Matching Each Child to the Right Character
The costume that works on paper doesn't always work on the child. Before I assign roles in a family group, I think about what each person will tolerate for three hours, not who looks most like whom.
- Toddlers and babies make the best sandworms. A soft striped sleeper or tunic needs no makeup, no wig and nothing on the head.
- Children who hate anything on their face suit Adam, Barbara, Astrid or Jeremy, since those characters read from clothes alone.
- Kids who love dressing up usually want Beetlejuice or Lydia. Give them the wig and a little face paint, but keep the shoes flat.
- Teenagers who are reluctant to dress up can play Astrid or Rory in clothes they'd happily wear the next day.
- Masks, tall headpieces and big padded shoulders are for adults who can manage their own visibility.
Ask each child which character they want before you buy anything. A kid who chose their own role will put up with an itchy veil far longer than one who was assigned it.
1. Beetlejuice, Lydia, And Sandworm Family Costume
This trio is the easiest way in if one of your kids is small: Beetlejuice, Lydia and a child-sized sandworm. Beetlejuice wears a black-and-white striped suit, white shirt, black tie and black boots, with messy green hair, a pale face and soft gray shading round the eyes. Lydia wears a layered red dress with a matching veil, black boots, teased dark hair and light smoky makeup. The sandworm is a padded striped tunic, a lightweight hood with painted eyes, black leggings and sneakers. I make the hood from fleece, never cardboard, because cardboard edges rub a child's cheeks and they'll have it off before the first house. Leave the face fully open, and give Lydia a foam handbook.
2. Beetlejuice, Lydia, And Astrid Family Costume
Two generations of gothic daughters plus one chaotic ghost makes a natural family of three. Beetlejuice gets the striped suit, black boots, green-tinted messy hair and pale makeup. Lydia wears a black midi dress, sheer tights, ankle boots and a structured black handbag, with a loose dramatic updo and plum lipstick. Astrid is the practical one: a dark jacket, a plaid skirt or straight trousers, a striped top and lace-up boots, with long brown hair worn loose and natural makeup. That makes Astrid an easy role for a teenager who doesn't want to dress up too much. A small handmade town, a vintage camera or a dark book gives everyone something to hold, and all these layers are warm enough for a cool night.
3. Beetlejuice, Barbara, And Adam Maitland Family Costume
The Maitlands with Beetlejuice can come almost entirely from a thrift store. Beetlejuice needs a striped jacket and pants, a white shirt, black tie and scuffed black shoes, with temporary green hair color and pale makeup with mossy green touches. Barbara wears a long floral dress, cropped cardigan, low heels and soft red curls. Adam wears a red long-sleeve shirt, neutral chinos, a brown belt and casual sneakers. A little gray contour under the cheekbones makes both Maitlands look faintly ghostly without scaring a younger sibling. Barbara carries the Handbook for the Recently Deceased, and Adam a foam piece of the model house or a rolled-up floor plan.
4. Lydia, Barbara, Adam, And Beetlejuice Family Costume
A family of four can play the whole haunted household. Lydia wears the red layered dress, matching veil, black lace-up boots and soft gothic makeup. Barbara wears a printed vintage dress, cardigan, low pumps and shoulder-length red curls; Adam a burgundy shirt, tan pants, brown shoes and neat dark hair; Beetlejuice the striped suit, black tie, boots, pale makeup and wild green hair. Nobody matches, yet everyone obviously belongs together. If a young child is playing Lydia, cut the skirt to knee length and put her in black sneakers, because long tulle and stairs in the dark don't mix. Props are a faux handbook, a miniature house, an old camera and a striped invitation.
5. Delia, Charles, And Lydia Deetz Family Costume
The Deetz household is the stylish option for three. Delia wears a sculptural black dress or a big geometric jacket, red tights, statement earrings and pointed flats, with her red hair swept up and graphic liner. Charles wears a neutral blazer, button-down, pleated trousers, loafers, round glasses and neatly combed hair, carrying a model-home brochure. Lydia wears a long black dress with sheer sleeves, black tights and ankle boots, with short face-framing pieces and soft smoky eyes. Delia's sculptural shapes are the hard part, and I build them from craft foam pinned to a plain black dress, not glued, so the dress can be worn again. Lydia gets an old camera, Delia a small abstract foam sculpture.
6. Beetlejuice, Delores, And Bob Family Costume
For a family that loved the newer film, try Beetlejuice with Delores and Bob. Beetlejuice wears his striped suit, dark tie, black boots, green hair and pale gray makeup. Delores wears a long black corset-style dress over an opaque slip, sheer gloves, tall boots and sleek black hair, with thin black and silver seam lines drawn across the outfit and face instead of anything that looks like a real wound. Bob wears a bright yellow oversized suit, white shirt, patterned tie and comfortable dress shoes. His tiny head is an illusion made with raised foam shoulders and a light decorative head on top, with the wearer's real face left open below. Red name labels finish the joke and tell everyone who he is.
7. Beetlejuice, Wolf Jackson, And Delores Family Costume
Adding Wolf Jackson gives the group an afterlife detective. Beetlejuice keeps the striped suit, messy green wig, pale makeup and black boots. Wolf wears a navy or charcoal uniform-style jacket, matching trousers, aviator sunglasses and polished shoes, with carefully styled silver hair and a foam badge. I leave out every weapon prop; schools, parades and shopping-centre events usually ban them anyway, and a clipboard reads just as well. Delores wears a fitted black maxi dress, long gloves, tall boots, sleek dark hair and silver-lined graphic makeup. The matching pale faces tie all three together, and a clipboard, an official folder and a striped business card are easy to carry all evening.
8. Lydia, Astrid, And Delia Family Costume
Grandmother, mother and daughter can each take a Deetz woman. Lydia wears a floor-length black dress with lace sleeves, black boots, a deep berry lip and a tousled dark updo. Astrid wears a striped knit top, plaid skirt, dark jacket, tights and sturdy lace-up boots, with her brown hair natural and very little makeup. Delia wears a structured red-and-black jacket, an asymmetrical skirt, geometric jewellery and pointed shoes, with swept-up red hair and bold liner. The shared black keeps the three together; Delia's red and Astrid's stripes keep them apart. Props: a vintage camera, a handmade book and a light abstract sculpture.
9. Beetlejuice, Miss Argentina, And Juno Family Costume
If your family wants colour instead of stripes, bring in the waiting-room characters. Beetlejuice wears the black-and-white suit, black boots, green hair and pale makeup. Miss Argentina wears a sparkling red pageant dress, a sash, low red heels and a curled red wig, with turquoise face makeup applied thinly and evenly. Blue and turquoise face paints are among the most likely to stain skin, so test on the wrist first and use a barrier cream underneath. Juno wears a conservative gray or olive skirt suit, a silky blouse, sensible pumps, short gray hair, pale makeup and thin glasses. Props are a striped appointment card, a small bouquet and a clipboard, all foam or paper.
10. Red Tuxedo Beetlejuice And Wedding Lydia Family Costume
Here the parents play the wedding and the kids are the guests. Beetlejuice wears a burgundy tuxedo jacket, matching pants, a ruffled shirt, bow tie, black shoes, green hair and pale makeup. Lydia wears the red layered dress and veil, dark boots, teased black hair and soft plum eye makeup. The children wear black with red bow ties, striped socks and sneakers, and each chooses a small extra: a tiny veil, a fabric boutonniere or a foam handbook. Letting kids pick their own extra is the best way I know to keep it on all night. Nobody has to play a specific character, and red, black and white photograph strongly as a group.
11. Striped Beetlejuice Family Costume
The whole family can wear stripes. One adult wears the full striped suit; another a striped midi dress with a black blazer and ankle boots; the children striped sweaters, black pants, suspenders and sneakers. Each person gets a slightly different messy green wig, or a streak of washable color on visible sections. Pale makeup with gray eye shading for adults; for the youngest, a dab of gray under each eye is plenty. Black ties, moss on lapels, striped socks and foam business cards connect everyone. Mixing the garment types keeps the group from looking like a team uniform.
12. Lydia Family Costume In Red And Black
An all-Lydia family is a clever way to dress everyone in clothes they already own. One adult wears the red wedding dress and veil; another a long black lace dress with ankle boots and a vintage camera. One child wears a black school-style outfit with a wide-brim hat, dark tights and sneakers, and a younger child a soft red tulle dress over leggings. Everyone gets dark, softly teased hair or matching black wigs. Plum lipstick, gentle smoky eyes and pale foundation for adults; for kids, a little face-safe shimmer. A wide-brim hat blows off easily outdoors, so I sew a thin elastic under the chin or pin it to a headband. Small handbooks and red fabric flowers round it out.
13. Barbara And Adam Transformation Family Costume
Let the adults take on the transformed Maitlands while the kids play the everyday versions. Adult Barbara wears a floral dress, cardigan, red wig and low heels, plus a large, light fabric mask with an exaggerated mouth. Adult Adam wears a burgundy shirt, tan pants and casual shoes, with a tall foam headpiece and painted eyes on flexible stalks. Both masks need plenty of airflow and should come off in a second. The children copy the floral dress and the red shirt without any masks, so they can see the pavement and steps clearly. Give everyone pale makeup and a model-house prop. The adults do the tricky crafting; the kids just wear comfortable clothes.
14. Beetlejuice And Sandworm Family Costume
One adult is Beetlejuice and everyone else is a sandworm. The lead wears the striped suit, white shirt, black boots, messy green hair, pale makeup and a few moss details. Each sandworm wears a black-and-white striped fabric tube or tunic over leggings and sneakers, with a light hood showing bold painted eyes, rounded felt teeth and a red lining, always cut so the whole face stays visible. Make worms in different stripe widths and lengths to suit each wearer. A baby can wear a soft striped bunting and a dog a simple striped harness cover. Stretch knit is my fabric of choice for the tubes, because kids can sit and climb in it without seams splitting.
15. Beetlejuice And Shrunken Head Crew Family Costume
A big family can be Beetlejuice and a whole crew of Bob's shrunken-head coworkers. Beetlejuice wears the classic suit, green wig, black boots and pale makeup. Everyone else wears oversized suits in yellow, orange, blue or gray, with white shirts, patterned ties and comfortable shoes. The small heads come from broad padded shoulders and tiny decorative heads mounted above the open face. Never cover a child's eyes or mouth, and check the headpiece doesn't press on the back of the neck when they look down. Different name labels and a clipboard or folder each make the crew look intentionally coordinated.
16. Delia Art Gallery Family Costume
With Delia at the centre, everyone else becomes her art. Delia wears a structured black dress, red tights, pointed flats, geometric earrings and a dramatic red updo. The rest of the family wear black base layers covered in light foam spirals, white fabric panels and red geometric shapes, with black sneakers or boots throughout. Graphic liner and a little white face makeup for adults; keep children's faces simple. Each person can carry an abstract cardboard sculpture painted black, white and red. Kids walk into people and doorways when pieces stick out more than a hand's width from the body, so keep everything close.
17. Beetlejuice, Lydia, And Miss Argentina Family Costume
This trio mixes stripes, gothic romance and pageant sparkle. Beetlejuice wears the striped suit, black tie, sturdy boots, pale makeup and messy green hair. Lydia wears the layered red dress, matching veil, black ankle boots, dark teased hair and soft smoky eyes. Miss Argentina wears a sequined red midi or maxi, a pageant sash, low heels and a curled red wig. If a child takes Miss Argentina, I swap the turquoise face for turquoise gloves and a turquoise sash; it reads almost as well and saves an evening of scrubbing. The two reds balance Beetlejuice's high-contrast stripes in a family photo. Props: a striped business card, a vintage camera and a small bouquet.
18. Beetlejuice, Otho, And Delia Family Costume
Beetlejuice, Otho and Delia is a strong-fashion trio. Beetlejuice wears his striped suit, dark boots, green hair, pale makeup and a few removable moss pieces. Otho wears a dramatic black suit or long coat, a patterned scarf, polished loafers and neatly styled dark hair, with lightly powdered makeup and a large decorative book. Delia wears a sculptural red-and-black outfit, statement jewellery, bright tights, pointed shoes and a tall red updo, carrying a small foam art piece. Big shoulders, bold patterns and strong accessories do all the work, so nobody needs a mask. It suits a family of adults or older teens.
19. Beetlejuice, Lydia, And Baby Sandworm Costume
With a baby, the costume has to work around naps, feeds and a stroller. One parent wears Beetlejuice's striped suit, black tie, boots, messy green wig and pale makeup; the other is Lydia in a black lace dress, dark tights, ankle boots, softly teased hair and plum lipstick. The baby wears a soft striped bunting or footed sleeper with felt eyes and rounded fabric teeth, all stitched on firmly and kept away from the face and hands, since anything a baby can pull off goes straight in the mouth. Turn the stroller into a desert with removable beige fabric and foam rocks. Lydia carries a light handbook, Beetlejuice a striped card.
20. Beetlejuice Family Costume With A Dog Sandworm
The family dog can join as a sandworm. One adult is Beetlejuice in the striped suit, black boots, green hair and pale makeup; another is Lydia in the red dress, matching veil, dark hair and comfortable black shoes. The kids play Barbara and Adam in a floral dress with cardigan and a red shirt with tan pants, both in sneakers. The dog needs only a light striped harness cover with soft felt eyes along the back, nowhere near its face. Skip hoods and anything that dangles; most dogs will tolerate something on their back far longer than anything on their head. A foam handbook, a camera and a little house finish the scene.
21. Astrid, Jeremy, And Beetlejuice Family Costume
Teenagers often want costumes that look like normal clothes, and Astrid and Jeremy are exactly that. Astrid wears a dark jacket, a striped shirt, a plaid skirt or relaxed trousers, lace-up boots and long natural brown hair, with soft makeup and a vintage-style book. Jeremy wears a rust-coloured jacket, plain tee, jeans and retro sneakers, with casual hair and a light pale foundation. Beetlejuice is the centrepiece in the striped suit, dark tie, black boots, green wig and gray-white makeup, holding a foam business card. It's a good compromise when the teens want to join in but won't wear a wig.
22. Delores, Beetlejuice, And Astrid Family Costume
Delores, Beetlejuice and Astrid balance sleek gothic dressing with messy stripes. Delores wears a fitted black maxi, a corset-style belt, sheer gloves, tall boots and sleek waist-length black hair, with thin black-and-silver lines on makeup and clothing kept graphic, not realistic. Beetlejuice wears the striped suit, white shirt, black tie, green hair, pale makeup and black shoes. Astrid wears a dark coat over a striped sweater, a plaid skirt or trousers, tights and lace-up boots, with loose brown hair and natural makeup. Waist-length wigs tangle on coat zips and bag straps, so a quick plait at the back before you go out saves trouble. Props are a small black handbag, a striped calling card and an old book.
23. Lydia, Rory, And Astrid Family Costume
Lydia, Rory and Astrid make a modern Deetz family in clothes you can wear again. Lydia wears a sleek black maxi, a fitted blazer, ankle boots, a dark updo and berry lipstick, with a vintage camera or black handbag. Rory wears a neat dark suit, pale shirt, narrow tie, polished shoes and carefully arranged hair, with a folder or cue cards. Astrid wears a striped sweater, dark jacket, plaid skirt, tights and lace-up boots, with natural hair and minimal makeup. A light pale foundation on all three hints at the supernatural without looking harsh. Nothing here is a one-night outfit.
24. Beetlejuice Game Show Family Costume
Turn the family into a ghostly game show. One adult hosts as Beetlejuice in a bright burgundy tuxedo, ruffled shirt, black shoes, messy green hair and pale makeup. Everyone else is a contestant in colourful retro suits and dresses with sneakers or low heels, wearing oversized paper name tags and light foam podium panels on soft straps. Black-and-white striped trim on each contestant links the group. I keep the podium panels no wider than the child's shoulders so they can still walk up a garden path. Big curls or high ponytails, cheerful stage makeup, cardboard scorecards and a painted foam microphone. Larger families who love posing get the most out of it.
25. Beetlejuice Waiting Room Family Costume
The afterlife waiting room suits a family that likes oddballs. Beetlejuice wears the striped suit, green hair, black boots and softly shaded pale makeup. Everyone else wears mismatched vintage clothes: office suits, floral dresses, travel jackets, sensible shoes. Give each person a light wash of face colour and one harmless quirk, such as oversized glasses, a flat foam hat or very broad padded shoulders. Keep the details mild and avoid culturally specific characters. Everyone carries a numbered paper ticket and one person holds a clipboard. Pose in a seated row for photos, then take off anything bulky before you walk through a crowd or up stairs.
26. Cartoon Beetlejuice And Lydia Family Costume
The cartoon version brings in colour and simpler makeup, which suits younger kids. Beetlejuice wears a burgundy jacket, white shirt, black pants, striped socks and black boots, with tall green hair, a pale face and bold purple eye shading. Lydia wears a layered red poncho or cape over a black dress, red tights, ankle boots and a high black ponytail. The rest of the family become striped creatures in purple, green, red and black tunics, leggings and sneakers, with foam antennae, soft tails and big painted glasses. Keep every face visible and avoid rigid masks. Bright colours show up well in evening photos.
27. Beetlejuice Vacation Family Costume
A Beetlejuice beach holiday is the answer for a warm Halloween. One person wears striped pants with a loud short-sleeve shirt, black sandals, green hair, pale makeup and oversized sunglasses. Lydia wears a black sundress, a broad black hat, flat sandals and a vintage camera. Barbara and Adam wear floral holiday clothes, light cardigans, tan shorts or trousers and sneakers. Kids wear striped shirts with bucket hats and small travel bags. Foam luggage tags and folded tourist maps are the props, and a little moss on Beetlejuice's hat keeps him identifiable. I'd still put kids in closed shoes if you're walking far in the dark.
28. Beetlejuice Winter River Family Costume
Dress the family as the town's residents in ordinary autumn clothes. Beetlejuice stands out in the striped suit, black boots, green hair and pale makeup. Lydia wears a black coat over a lace dress, opaque tights, ankle boots and windswept dark hair. Adam wears a red sweater, khakis and brown sneakers; Barbara a floral midi, cardigan, red curls and low boots. Another family member can be Jane Butterfield in a vintage skirt suit, a pillbox-style hat, pumps and neat curls. Props are a miniature house, old camera, property folder and handbook. Thermal layers fit under every one of these outfits, which makes it the best pick for a cold October.
29. Mini Beetlejuice Kids Family Costume
Here the kids are the stars and the adults play support. One child is Beetlejuice in a soft striped jacket, black pants, sneakers, a green wig and a little pale face paint. Another is Lydia in a knee-length red tulle dress, short veil, leggings and black sneakers. A third wears a padded yellow suit with an open-face Bob headpiece, and the baby a striped sandworm sleeper. The adults are Barbara and Adam in a floral dress with cardigan and a burgundy shirt with tan pants. Kids' wigs itch at the hairline, so I put a soft wig cap underneath and let them take it off for the car ride. Low shoes, little makeup, and foam handbooks, fabric flowers and a tiny model house.
30. Beetlejuice Family Costume For A Large Group
A large household can put the whole cast together. Beetlejuice gets the striped suit, green hair, pale makeup and black boots. Lydia wears the red wedding dress and veil; Barbara and Adam their floral dress and burgundy shirt. Add Delia in sculptural black and red, Charles in a neutral blazer, Astrid in plaid and dark layers, Delores in a sleek black gown, Bob in a padded yellow suit, and a child or pet as the striped sandworm. One light prop each: a camera, a handbook, the model house, a sculpture or a name label. Black, red, white and green repeated across everyone holds the group together. With this many people, I write each costume's pieces on a list and pack them in labelled bags the night before.
Face Paint, Wigs and Hoods on Small Faces
Pale faces, green hair and turquoise skin are everywhere in this list, so a few honest rules for children:
- Use face paint sold for skin, and test a small patch on the inner arm the day before. Redness or itching means you skip it.
- Keep paint off the eyelids and away from the lip line on young children. A pale forehead and cheeks, with gray under the eyes, is enough to read as Beetlejuice.
- Set face paint with a light dusting of translucent powder so it doesn't rub onto collars and car seats.
- Temporary hair colour sprays can sting eyes, so cover the face with a hand or towel while spraying and do it outdoors.
- Hoods and headpieces should leave the full face open and clear the side vision. If a child has to turn their whole head to see you, it's too deep.
- Add reflective tape to dark costumes, especially the all-black Lydia and Delores looks, and give each child a small torch.
At bedtime, remove paint with a gentle cleansing balm or baby oil on a soft cloth before any soap and water. Scrubbing a tired child's face with wipes is how a fun night ends in tears.
Start With the Sandworm and the Striped Suit
When I plan a family group, I start with the costumes that read from the strongest shapes: the striped suit, Lydia's red dress, Bob's yellow suit and the sandworm's bold stripes. Then I fill out the group with the Maitlands, the Deetzes, Delores, Miss Argentina or the waiting-room crowd, depending on how many people and how much patience you have. Thrifted clothes, washable hair colour, face-safe makeup, foam props and comfortable shoes keep it affordable and wearable. Let every child pick their own role, keep masks breathable and pet costumes simple, and you'll still be smiling in the last photo of the night.
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