A graveyard wedding is a beautiful and haunting way to get married. It's the perfect theme for your next haunted house party or Gothic soiree, but it can also be a great way to honor someone or someones who have passed away. Here are some tips on how to plan your perfect spooky wedding day!
One of the most romantic and charming wedding ideas is a graveyard wedding.
One of the most romantic and charming wedding ideas is a graveyard wedding. These days, it’s not uncommon for couples to find creative ways to make their weddings unique, especially when they’re planning their big day. So why not get inspired by one of your favorite books or movies?
A graveyard wedding can be very appealing if you have an interest in horror films or ghost stories—or if you just want to add a bit of spookiness to your day. It doesn't matter whether it's Halloween or not: taking your vows deep within the walls of an ancient cemetery will ensure that your guests are kept on the edge of their seats throughout the duration!
If this sounds like something up your alley, here are some things we recommend doing well before the big day so that everything goes smoothly:
Get permission from the cemetery ahead of time.
Make sure you've done your research and know whether or not you'll need permission to have a wedding at the cemetery. Some cemeteries have rules about what type of ceremony can be held there, so be sure to ask about restrictions on flower types, sound levels (some cemeteries don't allow amplified music), and other details prior to booking the location with your venue coordinator.
If you're having a wedding party, wear something unassuming and not too formal.
Your wedding party should be dressed in black. They are not a focal point of the ceremony, so they don't need to be quite as formal as the bride and groom. Still, it's important that they coordinate with each other and the overall theme of your wedding. You don't want them looking like tourists on their way to a theme park—if your venue is outdoors or has an outdoor feel, choose darkly colored suits for men and dresses for women that aren't too bright or showy (i.e., no pastels). If you're having an indoor ceremony at nightfall or sunset—or any time during winter—consider choosing darker shades of gray rather than black if possible; people won't be able to see clearly enough in dim lighting to appreciate how dark your suit really is!
If you're struggling with ideas about what outfits would work best for your wedding party members, ask them where they found their own event attire: whether it was online shopping or trying things on at stores near their homes/workplaces/schools/etcetera (and if so which ones).
Decorate with an excess of candles.
Candles are a great way to create a mood or illuminate a specific area. They give off a warm, romantic glow that makes any space feel cozy and intimate. For example, if you're having your wedding at night in a cemetery, candles can be used to light up the pathway from your car to the ceremony site so people can see their steps clearly.
If you want to add something special for your guests' enjoyment, consider having someone play some soft music or perhaps even sing them a song before the ceremony begins.
Take care to protect guests' and attendees' privacy.
If you're getting married in a graveyard, you'll need to take care that your guests feel comfortable and welcome. Some people will be offended by the location, while others might be afraid of it or wouldn't want their loved ones buried there. Other people may try to give you a hard time about it, or even tell you off for not inviting them. You should also consider if anyone would be disappointed that they can't come!
If any of these situations sounds familiar for your guests/attendees and/or family members (and trust us—it probably does), then don't invite them! It’s best for everyone involved if this is only between the two of you and your closest friends.
Theme your wedding around the dead.
A wedding theme is a great way to add some extra fun and personality to your big day. Here are some ideas for how you can have a graveyard theme:
- Have your wedding in a cemetery
- Use tombstones as decorations
- Have a funeral home theme, with coffin centerpieces, black tablecloths and flowers in vases shaped like coffins, or even serve food on actual coffins (if you're feeling brave)
If you're still not sure what kind of wedding theme would be right for your specific relationship with death, here are some other options:
- A Victorian-inspired gothic affair. You may want to consider having this more formal style if there's been an untimely death in the family recently that has affected everyone involved. It could help everyone feel more at ease during the ceremony itself...as well as after! Remember that it's perfectly fine if someone cries during their vows! Just ask them afterwards if they want anything else besides tissues; maybe someone could get them something warm—like soup? Soup is always good when people need comfort food :)
Make sure everyone has transportation if they're drinking at your event.
Make sure your guests have a safe way to get home. While we love celebrating with champagne and dancing, you don't want anyone driving drunk and causing an accident on the way home. Make sure to plan ahead in this area, whether that means scheduling a designated driver or hiring transportation services for your guests.
Cemetery weddings are the most beautiful weddings.
Graveyard weddings are the most beautiful weddings. If you're looking to get married in a way that shows your love for each other, while also honoring those who've passed on before you, this is the perfect venue. Not only will it save you money on all those rental items, but it's also a great way to incorporate the dead into your wedding! Plus, it makes a statement—one that says: "We're here because we want to be."
Now you're ready to plan your own gorgeous graveyard wedding. Don't be afraid to be creative and think outside the box, because what could be more original than having your wedding in a cemetery?
If you're interested in learning more about Alternative Wedding photography options, please contact us today! We'd be happy to chat with you about our packages and discounts.
Thank you for reading!
Gothic Wedding photography by Fungirlwithacamera Photography. Hope from Fungirlwithacamera Photography specializes in affordable gothic an alt wedding photography as well as backyard wedding photography and small intimate weddings.
Currently accepting weddings in East Brunswick, Highland Park and surrounding areas in New Jersey.
