I recently stumbled upon something quite fascinating about Halloween. Did you know that it actually has ancient Celtic roots? The Celts used to celebrate a festival called Samhain on October 31st, which marked the end of their year. During this time, they believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was incredibly thin. To ward off evil spirits, they would light bonfires, feast, and dress up in elaborate costumes. Isn't that incredible how these traditions have carried on through the centuries?
As time went on, the Romans added their own touch to the celebration, and it evolved into the Halloween we know and love today. But here's the thing, Halloween isn't as widely celebrated in Australia and the southern hemisphere as it is in other parts of the world. Some people see it as a purely American tradition, while others think it's "evil". But you know what? I firmly believe that no matter where you are in the world, it's important to appreciate the rich history and unique traditions that any culture brings. Halloween is a cultural and significant day that can not be over looked as it starts to grow momentum and following more and more each year. Denial or borrowing your head in the ground is not going to make it go away, in fact I would say that in another 15-20 years it will be just as big here in Australia as it is in America. So with grown and increasing popularity it's no wonder that Halloween inspirited weddings are on a surge here in Australia and I have a few reasons why that may be the case below.
Imagine blending the haunting and enchanting elements of Halloween with the joyous celebration of love. It's the perfect backdrop for a wedding that's both elegant and fun. Trust me, a Halloween wedding offers so many benefits and creative opportunities that make it a truly memorable choice for couples.
Let's start with vendor availability. Since Halloween isn't as popular, many vendors are less in demand on this date (especially mid week days). That means you might just score some special discounts and incentives, giving you more flexibility with your budget. And the best part? With vendors being more available, you'll have more varied time options for your ceremony and reception.
And let's not forget about the travel opportunities. Since Halloween isn't a major holiday in Australia, you won't have to deal with the travel chaos that Christmas or New Year's can bring. This is especially great in big cities and suburbs, where travel can be less costly during this time. So, if you're planning a honeymoon right after your wedding, this could be the perfect chance for a fantastic getaway without breaking the bank.
Now, let's talk decorations. Halloween offers a treasure trove of organic, colourful, and affordable options. Just think about gourds, squash, pumpkins in different colours, leaves, nuts, fall berries, and feathers. These elements can replace or add vibrant colours to your elegant floral arrangements. And for an affordable alternative to traditional flower arrangements, consider dried flower arrangements in shades of yellow, burgundy, rust, or white.
But the real fun lies in unleashing your creativity. A Halloween wedding gives you the opportunity to make a bold statement and set your special day apart from the traditional wedding norms. Embrace a bold colour scheme with black as your primary colour, combined with eye-catching shades of red, orange, or white. You can even go all out and rock a black wedding dress, back bridesmaids dress, as long as you maintain an overall sense of class and refinement.
Oh, and let's not forget about the spooky invitations and themes. You can fully embrace the Halloween spirit by incorporating a touch of spookiness into your wedding website and invitations. How about recounting the story of how you and your partner met in the form of a ghost story? It adds an element of intrigue and excitement to your wedding narrative. You could even follow that through into your reception with a murder mystery game or spooky treasure hunt for guest to participate in.
Of course, the venue plays a crucial role in creating the perfect ambiance for a Halloween wedding. Look for beautiful halls with customisable mood lighting and décor. The goal is to strike a balance between elegant and spooky, creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Now, I do want to mention a couple of things to keep in mind. Some religious venues may not allow Halloween-themed weddings or ones that embrace a dark aesthetic. It's important to communicate with your chosen venue to understand what's allowable.
Additionally, keep in mind that Halloween has historically been associated with superstition, lost souls, and darkness. Some older, conservative, or traditional guests may have reservations about such a "dark celebration." However, when executed with elegance and thoughtfulness, any concerns can quickly be overcome.
Lastly, it's easy to get carried away with the Halloween theme, so take a step back and consider the long-term perspective. Make choices that reflect your personal style and that you'll still love when celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary.
All in all, a Halloween wedding offers a world of possibilities for couples who want to create an extraordinary and captivating celebration. By embracing the benefits and considering the caveats, you can design a wedding experience that is both elegant and enchanting. So, go ahead and celebrate your love in a truly memorable and one of a kind way.
xoxo Laura