Romantic, Rebellious, and a Little Witchy: Why Whimsigoth Weddings Are Trending
Whimsi—what? That was our question when we first heard about this wedding theme. If you’re also a little baffled, let us clarify. “Whimsigoth” is a combination of “whimsical” and “gothic.” As a wedding aesthetic, Whimsigoth is blending the mystical, dreamy elements of fantasy style with the edgy passion and palettes of dark romance. It’s all the tempting textures and spellbinding storytelling of dark fairy tales played out in gothic castles. It’s Edgar Allen Poe meets “Lord of the Rings.” It’s equal parts frolicking in an enchanted wood and searching down forbidden corridors and in a wondrous witch’s garden for your lost love. Sounds fanciful? That’s the whole idea.
And that’s precisely why Whimsigoth, originally born in the late 90s and early 2000s, is coming back in a big way—because of its strong component of storytelling. For one thing, including gothic elements in your everyday life through fashion and home decor is not nearly as stigmatized as it used to be. It’s becoming more mainstream with nostalgic throwbacks and revivals like the long-awaited sequel to “Beetlejuice” and the upcoming second installment of “Practical Magic”; as well as re-imaginings like the Netflix horrors “Fall of the House of Usher” and “Wednesday.” Not to mention the way dark fantasy, spicy and sweet, has taken over BookTok culture. More than ever, we’re embracing our nerdy fandoms. Even when they get a little grim and twisty.
So how do you bring this warm, witchy, wondrous vibe to your wedding? We’ve got all the dark and dreamy details!
Vibe: Let’s start with a vibe check. How much whimsy is in your goth? This whole style is about storytelling. And it’s fully customizable to your story and what you love. In fact, that’s part of why couples are so bewitched by this enchanted style. Because it encompasses so many different styles (from bohemian to vintage, Victorian to rocker, fantasy to a touch macabre) it’s incredibly adaptable to you—your style, your budget, your passions. So, what about the Whimsigoth blend speaks to you? Knowing which parts of this you like is going to determine everything from your venue to the favors. Maybe for you it means a forest setting at night, dark fairy apparel, a touch of witchy wicked. Maybe it means gothic architecture, a blood-red gown, invitations sealed with wax. There’s no wrong answer! And the more you blend styles for your perfect ration of gothic to whimsical, the more personalized and hauntingly unforgettable your celebration will become.
#2: Venue and Decor: Okay, you’ve nailed down exactly what story you’re telling with your Whimsigoth wedding. Knowing your exact vibe, or at least which combination of styles you’re playing with, will heavily inform your choice of venue. And that venue will really set the tone. If you want to go more gothic romance, consider an old library, a less-than-glamorous old manor house, historic chapels, or even a castle if you can scrounge one up. If you want to go more fantasy-heavy, consider a forest clearing, a secret garden, a greenhouse or a park with lots of wrought iron. It doesn’t have to be a traditional venue. In fact, the more non-traditional you go, the more it will set the exact tone. Crumbling brick, even vintage on the point of ruin can work if you dress it up right. That is a huge plus for this wedding style—it can be extremely budget-friendly and perfect for DIY elements. If you have a venue with any kind of architectural element, all you need is a whole lot of candlelight and you’ve got the perfect, ethereal foundation. Then it’s about adding on the textures! Velvet, lace, crushed satin, antique metals with a heavy patina, very raw organic elements juxtaposed against luxe drapery and cushions for that Victorian flavor. Thrifting is your friend with this decor because the more mix and match, the more authentic it will feel to your storytelling. So thrift a tablescape of mixed metal candlesticks, old books, and tarot card placeholders on velvet runners. Drown the place in heavy blooms of saturated jewel tones, eucalyptus, and dried herbs. Go with rich fabrics in even richer colors, sprinkle in the celestial details like moon phase plate settings, or paper the walls in pages of tragic poetry. You’re setting a scene for a one-of-a-kind love story.
#3: Apparel: You’ve committed to your exact Whimsigoth style, you’ve committed to the perfect venue setting, apparel is not the place to back down. You wouldn’t write a script of a dark and delicious love story, build the perfect set for it, place the ideal and exact decor to further set the scene, then not dress your characters in the right costumes! It might feel strange to be talking about your wedding venue and apparel in such theatrical terms. But again, a wedding is just telling your story in the best way. So how are you dressed in this dark fairy tale? A black bridal gown embroidered with bejeweled florals? Maybe a sweeping gown in stunning, emerald velvet. Choose corseted dresses, opt for a constellation veil, or forgo bridal party corsages for vintage brooches that will be wonderful keepsakes after the celebration. For your groom, try a Victorian-inspired vest or go rich black-on-black-on-black velvet for a dashing and downright take-your-breath-away husband-to-be. Let passionate plum, sapphire, and jade tones play against antique gold and distressed metal tones. Incorporate fantasy elements with geometric lanterns bursting with greenery for bridesmaid bouquets, build your bridal bouquet on the hilt of a delicate sword. Get crazy with the accessories: gauzy, hooded cloaks for the bride and bridesmaids, lace gloves, and layered statement necklaces. Don’t get trapped by thinking only “traditional” wedding clothing and jewelry are acceptable. If it fits with your Whimsigoth style, it belongs in your wedding!
#4: Guest Experience: Another huge plus for this wedding style—it makes for a one-of-a-kind guest experience! And the best part? It doesn’t have to be spendy, it just has to fit with the world you’ve created with your wedding. Sure, a wedding reception in a castle with a live orchestra and waltzing in a ballroom would be magical. But you can create a similar vibe with your choice of music, having space for a masked ball (even if that space is in a wooded clearing under a thrifted chandelier) and—once again—all those candles! If you’ve set the scene right, adding the little details to take the guest experience to the next level won’t be difficult. This would be an idyllic time to embrace edible centerpieces so rich in color and visual artistry that they serve as both decor and catering. Think layered metal serving dishes—another perfect time to get thrifting—overflowing with grapes, blackberries, ruby pomegranate centers. Blackberries can be a wonderful anchor for all your catering. From darkly delicious blackberry cocktails to a cake with ebony icing edged in plump blackberries, they’re romantic as well as wickedly delectable. With the right mismatched crystal goblets, even the humblest wine in a brooding burgundy shade will add to the ambience.
Conclusion: Whatever your specific Whimsigoth style, any marriage between the mystical and the macabre is an aesthetic that allows for maximum self-expression. With its ethereal undertones, a Whimsigoth wedding has deeper, spiritual nuances. Not only that, this aesthetic built on enchantment and mystery provides a wonderful escape from reality. Your wedding day, the telling of your very unique and wondrous love story, should be an escape from reality into the world you and your groom want to create together. So whatever aspects of this moody, romantic style you choose, commit fully to them. Then commit to each other!
