As Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Baker and their good friends Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly plan their upcoming wedding, fans can’t help but wonder how sexy alternative couples will celebrate their special day.
With fewer COVID restrictions, weddings look the same as before, but with one catch: Many couples traditionally give the ring finger away in favor of gothic themes.
“A lot of the time it’s not about wanting to necessarily ‘become a goth’, but rather about not conforming on your wedding day,” says event organizer and founder of Electric Sugar Elopements, Mackenzie Taylor.
“A lot of the time it’s not about wanting to necessarily ‘become a goth’, but rather about not being conformist on your wedding day,” said wedding planner Mackenzie Taylor of Electric Sugar Elopements.
“The wedding of Kat Von D and Rafael Reyes was spectacular,” McKenzie said. “Because of the uncompromising use of the color red and the craftsmanship of the crosses and handmade artworks.”
As we look forward to the union of celebrity engaged couples Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly, as well as Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian, McKenzie shares his knowledge of the goth yes
“The wedding of Kat Von D and Rafael Reyes was spectacular,” McKenzie said.
“Because of the uncompromising use of red and the craftsmanship of crosses and handmade art.
“We were also fans of Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson’s dark Alice in Wonderland-style wedding years ago because it showed us that even the ‘girl next door’ has the right to celebrate her wedding day the way she want”.
More often than not, couples choose a gothic theme over a traditional wedding, the expert says, simply because they love the aesthetic.
“Or because they want to show that their connection and commitment has overcome something dark or difficult and can’t be broken now.”
Planning a gothic wedding for an expert and her team at Electric Sugar Elopements is no different. “We celebrate couples by offering a safe space for out-of-the-ordinary ideas and celebrations that don’t fit in with traditional forms.”
Finding the perfect wedding venue is not easy. Mackenzie suggests starting your search with Victorian gardens, dimly lit mansions and old industrial buildings.
She says the candelabra and an obscene amount of melted candles make the perfect serving table.
“Sublime elegance can be found in the grandeur of some rental decor items, such as thrones, secluded pews, or tufted seating sofas.”
While Western weddings are associated with many customs, none of them are necessary for a beautiful day or a happy marriage.
“Modern weddings have such flexibility and tradition can be incorporated into even the most alternative wedding theme,” McKenzie said.
COLOR AND DECOR
“It’s a misconception that the goth equates to anger or sin – rather, it’s a search for beauty even in the dark – which makes its symbolism very deep for a wedding.”
The color palette of the Gothic ceremony is dark and gloomy. Shades of blood red, dark berry, gemstone and black fit the bill.
Elevate the space by finding luxurious items that represent the fantasy of a dark fairy tale and theatrical art. Think: Tim Burton’s take on fairy tales and classic stories.”
Mackenzie offers peacock or crow feathers, all made from ornate metals and heavier fabrics such as velvet. Also fruit, taxidermy, skulls and antiques or steampunk (inspired by Victorian industrialism).
She says the candelabra and an obscene amount of melted candles make the perfect serving table.
“It’s not a gothic wedding if there is no dramatic element,” says the expert.
Brides say “I don’t want” white princess dresses. They eschew wedding standards in favor of clothing that better expresses their personal style and character.
Dramatic lighting is also important. “Many of our weddings take place outdoors, so we add a darker yet elegant and almost aged look to our couple’s photos in post-production.
“Choose luxurious materials such as velvet, silk, lace, and anything with underwire or a corset.”
A gothic style wedding is not without sophistication.
“Sublime elegance can be found in the grandeur of rental decor, such as thrones, secluded pews, or tufted seating sofas.”
Dramatic lighting is also important. “Many of our weddings take place outdoors, so we add a darker yet elegant and almost aged look to our couple’s photos in post-production.”
“Be sure to change the height of decor and props such as crystal chandeliers, birdcages, stoneware and mirrors so they are not the same height or appearance.”
Many couples play up the “Till death do us part” vow with décor that symbolizes romantic feelings.
“Pair it all with dark wood and exposed brick to keep it balanced and modern,” Mackenzie recommends.
FLOWERS
Flowers are an integral part of a wedding. Not only do they smell great and look beautiful, but they also help bring the theme to fruition.
“Roses, dark calla lilies, or simple protea can be a spectacular accent, plus they give a good bang for your buck,” says the wedding planner.
“Bouquet shapes should be cascading rather than round, and dried herb and leaf accents work well.”
Mackenzie offers details such as peacock or crow feathers, anything made from decorative metals and heavier fabrics such as velvet. Also fruit, taxidermy, skulls and antiques or steampunk (inspired by Victorian industrialism).
MUSIC
“We love listening to romantic, haunting piano pieces for a walk down the aisle, but nothing beats a live cellist,” Mackenzie shares.
“Also, there is a cool dichotomy when we see opera singers or a gospel choir attending such a heartbreaking wedding.
“However, after the ceremony, the couple is completely in control of bringing their guests to the dance floor.”
LOCATION
Finding the perfect wedding venue is not easy. Mackenzie suggests starting your search with Victorian gardens, dimly lit mansions and old industrial buildings.
She says that your subtopic should influence the location you choose.
“For example, do you want the mood of an esoteric fairy tale or more of a post-apocalyptic mood? Tribal Goth or Cyber Goth?
Mackenzie suggests accessorizing with a floral crown or crystal headpiece, matte black nails and smoky eye makeup.
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FASHION/BEAUTY
Brides say “I don’t want” white princess dresses.
They eschew wedding standards in favor of clothing that better expresses their personal style and character.
“While most Goth brides wear black, you don’t have to. Pastel goth exists, and Dita Von Teese wore a stunning purple dress to her wedding.”
According to McKenzie, fabric and silhouette are what matter the most to create a dark look.
“Choose clothes in luxurious materials such as velvet, silk, lace, and anything with underwire or a corset.”
She offers accessories with a floral crown or crystal headpiece, matte black nails and smoky eye makeup.
For guys, “waistcoats, tailcoats, and cloaks radiate a dark fairy tale vibe, while patterned fabrics create an aristocratic gothic feel for stylish Southern vampires.” In the photo: the wedding ensemble of Rafael Reyes
Purple wedding dress Dita Von Teese with ex-husband Marilyn Manson
Gwen Stefani wore a specially dyed and hand-painted John Galliano dress for Christian Dior to marry Gavin Rossdale.
For guys, “waistcoats, tailcoats, and cloaks radiate a dark fairy tale vibe, while patterned fabrics create an aristocratic gothic feel for stylish Southern vampires.”
Every detail of the outfit expresses individuality, and every accessory makes a statement.
“Ultimately, it’s not so much the style of the suit, but how it’s accessorized. Studs and studs are always a winner, along with faux animal skin and boots.”
For visual consistency, McKenzie suggests asking guests to wear black.
“Many guests won’t know what to expect, so it takes some pressure off their outfits. If you have a more adventurous crowd, you can offer goth-inspired clothing for fun.”
Electric Sugar Elopements specializes in getaways and micro weddings for couples who dare to break the mold.
Mackenzie reveals that the wildest thing she’s ever seen is a blood covenant.
“During the ceremony, they slightly cut their palms and rubbed them against each other. It wasn’t as messy as we expected and surprisingly went pretty well.
“An alternative to this could be a blood covenant symbol with juice or wine sipped from vintage goblets with intertwined shackles.”