A white dress and a veil are about the most flexible costume base I know. Keep them sweet and you have a classic bride; add gray makeup and gauze and she's a ghost; swap the dress for black lace and she turns gothic. Runaway brides, ghost brides, corpse-style looks and the Bride of Frankenstein are the ones people ask about most, so they're all here, along with funny, vintage and fantasy versions. Most can start from a thrifted wedding gown, an old white party dress or white separates you already own. For each I've covered the dress, hair, makeup, shoes and the prop that tells the story, plus the sewing shortcuts that make a secondhand gown wearable for a long night.
Altering a Thrifted Wedding Gown for One Night
Secondhand wedding dresses are usually the wrong length and often the wrong size, and most need nothing more than temporary fixes. You don't have to cut anything, which matters if you want to sell or donate it afterward.
- Try it on with the shoes you'll actually wear. Length depends entirely on the shoe.
- Take in a loose bodice with safety pins along the side seams from the inside, or lace a ribbon through small loops sewn to the back zipper edges.
- Shorten a long skirt with a quick bustle: a few ribbon loops sewn under the train hook onto buttons at the waist seam.
- Air it outside for a day if it smells of storage, and spot-clean yellowed areas rather than washing the whole dress, since many gowns aren't made for the machine.
- Check beading and lace edges for loose threads and tack them before you go.
If the dress has a stiff, scratchy lining, a soft slip underneath helps more than any alteration, especially on sleeves and the neckline.
1. Classic White Bride Costume With Veil
The classic bride is the easiest to make and the easiest to wear. A long white dress, a lace midi or a thrifted wedding gown, a waist-length tulle veil and a bouquet of white silk roses. Soft curls, pearl pins, rosy makeup and a neutral lip. White pumps look formal, but ballet flats are kinder if you'll be on your feet all evening. Long gloves, costume pearls and a sparkly ring add ceremony. Most thrifted gowns have a train you'll step on within an hour, so I either bustle it with a few hidden loops and buttons or pin it up underneath before I leave the house.
2. Runaway Bride Costume With Sneakers
The runaway bride is the one to pick when you need to move. A short white dress, a light veil, white crew socks and running sneakers, with bike shorts underneath for coverage. Pin a race bib that says Bride to the front of the dress; I use safety pins through the corners from the inside so they don't show. A high ponytail with loose strands and fresh makeup look like you left the ceremony in a hurry. A sporty wristband, small crossbody and costume ring finish it. Keep the hem clean rather than shredded, and the dress goes back into your summer wardrobe afterward.
3. Ghost Bride Costume With Flowing Veil
A ghost bride can be eerie without being scary. A flowing white maxi with sheer sleeves goes under a long translucent veil over loose, lightly teased waves. Pale foundation, cool gray shadow, white shimmer and a muted lip give the washed-out face. For a tattered edge, I tack narrow strips of cotton gauze to the sleeves and veil hem rather than cutting the dress; the gauze frays on its own and the dress stays whole. Ivory and pale gray silk flowers make the bouquet. White lace-up boots or ivory flats stay hidden under the skirt, with silver clips and sheer gloves for the last touch.
4. Corpse Bride Costume With Blue Makeup
This fan-made corpse bride takes its cue from Emily: a vintage bridal shape in faded white or pale blue. Look for a gown with lace, tulle or an off-shoulder neckline, and a long blue wig in loose waves under a worn-looking veil. Light blue face and body makeup, dark blue shadow, drawn lower lashes and a rosy purple lip, with no gore. Blue body makeup rubs off onto white fabric, so set it well with powder and wear the dress over a slip with a neckline that sits off the skin. Blue tights, white or silver ankle boots, pearls and a bouquet of blue, lavender and white flowers. Distressed edges add depth; sand them lightly rather than cutting.
5. Bride Of Frankenstein Costume With White Gown
The Bride of Frankenstein lives or dies on the hair. A black-and-white streaked wig works, or tease your own hair up around a light foam cone and pin it at the base. The gown is floor-length white with long sleeves, with white fabric draped and pinned around the arms for the stiff, wrapped shape. Pale makeup, sharp brows, gray shadow and dark red lipstick give the screen look. A white cape or long shawl, simple earrings, and black platforms or ankle boots for stability. If you carry a flask, use plastic with colored water. Keep the effects clean so the hair stays the star.
6. Vampire Bride Costume With Red Cape
Deep red turns a bridal base into a vampire bride. A white, ivory or black lace gown with a burgundy velvet cape falling from the shoulders. Velvet is heavy, so I anchor the cape with snaps at the shoulder seams rather than relying on a tie at the throat. Polished waves, or a long black wig under a black lace veil. Pale foundation, smoky plum shadow, sculpted cheeks and a deep berry lip. Dark red silk roses, a velvet choker, an ornate ring, sheer gloves and black block-heel boots. Removable fangs make the idea clear in photos; take them out to eat.
7. Gothic Bride Costume With Black Lace Dress
Black lace takes the bride somewhere gothic with no special effects at all. A long black lace dress with a high neck, bell sleeves or a fitted bodice, and a black tulle veil on a simple comb. Loose waves, a low bun or a sleek center part all suit it. Charcoal shadow, black liner and a burgundy lip. A bouquet of black, cream and plum flowers tied with satin ribbon. Lace gloves, silver jewelry and Victorian-style ankle boots. If the dress is sleeveless, a velvet capelet keeps you warm. Black lace often comes with a stiff synthetic lining, so check the inside seams for anything scratchy before a long evening.
8. Victorian Bride Costume With Lace Gloves
A high-necked lace gown is the start of a Victorian bride. Look for ivory with long sleeves, ruffles, covered buttons or a fitted waist. A fingertip veil sits over a low braided bun with small fabric flowers. Softly powdered skin, defined brows, muted rose cheeks and a berry lip. A compact bouquet of cream roses, or a folding fan. Lace gloves, a cameo-style necklace and a little drawstring purse. Buttoned ankle boots in ivory, brown or black. A thrifted high-neck blouse with a long skirt works just as well as a gown, and a row of small pearl buttons stitched down the front of the blouse adds the period feel.
9. Skeleton Bride Costume With Bone Makeup
A skeleton bride is mostly makeup on a simple white dress. A fitted lace dress, a flowing maxi or a white skirt and bodysuit. Bone-print black tights, or plain ones with knee-high black boots. White face makeup with black cosmetic paint for the skull nose, cheek hollows and teeth; draw one side, then mirror it, checking in a mirror from a step back. Waves under a black-and-white veil and a crown of pale roses. A monochrome bouquet and skeleton gloves. Holding the palette to black, white and silver keeps the whole thing tidy.
10. Mummy Bride Costume With Gauze Wraps
A mummy bride is mostly wrapping, and the wrapping is where it goes wrong. Start with a fitted ivory dress, white leggings and a tunic, or a comfortable maxi. Wind clean cream gauze loosely around the arms, waist and lower skirt and pin every end with a safety pin; tape lets go once you start moving. Trailing strips are a trip hazard, so tuck the loose ends back under. A short veil over tousled waves or a loose braid. Beige, taupe and gray around the eyes for an aged look, with the rest of the skin left natural. Dried-looking flowers tied with gauze, flat lace-up boots wrapped at the ankle, and gold earrings or a collar for a nod to ancient Egypt.
11. Haunted Doll Bride Costume With Porcelain Makeup
The haunted doll bride is creepy-sweet rather than scary. A knee-length lace dress with puffed sleeves, a fitted waist and a tulle petticoat, plus white knee socks and black Mary Janes. A petticoat is what gives the doll skirt its shape; a cheap one goes flat, so I add a second layer of stiff net at the hem. Glossy curls or a curled wig under a short veil and a big bow. Pale foundation, round pink cheeks, exaggerated lashes, thin brows and a small heart-shaped lip. A few fine lines along the jaw suggest cracked porcelain without looking like wounds. A tiny bouquet or an empty picture frame, pearls and a little bag.
12. Spiderweb Bride Costume With Black Veil
Webs are an easy seasonal update for a black or white bridal outfit. A lace maxi with a black spiderweb cape or tulle overlay on the shoulders. The black veil with small silver spider clips is the focus. A sleek bun, a braided crown or long straight waves. Silver shadow, wings and a plum lip. Black and purple flowers with stretchy webbing threaded through. Stretch webbing snags on everything and shreds in crowds, so I use a sewn web overlay on the cape and keep the stretchy kind for the bouquet only. Black tights, pointed ankle boots or low block heels, and a jeweled spider brooch at the neckline.
13. Black Widow Bride Costume With Red Roses
The black widow bride is spider glamour, not horror. A long black dress with lace sleeves, a fitted bodice or a full skirt, and a black veil. A small red hourglass patch near the waist is the clever detail; cut it from felt or satin and stitch it on, so it sits flat. Smooth dark waves, smoky eyes with a little red and a classic red lip. Red silk roses wrapped in black ribbon, a spider ring or jeweled hair comb, sheer black tights and stable pumps or ankle boots. A cropped velvet jacket adds warmth and still shows the gown. Keeping to black and red makes the idea easy to read.
14. Fairy Bride Costume With Sheer Wings
The fairy bride is soft and woodland. A white chiffon maxi, a tulle midi or a flowing skirt with a fitted lace top. Translucent wings that sit close to the back get you through doorways; I sew elastic loops to the wing frame so they slip on like a backpack instead of being pinned to the dress. Loose braids with small flowers, pearls and silver clips. Luminous skin, pastel shadow, rosy cheeks and a touch of cosmetic shimmer at the temples. A flower wand or small bouquet, with ballet flats, lace-up sandals or pale ankle boots. Swap the wings for a short sheer cape in crowded rooms. White, blush and soft green make a garden palette.
15. Butterfly Bride Costume With Colorful Wings
The butterfly bride brings in more color while keeping the bridal base. A short white dress or a high-low gown leaves the wings visible. Big fabric wings in blue, purple or monarch orange and black, attached with shoulder straps rather than pinned to the dress; pins pull holes in fine fabric once the wings swing. A small veil, a floral antenna headband and loose curls. Eyeshadow to match the wings, winged out a little past the outer corner. Bright flowers, coordinating flats or low boots, and butterfly clips running down the veil and skirt. It's a cheerful choice if you don't want a dark bride.
16. Mermaid Bride Costume With Pearl Accessories
A fitted gown becomes a mermaid bride with shimmer and ocean accessories. Pick white, aqua or seafoam with a flared hem that looks like a tail but still lets you walk; try a full stride in the fitting room. A pearl-trimmed veil or sheer cape suggests water. Long beachy waves, or a blue or teal wig for more fantasy. Iridescent blue-green shadow, a pearly highlight and a glossy pink lip. A bouquet of light craft shells and silk flowers; hot glue holds shells to a foam base well. Pearl earrings, shell clips and layered necklaces, then silver flats or low sandals. Skip true tail pieces that bind the knees.
17. Ice Queen Bride Costume With Crystal Crown
White and silver give the ice queen bride her chill. A white or pale blue gown with tulle, sequins or sheer sleeves. A silver crown set with clear acrylic crystals over a long, glitter-dusted veil. A braided updo, or a silver-blonde wig in loose waves. Icy shadow, silver liner, pearly highlight and a cool pink lip. A white bouquet with silver leaves and crystal-like beads. White tights and silver ankle boots are warmer than pumps, and a faux-fur capelet goes over the shoulders. Loose craft glitter on a veil sheds onto your face all night, so I spray it with a fixative before wearing and use pressed shimmer near the eyes.
18. Celestial Bride Costume With Star Veil
The celestial bride brings stars and moons into the theme. A navy, silver or white maxi with a flowing skirt, and a sheer veil scattered with small metallic stars. I stitch the stars on with a few invisible stitches; glued ones fall off tulle as it crushes. A crescent moon headpiece or silver tiara adds height. Glossy waves or a low bun with star clips. Navy and silver shadow and a few tiny star decals at the temples. A moon-shaped purse or a bouquet in midnight ribbon, silver flats or metallic boots, constellation necklaces and a shimmering cape. The veil and bouquet keep it bridal.
19. Space Bride Costume With Metallic Dress
A metallic outfit gives the bride a futuristic turn. A silver mini over opaque white tights, or a full-length metallic gown with enough stretch to walk. A structured veil from light silver mesh on a smooth headband. A high ponytail, a sculpted bun or a straight silver wig. Graphic silver liner, lavender shadow and a clean, glossy finish. A small clear bouquet or a silver orb bag. White platform sneakers or metallic boots. Metallic knits run if you snag them, so trim any rough edges on cuffs or jewelry before you wear them. Reflective cuffs and a big costume ring, with nothing sharp.
20. Alien Bride Costume With Green Makeup
The alien bride is a joke you can tell with color. A white shift, a silver skater dress or a holographic maxi. A short veil on a green bob wig, or a silver wig with a green antenna headband. Skin-safe green face makeup, purple shadow, silver highlight and a glossy lip. Green face paint takes a while to apply and transfers onto white necklines, so a high collar is a bad match; choose a scoop neck or skip full-face paint and wear oversized sunglasses. Metallic flowers and foam shapes in the bouquet, white tights, silver platform sneakers, a reflective belt and a small planet purse.
21. Robot Bride Costume With Silver Veil
Cardboard, metallic fabric and clean shapes make an affordable robot bride. A silver top and skirt, or a simple gray dress with metallic craft foam panels. Foam panels sit better if you glue them to a felt backing and pin the felt on, rather than gluing foam straight to the dress. A white tulle veil on a silver headband with light antennae. A sleek bun or short silver wig. Metallic shadow, straight graphic liner and square decals on the cheeks. A bouquet of silver flowers, flexible tubing and ribbon. Silver sneakers, foam cuffs and a heart-shaped control panel on the bodice. Round every corner and keep it light enough to sit in.
22. Cowgirl Bride Costume With White Boots
Western pieces make a bride you can actually wear outdoors. A white lace dress with a cropped denim jacket and white cowboy boots. Attach a short veil inside the band of a white or tan western hat with a few hand stitches so the wind doesn't take it. Loose waves or two relaxed braids. Warm neutral makeup, peach blush and a rose lip. Sunflowers and white daisies tied with gingham ribbon, a big belt buckle and turquoise-colored jewelry. A white prairie skirt with a lace blouse works instead of a dress. Most of it can be worn again.
23. Biker Bride Costume With Leather Jacket
The biker bride mixes bridal lace with tough outerwear. A white mini or midi dress under a fitted black faux-leather jacket. A short veil on a teased ponytail, messy bun or long blonde wig. Smoky liner, strong brows and a bold red lip. Red and white roses wrapped in black ribbon. Fishnets over sturdy lace-up boots, fingerless gloves and a chain necklace. Removable Just Married lettering across the back of the jacket is the detail people read; cut it from felt and attach it with double-sided fashion tape or a few loose stitches, because iron-on can melt faux leather.
24. Punk Bride Costume With Plaid Skirt
A punk bride is a good use for thrift-store finds when you don't want a gown. A white corset-style top over a fitted undershirt, with a red plaid skirt or layered white and plaid tulle. Torn-look tights that still cover, and black combat boots. A short veil pinned under a black beanie, mini tiara or spiked foam headband. A high ponytail or a bright wig. Smudged liner, silver shadow and a deep red lip. A bouquet wrapped in plaid with safety pins. A studded belt and chain jewelry with rounded edges. Layering tulle over plaid takes one long gathering stitch at the waist and an elastic band; no pattern needed.
25. Rock Star Bride Costume With Sequin Dress
The rock star bride is all sparkle and movement. A white or silver sequin mini with a cropped white jacket. A tulle veil on big curls, a teased ponytail or a shag wig. Metallic eyes, wings, pink blush and a bright lip. A light toy microphone wrapped in white ribbon is the main prop. White platform boots or silver ankle boots, rhinestone gloves, statement earrings and a sparkly ring. Sequin seams scratch the inner arm and the backs of the legs, so wear a soft slip underneath; I also run a strip of ribbon over the worst of the inside seams. It's a strong choice for a night of dancing.
26. Disco Bride Costume With Flared Jumpsuit
A white flared jumpsuit is a comfortable base for a 1970s disco bride. Look for wide legs, a belted waist and a halter or long-sleeve neck. A short veil on big feathered curls or a bouncy shoulder-length wig. Shimmery blue shadow, a glossy lip and soft bronzer. A small mirrored bouquet made from silver craft circles and white flowers. Platforms are right for the era; pick a stable block heel or platform sneaker. Hoops, a rhinestone belt and a tiny silver bag. Hem the jumpsuit in the shoes you'll wear, since wide legs drag and fray fast. A white faux-fur jacket covers the walk home.
27. 1980s Bride Costume With Puffy Sleeves
The 1980s bride is all about oversized sleeves. Thrift a white dress with puffed sleeves, lace panels, a high neck or a full tea-length skirt. If the puffs have gone limp in storage, tuck a layer of tulle inside each sleeve head and tack it at the seam. An extra-wide veil and a floral headband. Big curls with plenty of volume, blue shadow, pink blush and a glossy rose lip. A cascading bouquet of white and pastel flowers, white tights and low pumps. Pearl earrings, lace fingerless gloves and a satin clutch. If the dress is too long, bustle it with hidden pins.
28. 1920s Bride Costume With Beaded Dress
A beaded shift is a natural start for a 1920s bride. An ivory knee-length dress with fringe, sequins or geometric beads, and a narrow tulle veil under a jeweled headband worn low across the forehead. Finger waves for short hair, or pin longer hair under for a faux bob. Softly smoky eyes, defined brows, rosy cheeks and a deep red lip. A small bouquet of cream roses or a beaded drawstring purse. Low T-strap heels, long pearls and short satin gloves. Vintage beading is often hanging by a thread, so check the seams and secure loose strands before you dance. This is the one for anyone who'd take vintage glamour over spooky.
29. Royal Bride Costume With Jeweled Crown
A royal bride comes from a formal gown and regal accessories. A white or champagne maxi with a full skirt, fitted waist and lace or satin finish. A sparkling crown over a long veil, with soft waves or a neat low bun. Luminous skin, neutral eyes, pink blush and a rose lip. A structured bouquet of white roses and greenery, pearl drops, long gloves and a big ring. Low jeweled pumps or metallic flats under the skirt, and a faux-fur capelet for warmth. A metal crown gets heavy by the second hour, so choose a light plastic one and pin it in with bobby pins crossed under the band.
30. Garden Bride Costume With Floral Crown
The garden bride is the softest look here. A white eyelet, chiffon or lace maxi with a crown of silk wildflowers over loose curls or a side braid, and a narrow veil tucked under the flowers. Natural makeup with peach blush, soft green or champagne shadow and a pink lip. A loose bouquet of daisies, lavender-colored blooms and greenery. Lace-up flats, pale sandals or ivory ankle boots. A floral sash at the waist and a small woven bag. I use silk flowers rather than fresh ones, which wilt by mid-evening, and wire the crown onto a plain headband so it can't slip.
31. Beach Bride Costume With Shell Crown
A beach bride suits a warm indoor party or a mild fall night. A flowing white sundress, a chiffon maxi, or a white top and skirt. A short veil under a crown of light craft shells and pearl beads; shells are heavier than they look, so keep the crown small. Loose beach waves, bronze shadow, dewy skin and a coral lip. White flowers with shells and pale blue ribbon in the bouquet. Flat sandals or white canvas slip-ons beat heels for this one. Pearl anklets, shell earrings and a woven clutch, with a white cardigan if you're outside. Skip barefoot styling at public events.
32. Rainy Day Bride Costume With Clear Umbrella
A clear umbrella turns a simple bridal outfit into a rainy day bride, and it's a smart pick when the forecast looks wet. A white tea-length dress under a transparent raincoat that shows the skirt and bodice. A short veil on a low ponytail or soft curls. Waterproof mascara, cream blush and a bright pink lip. Tie white ribbon and silk flowers around the handle and leave the canopy clear so you can see. White rain boots make the idea readable at a glance. A blue garter ribbon over opaque tights and a waterproof crossbody. Paper raindrops taped outside the raincoat curl in the damp, so cut them from clear vinyl or foil instead.
33. Bridezilla Costume With Green Details
Bridezilla turns wedding stress into a family-friendly joke. A white dress with green tights, gloves or a light green cardigan. A crooked tiara on a messy updo with a rumpled veil. A little green face makeup on the forehead and cheeks, bold brows, purple shadow and a bright lip. An oversized checklist, a giant pencil, or a bouquet tagged Flowers and Cake. White sneakers or low pumps so you can stomp comfortably. A sash that says Bridezilla seals the joke. Keep the dress itself intact and let the props bring the chaos, so the gown can be worn again or sold on.
34. Something Blue Bride Costume With Blue Accessories
The old bridal saying makes a simple costume built on blue. A white dress with blue tights, cobalt pumps and a pale blue veil. Blue ribbon at the waist and white and blue flowers. Polished waves or a braided updo with sapphire-colored clips. Navy liner, soft blue shadow, pink blush and a neutral lip so the face doesn't fight the outfit. A blue clutch, costume ring and satin gloves. A Something Blue sash explains it straight away. Any white party dress works, which makes it a good last-minute option; dye tulle for the veil with a little fabric dye if you can't find blue.
35. Patchwork Bride Costume With Colorful Fabric
A patchwork bride is the most handmade look here and the one I'd suggest to anyone who likes to sew. Start with a plain white midi and attach patches in pastel florals, gingham, polka dots and lace. On a borrowed dress, tack them with a long loose running stitch that pulls out cleanly, and draw the decorative stitching with fabric marker on the patches rather than the dress. A short patchwork veil over braided pigtails or curls with mismatched bows. Rosy cheeks, drawn freckles, colorful shadow and a bright pink lip for a rag-doll face. Fabric flowers and big buttons in the bouquet, striped tights, bright lace-up boots, a heart patch on the bodice and yarn bracelets.
Pinning a Veil So It Survives Wind and Hugs
Almost every look above depends on the veil, and veils come loose more than any other piece. The comb that comes on a cheap veil is usually too small to grip. A few ways I make one hold through a night out:
- Sew the veil to a wider comb, or to a plain headband wrapped in ribbon, with small stitches across the gathered edge.
- Push the comb in against the direction it will be pulled, teeth pointing toward your face, then slide it back into the hair.
- Cross two bobby pins over the comb's spine on each side.
- For a wig, pin through the wig cap rather than only the fibers.
- Short veils behave far better outdoors and in crowds than long cathedral ones.
Protecting White Fabric From Makeup
Pale, blue, green and gray face makeup all rub off on white necklines and veils. Finish face paint with setting powder, let it dry fully before the dress goes on, and step into the dress rather than pulling it over your head. A light scarf over the neckline in the car saves a lot of scrubbing. If makeup does transfer, blot it with micellar water on a cotton pad as soon as you can rather than rubbing it in.
Every One of These Starts With a Veil Comb
A veil and a white dress can carry a whole range of Halloween ideas. Stay traditional with a classic bride, go eerie with gothic or ghostly details, or play it for laughs as Bridezilla. Wings, metallic fabric, vintage pieces and colored makeup take the theme further still. Before you settle on one, walk, sit and climb a stair in the dress. Secure the veil, wings, crown and anything sewn or glued on, and swap heels for flats or sneakers if you'll be walking far. Build it around clothes you like wearing, because you'll look most at ease in those.
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