to wear to a Halloween-themed wedding, start by understanding what kind of event it is. "Not every Halloween wedding is necessarily a costume party", says Daniel Sanchez, Creative Director at Azazie. "In fact, most Halloween weddings may focus more on seasonality and encourage guests to dress in a more hauntingly-elegant way. While others may request that invitees fully lean into the holiday." Here's how to tell the difference.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Are costumes required for a Halloween wedding?

Unless blatantly stated in the invitation, costumes for a Halloween wedding are not suggested or mandatory. So, before selecting a Halloween wedding outfit, "guests should always check the invitation for dress code clues for how best to dress for the occasion," says Sanchez. Look for keywords like 'costume encouraged' (costumes are optional) or 'semi-formal attire with a Halloween twist', (cocktail-level formality with festive add-ons instead of full-out costumes). The last thing you want is to be the only one who shows up with or without a costume or dressed off-theme. If you are still unclear about whether costumes are required, reach out to the couple or wedding planner for specifics.

What kind of costume should you wear to a Halloween wedding?

When the couple requests that you show up in a costume, there are a few things to keep in mind. While you should have fun putting an ensemble together, "this isn't a competition or costume party so, don't go too over-the-top," says Sanchez. "Maintain a level of respect and class by avoiding anything too skimpy, politically incorrect or outrageous." The last thing you want to do is steal the spotlight from the couple. If you need a formal Halloween costume, create a look using evening wear so you still look wedding-day-appropriate and blend in with the general crowd. Just remember, give your costume a test run beforehand to ensure that you can move around and dance the night away.

How do you dress for a Halloween wedding if you aren't wearing a costume?

When dressing in character isn't essential, Halloween wedding attire can still have a touch of spooky flair. So, aim for dresses, jumpsuits, pantsuits, suits and tuxedos with seasonal, gothic elements. "Go for colors like ink black or rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep purple, ruby or midnight blue. Also, opt for heavier fabrics like velvet, lace, silk or brocade," says Sanchez. When it comes to silhouettes, go vampy in a form-fitting number with long sleeves, or a dress with whimsical details like tulle and ruffles. "You can also go bold with your beauty look and add in some statement accessories like spiked jewelry, lace gloves, choker necklaces and dramatic hats, for added effect," Sanchez says.

Halloween Wedding Outfits That Aren't Costumes

Now that you have a grasp on your wardrobe choices as a Halloween wedding guest, deciding what to wear shouldn't be scary! If the event doesn't require you to arrive decked out in a literal costume, your menswear or dresses for a Halloween wedding should incorporate seasonality and Halloween themes. So, use fall wedding colors, texture and the silhouette of your outfit to make a subtle nod to the holiday and time of year.

Strapless Tulle Sheer Gown

Photo: Revolve

For a formal, evening affair, make a style statement in this jet-black gown that has standout design details that feel 'costume' inspired. Between the blunt-tiered skirt and sheer, tulle panels, it has just the right amount of drama without going overboard.

Tailored Jewel Tone Dinner Jacket

Photo: Jos. A. Bank

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to sport a jewel-tone dinner jacket that blends seamlessly with the wedding's moody aesthetic. This jacket is guaranteed to stand out due to its shimmery fabric and peak satin lapel which adds a touch of timeless polish.

Long Sleeve Open Back Sequin Gown

Photo: Azazie

Channel your inner Morticia Adams in an enchanting, long-sleeve gown that has all the sexy, goth vibes of Halloween season. This bloodred design has a bold back cutout and a sleek metallic fabric which will dazzle as you move throughout the room.

Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

The bewitching bloom pattern of this blue dress resembles brocade, a rich print that screams 'autumn'. Plus, the flowy silhouette is ideal for transitional October weather. When paired with some simple black accessories, this look works for both day and evening weddings.

Dark Suit and Vibrant Tie Duo

Photo: Bonobos

Constructed from lightweight Italian linen, this sleek fall suit delivers comfort, breathability and an ultra-modern look. To guarantee that it provides the perfect fit, both the jacket and pants are available in slim, athletic and standard silhouettes. Lean into the season and wear it with a foliage-printed tie.

Asymmetrical Satin Midi Dress

Photo: Anthropologie

You can't go wrong by rocking the season's signature color—pumpkin spice in this stylish asymmetrical silhouette. The burnt orange hue feels especially polished thanks to the high-shine fabric and subtle cheetah print. Wear this fall wedding guest dress to a semi-formal affair with mega-watt gold accessories.

Halloween Wedding Costumes for Guests

When it comes to picking out Halloween wedding costumes, the options are endless. But don't fret; our short list of stylish Halloween wedding guest costume ideas were carefully selected to cover every type of ceremony and really get you in the spooky spirit. As a bonus, if you're attending the wedding with a plus one, these are easy to turn into couples' costumes.

Mysterious Masquerade

Photo: Amazon

A masquerade mask is a perfect way to add some panache and a touch of mystery to an elegant dress. It also makes for the perfect Halloween bridesmaid costume. This meticulously crafted version is embellished with feathers, tulle and jewels to level up the glamour of any look.

Lady Bridgerton

Photo: Amazon

Channel your inner Lady Whistledown and wear a Bridgerton-inspired gown to a black-tie event. You'll feel absolutely regal thanks to the embellished fabric, pronounced sleeves and elbow-length gloves. Complete the look by tying your hair up in a sophisticated chignon and you're ready for the ball.

Stunning Sorceress

Photo: Dolls Kill

Feeling witchy? This velvet gown, which comes with an XL bell sleeve shrug, has a celestial, gothic charm that oozes black magic appeal. Wear it with a snazzy witch hat, dark makeup and a gothic choker to bring the look together.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Photo: Amazon

This may be one of the most iconic costumes and the easiest to throw together at the last minute. Simply, pair a classic LBD, that you already own, with these luxe add-ons and voilà, you're chic and appropriate for a cocktail dress code.

Fierce Flapper

Photo: leliona

For Gatsby-era costumes, all you need is a fringy, 20's-inspired dress and the right accessories. Layer on some pearls, a cute feathery headpiece and opt for some t-strap heels. Play up your glam by curling your hair and adding a bold lip.

Disco Diva

Photo: Eloquii

You'll own the dance floor in this rainbow sequin jumpsuit that radiates disco fever so you can boogie-down in style. Dial up the 70's energy with mega-volume hair, platform heels, oversized shades and disco ball earrings. If you really want to go for it, add a chain statement belt and a cropped fur jacket.

Victorian Gentleman

Photo: Amazon

This multi-purpose period coat works for many costumes from masquerades to vampires and even pirates. Plus, it feels refined enough to wear to formal affairs. Simply pair it with a ruffle white shirt, black dress pants and the right accessories.

Gomez Addams

Photo: Amazon

In a pinstripe suit and thick mustache, you'll feel kooky, mysterious and spooky (and altogether ooky!), as the patriarch of everyone's favorite creepy family. Take the look to the next level with a prop cigar and slick, black wig.

The Joker

Photo: Spirit Halloween

If the invite encourages guests to go 'all out' with their costumes, suit up as the clown prince of crime and get ready to cause mayhem. Let guests try to guess who you are under all that face paint (and don't forget to practice your ghoulish laugh)!