What are The Key Elements of a Budget Halloween Wedding?

Good morning, lovely dreamers and Happy Halloween! Can you believe it’s finally here? We’re so excited!

In this blog post, as Andy and I get ready to celebrate our first anniversary as a married couple on the eve of this Halloween, we'll guide you through what could have been our own Halloween wedding! 

Be ready for an event that's not only a bewitching day for the bride and groom but also a thrilling and fun experience for friends and family.

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While Halloween is often associated with kids and trick-or-treating, who says you can’t have fun on one of the most special days of your life as an adult?

With a dash of creativity and a pinch of budget-conscious planning, you can host a wedding that will be remembered for years to come by everyone who attends it. And we can talk about this because we’ve done it!

Last year around this time we were doing our final preparations for our own themed wedding, and we were still thinking “Did we make the right choice going for Medieval and not Halloween?” And to be honest, I still think of it sometimes.

Turns out that yes, we made the right choice, as Halloween is not as big of a deal here in Transylvania as you might think. Yes, we are famous for our Dracula, but that’s mainly it, really. Our parents' and grandparents’ generations don’t understand the fun that is Halloween.

But this doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about Halloween weddings, taking what I’ve learned from planning my own themed wedding, mixing it with my love for the spooky season and coming up with the best ideas for you! Are you with me?

But enough with the chit-chatting! Let’s get to it!

Creating a Magical Halloween Wedding on a Budget

1. Spine-Chilling Budget Management

It’s all good and fun when we only think of all the elements that make this event go from a simple Halloween party to something truly magical, BUT planning a Halloween wedding on a budget requires careful financial management to ensure a successful and memorable celebration. 

From our own experience with planning a themed wedding, here are some tips:

Set Priorities: 

Determine your top priorities for the wedding. Identify the aspects that matter most to you and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those areas. Try not to make everything a priority, though.

Cut, cut, cut!

Don’t be afraid to cut things that are not important to you from your wedding. Starting with the guest list (your biggest money pit), and finishing off with anything that you find to be unnecessary - like decorating your car for example.  

Make Trade-Offs: 

Be prepared to make trade-offs. If you splurge on one aspect of the wedding, like the venue or your dreams, look for ways to cut costs in other areas.

Budgeting Tools: 

Utilize budgeting tools and resources to help you keep track of expenses. There are many online apps and templates available to assist you in staying organized. We used a Google Docs template and the teachings of Jamie Wolfer’s YouTube channel.

DIY Decor and Favors: 

Embrace the DIY approach for decorations, wedding favours, and even certain aspects of your attire. This not only saves money but adds a personal touch to your wedding.

By managing your budget effectively, you can ensure that your Halloween wedding is both enchanting and cost-efficient. This allows you to focus your resources on the elements that matter most to you as a couple.

For more details on how we did it, check out this blog post:

How to Plan the Perfect Themed Wedding on a Small Budget in 10 Steps

2. Spooktacular Decorations

When it comes to decorating your Halloween wedding venue on a budget, creativity is your best friend. You want to create an atmosphere that is both enchanting and eerie, setting the stage for a memorable celebration. 

Here are some budget-friendly decoration ideas:

• Pumpkin Centerpieces: 

Embrace the classic Halloween symbol, the pumpkin. Hollow out a few pumpkins and place candles inside to create a warm, flickering ambience. You can even paint or carve intricate designs on them to add a personalized touch.

• Candlelit Lanterns: 

Lanterns with flickering LED candles can be placed around the venue to cast an enchanting glow. You can find affordable options at craft stores or online, and they are reusable for future celebrations.

• Spider Webs and Bats: 

Stretch spider webs across tables and hang bats from the ceiling. These inexpensive decorations instantly evoke a spooky, Halloween vibe.

• Fall Foliage: 

Utilize the natural beauty of autumn by incorporating fall leaves and branches into your décor. Collect them from your surroundings and arrange them in vases or as table runners.

• Black and Orange: 

Use black and orange as your primary colour scheme. These classic Halloween colours can be incorporated into everything from tablecloths to floral arrangements. And if you’re really going for it, sprinkle some purple in there as well.

• DIY Props: 

Get creative with DIY props like witches' brooms, potion bottles, or even a "haunted" archway for the entrance. These items can be made using simple materials like cardboard and paint.

3. Costume Choices

A Halloween wedding provides a unique opportunity for the bride and groom to embrace the spirit of the season with their costume choices. 

How?

• Thrift Store Treasures: Thrift stores are a goldmine for finding affordable, one-of-a-kind costumes. Explore vintage clothing sections for timeless attire, or even consider purchasing separate pieces that can be combined to create a unique look.

• Repurpose and Reimagine: Look through your own wardrobes for clothing and accessories that can be repurposed for your Halloween wedding outfits. An old black suit or a vintage dress can be the foundation of your attire.

• Online Costume Marketplaces: Browse online costume marketplaces where you can find a wide range of costumes at various price points. Remember to look for sales and discounts, especially in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

• DIY Costume Creations: Get creative and crafty with DIY costumes. Design your own outfits by sewing, glueing, or altering clothing items. This approach not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your attire.

Extra tips: 

For the bride, considering a black wedding dress or channelling the creativity of Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" can be a bold and exciting choice. It adds a unique and hauntingly elegant element to the wedding theme, making it a standout celebration.

I was so close to having a black wedding dress, but knowing that I wear black exclusively, that would not have been so special for our day, so I shocked everyone with a white dress instead, but you do you sis!

For guests, encourage them to come in costume, and join in the fun, even the elder guests. It’s a Halloween party after all!

4. Eerie Entertainment

Creating an entertaining atmosphere at your Halloween wedding is key to making it memorable. 

Step 1: Halloweenie Playlist: 

Craft a hauntingly good playlist with your favourite Halloween-themed songs. From classic tunes like "Monster Mash" to eerie instrumentals, music can set the tone for the evening. Here are some must-have songs for your Halloween wedding playlist:

• "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
• "Time Warp" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
• "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.
• "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell
• "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
• "I Put a Spell on You" by Nina Simone
• "This is Halloween" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
• "The Addams Family Theme"
• "Witchy Woman" by Eagles
• "Black Magic Woman" by Santana

Step 2: Haunted Photo Booth: 

Set up a DIY photo booth with props like masks, capes and wigs. Use an instant camera (if you have one, or can borrow one from a friend like we did) and encourage your guests to take pictures to remember the night. 

Step 3: Costume Contest and Pumpkin Carving Contest: 

Adding a bit of friendly competition to your Halloween wedding can make it even more engaging for your guests. 

Organize a costume contest with prizes for the best-dressed guests. This not only adds a fun competitive element but also ensures that everyone arrives in their spookiest attire.

Also, a pumpkin carving contest is a fantastic way to get everyone involved.

Provide guests with pumpkins and carving tools. You can find affordable carving kits at craft stores. Consider having prizes for categories like "Spookiest Design," "Most Creative Carving," and "Crowd Favorite." 

And as prizes?

• Gift cards to local restaurants or entertainment venues.
• Halloween-themed gift baskets with treats and goodies.
• Personalized keepsakes that remind them of your special day.

To select judges for this contest, make it a magical experience by drawing their names from a Hogwarts Sorting Hat. This adds an element of surprise and fun to the contest.

Arrange the carved pumpkins as part of your decor during the reception. The flickering candles inside will also contribute to the overall atmosphere.

Step 4: Ghost Stories: 

Have a designated storyteller share spine-chilling ghost stories during the reception. It's a fantastic way to keep everyone engaged and in the Halloween spirit.

Step 5: Dance Floor Activities: 

Plan dance floor activities, like a "Monster Mash" dance-off or a "Thriller" flash mob. These will keep the energy high and the entertainment level up.

For the newlyweds' first dance, consider these ideas:

• "Corpse Bride" Waltz: Channel Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" with a waltz to "Tears to Shed" from the film's soundtrack. It's a beautifully haunting choice that fits the Halloween theme.

• "Addams Family" Tango: Pay homage to the kooky and lovable Addams Family with a sultry tango to "The Addams Family Theme." It's a fun and memorable way to start your celebration.

These unique first dance ideas will add a touch of magic to your Halloween wedding and if you add some of the ideas above, you’ll definitely have a day to remember for you and your guests.

5. Ghoulish Food and Drinks

No Halloween wedding is complete without a selection of spooktacular food and drinks. And this can be a challenge, but here are some tips that might siut you: 

Budget-Friendly Catering with Portion Control: 

To manage costs and minimize food waste, consider having a staff member of your venue or provided by the catering business assist with the serving of the food. 

This ensures that portions remain appropriate, and guests can enjoy the meal without excessive waste. This approach can also help you make the most of your catering budget while still offering a memorable dining experience. And even if you have to pay for that staff member for the day, it will be totally worth it.

Like this, you'll have an effective strategy to ensure that your guests are well-fed while staying within your budget.

Halloween-Themed Dishes: 

Work with your caterer to create Halloween-themed dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. Consider options like "Mummy Dogs" (wrapped hot dogs), "Witch's Brew" (soup or punch), or "Spooky Sliders."

Have Signature Cocktails: 

Why not design a signature cocktail for your wedding? Give it a clever Halloween-inspired name and incorporate colours that match your theme. It's a budget-friendly way to provide a memorable drink option.

P.S. You don’t need a specialist for that! You can DIY it.

Creating unique and personalized names for your signature Halloween cocktail can add a fun and memorable touch to your wedding. Here are a few suggestions:

• "Eternal Love Elixir"
• "Haunted Hearts Potion"
• "Spirited Sweethearts' Sip"
• "Crimson Kiss Martini"
• "Witching Hour Whiskey"
• "Boo's Boozy Bliss"
• "Gothic Glam Goblet"
• "Pumpkin Patch Pisco Punch"
• "Midnight Magic Margarita"
• "Couples' Cauldron Concoction"

Candy Bar or Dessert Station: 

Create a candy bar or dessert station that fits the Halloween theme. Include items like candy apples, caramel popcorn, and spooky-shaped cookies. You can even encourage guests to take a treat home as a wedding favour.

6. Hauntingly Beautiful Favours

Sending your adult guests home with unique Halloween wedding favours is a thoughtful way to thank them for being part of your special day.

Here are some budget-friendly wedding favours:

Customized Treat Bags: 

Create treat bags filled with Halloween-themed candies like gummy worms, candy corn, or chocolate in spooky shapes. Personalize the bags with your names and wedding dates.

Mini Bottles of "Love Potion": 

Craft small bottles filled with coloured beverages, like red punch, and label them as "Love Potions." They make for charming and thematic keepsakes.

Candlelit Favors: 

Small candles, particularly in Halloween-themed shapes or colours, can be both decorative and functional. Guests can take these home and use them to create a warm and spooky atmosphere.

Keychains and Trinkets: 

Consider keychains or trinkets in Halloween themes, such as mini witch's brooms, black cat keychains, or skull-shaped ornaments.

Personalized Halloween Masks: 

Offer customised masks that guests can take home as mementoes of your special day. These can be designed to match your wedding theme.

7. Unique Invitations and Stationery

Your Halloween wedding theme should be evident from the moment your guests receive their invitations.

Design your own invitations to match your Halloween theme. You can use online design tools (like Canva) or enlist the help of a creative friend or family member. This personal touch not only saves money but also adds uniqueness.

Consider sending digital invitations through email or a dedicated wedding website. They're eco-friendly and cost-effective. That’s what we did and everyone loved the idea! 

Between us, what the hell do you do with a physical wedding invite after you get it? You have to throw it away anyway. 

You can also carry the Halloween theme through to your wedding stationery. 

This includes place cards, table numbers, and programs. Use spooky fonts, images, and colours to create a consistent atmosphere (again, Canva is your best friend).

If you choose to print your stationery, shop around for affordable printing options. Many online printers offer deals and discounts.

8. Ask for Help: 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from loved ones.

Enlist the assistance of friends and family for certain tasks or aspects of the wedding that you can’t handle. The people who care for you might be able to help with the planning and execution of your special day.

We certainly could not have done our wedding without our mothers (first and foremost), grandmothers and friends. They helped with everything from money, ideas and even borrowing some equipment we needed.

9. Choose your service providers wisely

If you’re on a tight budget, a wedding planner might not be someone you need to employ. Make use of the free information you can find and be your own wedding planner.

When it comes to photography and videography, you could try to employ someone new on the market, or art students, or negotiate for a lower rate if you can edit your own photos and videos for example. 

For hair and make-up, why not try and do them yourself?

10. Final thoughts:

Planning a Halloween wedding on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing the magic and excitement of your special day. In fact, it offers a unique opportunity to create a hauntingly beautiful celebration that's truly unforgettable. 

With a focus on creativity, smart budget management, and a commitment to providing a memorable experience for your guests, your Halloween wedding can be a spooky delight for all.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that’s all for today, lovely dreamers! We hope you enjoyed our tips and tricks for planning your budget Halloween wedding, and if you did like it, and you do go for a Halloween-themed wedding, don’t forget to share it and pin it!

Until next time… Dream. Follow. Do.