A wedding is one of the easiest couples themes to get right, because a veil and a boutonniere tell everyone what you are before they see anything else. From there you can push it anywhere: ghostly, funny, glamorous, retro or borrowed from a favorite film. Most of these looks start with secondhand formalwear, a cheap veil and some makeup, which keeps the cost down. When I style a couple, I never put them in matching outfits. I give them a shared palette and one or two repeated details, and that does more for the pairing than identical clothes. The 30 couples below suit newly engaged pairs, long-married ones and friends who just need a duo look for a party, at most budgets and comfort levels.
Thrifting the Gown and Suit for One Night
Almost every couple below starts with a white dress and a dark or pale suit. Neither needs to be new, and for anything ghostly, undead or aged, a worn secondhand piece actually looks better. Here's how I'd shop for them.
- Look past the bridal rack. Any long white or ivory dress works, including old bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses and nightgowns, and they cost far less than anything labelled bridal.
- Check the zip and underarm seams before you buy. A stuck zip is a pain to replace, while a dropped hem is easy to fix or simply leave ragged.
- Buy the suit a size big rather than small. A loose jacket reads as vintage; a tight one splits at the back seam the first time you raise your arms.
- Make the veil yourself. A length of tulle gathered onto a plastic hair comb with a running stitch takes about twenty minutes and stays in better than most cheap packaged veils.
If you're going to distress or stain anything, wash it first. New fabric often has a finish on it that stops tea, paint or fabric spray from soaking in evenly, and you'll get blotches instead of soft wear.
1. Ghost Bride And Groom Costume
The ghost couple is the classic, and it needs almost no makeup skill. Put the bride in a flowing white, ivory or pale grey dress with a sheer veil, and the groom in a light grey suit, white shirt and faded bow tie. A washable grey fabric spray or a dusting of costume powder ages both outfits; work it into the hems and shoulders, where real dust would settle, rather than all over. Loose brushed-out waves under the veil for her, neatly combed hair with a few silver streaks for him. Pale foundation, soft grey shadow and muted lips on both faces tie them together. A faded faux bouquet and an old picture frame make good props, with white flats and grey dress shoes.
2. Skeleton Bride And Groom Costume
Skeleton newlyweds look sharp when the bone design stays graphic and clean. The bride can wear a black wedding dress, or a white gown with removable black bone appliqués, plus a black veil, a white flower crown and ankle boots. The groom wears a black suit printed or decorated with a white rib cage, a crisp shirt and a skeletal bow tie. Matching black-and-white skull makeup is what makes them a pair. Map the eye sockets and nose with a white cream base first, then fill black, and set it all with powder so it doesn't smear on a hot dance floor. Slicked-back hair for him, a low textured bun for her, a black rose bouquet and a matching boutonniere. Wear shoes you can dance in.
3. Undead Bride And Groom Costume
Undead newlyweds look properly worn without anything graphic. Thrift an inexpensive white dress and a dark suit, then distress the hems with scissors and sandpaper, rubbing along seams and edges where fabric would really wear through. A little grey fabric shading around the edges adds age. The bride gets tangled waves, a torn tulle veil, cool-toned eyes and grey lipstick; the groom gets tousled hair, pale makeup, shadowed eyes and a crooked tie. Wilted-looking faux flowers tied with frayed ribbon, and a Just Buried sign, make the best photo props. Off-white sneakers under the gown and weathered lace-up boots with the suit keep it practical. Because both outfits share one muted palette, the pair reads together even from a distance.
4. Corpse Bride And Victor Costume
Fans of Corpse Bride can recreate Emily and Victor without anything graphic. Emily needs a faded blue or white gown with lace, a long veil, a blue wig, a floral headpiece and cool blue makeup. Dark shadow around the eyes and a few delicate skeletal lines on one cheek or arm suggest the character. Blue face makeup tends to look patchy on large areas, so I build it in thin layers with a damp sponge rather than one thick coat. Victor wears a black Victorian-style jacket, narrow trousers, a white high-collar shirt and an oversized bow tie, with softly tousled dark hair and pale foundation with grey contour. Blue faux roses for her, a folded invitation for him, plus blue-grey flats and polished black shoes.
5. Beetlejuice And Lydia Wedding Costume
The Beetlejuice wedding scene gives you a red couple instead of the usual black and white. Lydia needs a layered red lace dress, a sheer red veil, matching gloves and a dark shoulder-length wig with choppy bangs, with pale foundation, soft smoky eyes and a deep berry lip. The groom wears a burgundy or wine-red suit, a ruffled shirt and an oversized bow tie, plus a wild green-grey wig and pale makeup with mossy green shading at the hairline. Green shading near a wig line stains the lace front, so I'd apply it after the wig is on and keep it a finger's width away. A red faux bouquet and a joke wedding handbook make good light props. Low red heels or boots for her, black or burgundy loafers for him.
6. Frankenstein Bride And Groom Costume
The Bride of Frankenstein and her monster make a surprisingly formal couple. She wears a long white dress with wrapped fabric details, elbow-length gloves and white platform shoes, and her tall black hair with white lightning streaks is the whole character. A cheap wig won't hold that height, so I'd stuff the top with a rolled tube of craft foam or a wig cage and pin the hair over it. Pale makeup, arched brows, grey shadow and dark lips give the vintage finish. The groom combines a black suit, a dark green shirt and chunky black boots, with a slightly oversized jacket for a squared shape. Flattened dark hair, muted green-grey makeup and simple neck bolts finish him. A white-and-black bouquet and matching boutonniere tie them together.
7. Vampire Bride And Groom Costume
Velvet and deep red keep a vampire couple elegant rather than hammy. The bride wears a black lace gown with a fitted bodice, long sleeves and a full skirt, with a dark red veil, a black rose crown, a Victorian choker and comfortable heeled boots. The groom wears a black suit or long velvet jacket, a white ruffled shirt, a red waistcoat and polished boots. Glossy waves for her and slicked-back hair for him. Pale foundation, smoky eyes, defined brows and deep berry lips set the theme, and fangs are optional. Deep berry lipstick transfers onto every glass and onto a white ruffle, so blot, powder through a tissue and apply a second coat. Finish with a red-and-black bouquet, decorative goblets of red punch and matching ornate rings.
8. Gothic Victorian Bride And Groom Costume
Gothic Victorian is the refined option. The bride wears a high-neck black lace dress with long sleeves, a full skirt and a small lace veil on a dark floral headpiece. The groom matches with a black tailcoat, a charcoal waistcoat, a high-collar white shirt and a cravat. A low braided bun for her, neatly parted hair for him. Soft grey shadow, defined cheekbones and plum lips give a slightly haunted look without full-face makeup. A bouquet of burgundy and black faux roses with trailing ribbon is the main prop. Lace-up ankle boots and black dress shoes suit the period. Full skirts take up a lot of room, so if the party is in a small flat, I'd go for an A-line skirt rather than a petticoat.
9. Black And White Bride And Groom Costume
Sometimes two colors are all a couple needs. The bride wears a short white dress, a black waist belt, striped tights, a black veil and Mary Janes; the groom flips the palette with a black suit, a white shirt, a white tie and spectator shoes. Give the bride a sleek bob or a polished updo and the groom a clean side part. Greyscale makeup, pale foundation, charcoal shadow and muted lips make it look like you stepped out of an old photo. A bouquet of white paper flowers tied with black ribbon is an easy DIY. A vintage-style frame for guests to pose through makes it the most interactive costume on the list. Skip red lipstick; one color accent breaks the black-and-white effect.
10. 1920s Bride And Groom Costume
A 1920s couple fits any speakeasy-style party. The bride chooses an ivory beaded shift with a knee-length hem, long pearls, elbow gloves and a birdcage veil, with finger waves or a short waved wig, defined brows, smoky eyes and a red lip. The groom wears a three-piece pinstripe suit, a crisp shirt, a bow tie, suspenders and a fedora he can take off indoors, plus Oxfords and a pocket watch. A small feather fan or cream bouquet works for her. Beaded thrift dresses often have loose threads, so check the seams and tie off any trailing beads, or you'll leave a trail across the dance floor. Keep both outfits in ivory, black and metallic tones.
11. 1950s Bride And Groom Costume
The 1950s couple is retro and sweet rather than spooky. The bride wears a tea-length white dress with a fitted waist, a full petticoat, short gloves and a small tulle veil, with pearl earrings, white pumps and a pastel bouquet. Soft pin curls or a high curled ponytail go with winged liner and a red lip. The groom wears a slim dark suit, a narrow tie, a white shirt and polished loafers, with a pompadour or a side part. A cardboard vintage car key and a Just Married sign make the props. Petticoats crush flat in a car, so I'd carry it on and put it on at the venue if you're traveling far. Both outfits are full of pieces you'll wear again.
12. 1970s Bride And Groom Costume
A 1970s couple is relaxed and warm. The bride wears a flowing ivory maxi with bell sleeves, a wide-brim white hat, platform sandals and a veil tucked under the hatband, with long center-parted waves and bronzed makeup. The groom chooses a brown, rust or mustard suit with wide lapels, a patterned shirt, flared trousers and platform shoes, plus a shaggy wig or his own hair brushed out. Make the bouquet from orange, cream and yellow faux daisies. Round sunglasses and a handmade retro invitation make light props. Thrift shops are full of genuine seventies pieces in October, and a real polyester suit beats a costume version for drape and color.
13. 1980s Bride And Groom Costume
An 1980s couple is all about scale: big sleeves, shiny fabric and bigger hair. Look in thrift shops for a white dress with puffed shoulders, lace panels, bows or a tiered skirt, then add a full veil, white pumps, costume pearls and a cascading bouquet. Tease the bride's hair high or use a curly wig, with blue shadow, pink blush and glossy lips. The groom wears an oversized light-colored tuxedo jacket, a pleated shirt, a bow tie, a cummerbund, tapered trousers and shiny shoes, with gelled side-swept hair. Teased hair holds better if you spray each section before you backcomb it, not after. A cardboard cassette player or an oversized wedding photo adds period humor. Commit to the excess on both outfits.
14. Royal Bride And Groom Costume
A royal couple is about regal fabric and gold. The bride wears a white or champagne gown with a full skirt and lace sleeves, a sparkling tiara, a long veil and satin flats, with a soft curled updo, glowing skin, rosy cheeks and a neutral lip. The groom wears a navy or burgundy military-style jacket with gold trim, dark trousers, polished boots and a sash, with neat hair. Use costume medals rather than anything resembling real insignia. White roses for her and a rolled announcement for him. Gold braid trim from a craft shop, stitched along the groom's cuffs and her bodice, is the cheap detail that links them. Long veils and full skirts both need care on stairs.
15. Fairytale Bride And Groom Costume
A fairytale couple is magical without being tied to one character. The bride wears a pale blue, pink or ivory ball gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt, a delicate tiara and a sheer cape-style veil, with curls, shimmer shadow, rosy lips and ballet flats. The groom wears a tailored jacket, a gold-trimmed waistcoat, a white shirt, slim trousers and knee-high costume boots, with a small crown or a shoulder sash. A bouquet of faux roses threaded with tiny battery lights, and a ribbon-tied scroll for him, finish it. Tuck the light's battery pack inside the bouquet's ribbon wrap so it doesn't dangle. Because no single character is copied, you can change the colors to suit you both.
16. Pirate Bride And Groom Costume
A pirate wedding can be adventurous with no weapons at all. The bride layers an ivory off-the-shoulder blouse over a high-low lace skirt, with a corset-style belt, a striped sash, brown ankle boots and a short veil under a tricorn hat. Loose curls, smoky bronze makeup and gold jewelry suit her. The groom wears a white poet shirt, a dark vest, cropped trousers, a wide belt, tall boots and a matching hat, with tousled hair and smudged liner. A rolled treasure map, a small chest and a bouquet of fabric flowers, shells and rope make the props. A veil under a tricorn slips unless it's pinned to the hair, not just the hat. Burgundy, cream and brown link the outfits.
17. Cowboy Bride And Groom Costume
A cowboy couple mixes Western wear with simple wedding signals. The bride can wear a white prairie dress, a lace midi or a denim-and-tulle skirt with white cowboy boots, a decorated hat, turquoise-style jewelry and a short veil fixed to the back of the hat. Loose waves and natural makeup suit her. The groom wears dark jeans, a crisp Western shirt, a suede vest, a bolo tie, brown boots and a black hat, with tidy hair and a little warmth on the cheeks. A sunflower bouquet and a matching boutonniere connect them, and a Hitched sign or a loop of rope works for photos. If your boots are new, wear them in for a week. Cowboy boots are stiff until they mould to the foot.
18. Celestial Bride And Groom Costume
A celestial couple turns the night sky into formalwear. The bride is the moon, in a silver or white gown with a sheer star-covered cape, a crescent headpiece, silver flats and a softly lit bouquet, with long waves or a braided crown, pearly highlighter, silver shadow and tiny face-safe star stickers. The groom is the sun, in a gold jacket, a cream shirt, fitted trousers, gold shoes and a rayed crown headband, with warm metallic eyes and brushed-back hair. Navy and silver on both is a darker alternative. Craft-foam orbit rings or sun-and-moon signs make the props. Foam crowns sit better with a strip of elastic at the back instead of a rigid band.
19. Angel Bride And Groom Costume
Angels are easy to put together from basic formal pieces. The bride wears a simple white maxi, a soft tulle veil, feather-free fabric wings, a halo headband and silver flats; the groom wears a white suit, or a white shirt and cream trousers, with fabric wings, a silver tie, white sneakers and his own halo. Keep both hairstyles soft. Glowing makeup, silver inner-corner shadow, rosy cheeks and a clear lip finish it. A cloud-like bouquet of white faux flowers with pale ribbon and a few tiny battery lights adds a soft glow. Halos on springs wobble every time you turn your head, so I bend the wire stem so the halo sits slightly behind the crown. It's gentle enough for family events.
20. Pumpkin Bride And Groom Costume
A pumpkin couple is cheerful and very Halloween. The bride wears an orange fit-and-flare dress with a short ivory veil, a green waist sash, a leafy headband and brown ankle boots, with soft curls, warm orange shadow and a small pumpkin painted on one cheek. The groom wears brown trousers, an orange vest, a cream shirt, a green bow tie and brown lace-ups, with a green felt stem stitched to a brown or orange hat. Orange flowers mixed with faux leaves for her and a leaf boutonniere for him. A small Just Picked sign adds the joke. Orange is a hard color on some skin tones, so if it washes you out, keep it below the waist and wear cream near the face.
21. Masquerade Bride And Groom Costume
Masquerade newlyweds hinge on the masks matching. The bride wears a black, burgundy or deep purple ball gown with lace gloves, a small dark veil, a jeweled mask and heeled ankle boots. The groom wears a black suit, a velvet waistcoat, a satin cravat and comfortable formal shoes. Choose masks with the same metallic trim so the pair looks planned. A curled updo for her and a smooth side part for him. Smoky makeup around the visible part of each face and plum lips for her finish it, with a dark bouquet and sealed decorative invitations. Masks narrow your side vision, so pick ones with wide eye openings, and swap the elastic for ribbon ties if it pulls on your hair.
22. Haunted Circus Bride And Groom Costume
A haunted circus wedding has strong shapes without being scary. The bride wears a short ivory ruffled dress over a striped underskirt, a tiny top hat with a veil, patterned tights and buttoned ankle boots. The groom wears a red ringmaster jacket, a black waistcoat, striped trousers, a bow tie and polished boots. Pale makeup, defined brows, a little burgundy shadow and small diamond accents by the eyes suit both. A playful updo for her, slicked-back hair for him. A red and cream bouquet with striped ribbon, a cardboard One Night Only ticket and a decorated mini hoop make harmless props. Mini top hats grip better on a headband or a comb glued inside than on a thin elastic under the chin.
23. Mummy Bride And Groom Costume
A mummy couple is easier than it looks: cream clothes plus gauze. Start the bride in an ivory maxi, then attach loose layers of tea-stained cotton strips across the bodice, sleeves and skirt. Tea staining takes the bright white off cotton in about twenty minutes; let the strips dry fully before they go near the dress, or they'll mark it. A gauze veil, beige flats, tangled waves and a bouquet wrapped in the same fabric finish her. The groom wears cream trousers, a white shirt, neutral suspenders and comfortable boots under uneven gauze layers. Keep both faces visible with sandy beige makeup and brown shadow. Tie a few strips into both hairstyles. A faux parchment marriage certificate makes the prop.
24. Haunted Prom Bride And Groom Costume
A haunted prom couple mixes school-dance formalwear with wedding accessories, and it's a good joke. The bride wears a thrifted pastel formal with a cropped white veil, a Prom Bride sash, a wrist corsage and low heels; removable letters on the sash let you reuse it. The groom wears an old tuxedo, a ruffled shirt, an oversized bow tie, a boutonniere and polished shoes. Pale makeup, shadowed eyes and muted lips on both give the ghostly vintage effect. A curled updo for her, a retro side part for him, and matching Bride and Groom crowns. A framed prom photo or a cardboard dance ticket finishes it. Thrifted prom dresses are often cheap in autumn, so this is one of the most budget-friendly looks here.
25. Runaway Bride And Groom Costume
A runaway couple is an easy visual joke. The bride wears a short white dress with a cropped veil, a sweatband, white running shoes and a small bouquet, with a Bride race number pinned to the front. A ponytail and fresh, natural makeup suit the sporty idea. The groom wears a white shirt, a loosened bow tie, running shorts or stretchy suit trousers, suspenders, sneakers and a Groom race number, with tousled hair and a water bottle dressed up as a wedding cup. Matching finisher medals and a Racing to the Altar sign land the joke straight away. Use four safety pins on the race numbers, one at each corner, or they'll flap and tear off. You'll both be comfortable all night.
26. Rainy Wedding Bride And Groom Costume
A rainy wedding turns bad weather into the costume, which is handy in October. The bride wears a shortened white dress, a clear raincoat, a veil, patterned rain boots and a small faux bouquet, with silver-blue shadow, a sleek ponytail and face-safe crystal stickers as raindrops. The groom wears dark waterproof trousers, a white shirt, a loosened tie, a clear or navy rain jacket and matching boots, with hair combed back to look damp. A clear umbrella with removable ribbon and paper clouds, plus blue felt raindrops hanging on clear thread, makes the prop. Paper clouds go limp in real rain, so cut them from white felt instead if the forecast is wet. It's the most practical outdoor look here.
27. Wedding Cake Bride And Groom Costume
A wedding cake couple suits people who enjoy a craft project. The bride wears a white dress covered in removable ribbon rosettes, fabric frosting swirls and pastel felt flowers, with a small tiered-cake headpiece, a short veil, white tights and comfortable flats. The groom goes as the cake topper in a black suit, a white shirt, a bow tie and shiny shoes, with a light cardboard platform around his waist, or both of you can be matching tiers. Neat hair and bright makeup suit it. Pin the rosettes on with safety pins from the inside rather than gluing them, so the dress survives for another use. Pearly trim on both outfits links you, and an oversized cardboard cake server makes the prop.
28. Black Cat Bride And Groom Costume
Black cat newlyweds are cute and low-effort. The bride wears a short black lace dress, a black veil, a cat-ear headband, sheer tights and low ankle boots, with a white waist sash or a small ivory bouquet so she still reads as a bride. The groom wears a black suit, a white shirt, a black bow tie, cat ears and polished loafers. Light fabric tails pin to the back of each outfit with safety pins or clips. Black liner draws small noses, whiskers and lifted eyes; set them with powder so the whiskers don't transfer onto your partner when you pose cheek to cheek. Soft waves for her and neat hair for him. Paw-print boutonnieres and a Purr-fectly Married sign land the joke.
29. Witch Bride And Wizard Groom Costume
A witch and wizard pairing mixes magic with wearable wedding clothes. The bride wears a long black or ivory dress, a lace cape, a pointed hat with a veil attached, striped tights and buckled ankle boots, with loose waves, plum shadow, a wing and dark berry lipstick. She carries a black-and-white bouquet and a small broom. The groom wears a velvet jacket, a white shirt, a dark waistcoat, fitted trousers, tall boots and a soft pointed hat, with silver streaks or a short grey wig and a little metallic eye makeup. A ribbon-wrapped storybook and a battery lantern are safe props. Silver stars and crescents on both outfits link them; iron-on foil stars hold up better on velvet than glitter glue.
30. Gender-Swapped Bride And Groom Costume
Swapping the usual roles is funny and lets each partner wear what they like. One partner wears a white gown or a dress-style suit with a veil, a bouquet, a styled wig or updo, glowing makeup and comfortable white shoes. The other wears an oversized tuxedo, a bow tie, a boutonniere, a slicked-back wig, a drawn-on mustache if they want one, and black dress shoes or sneakers. Fit matters more than the size on the label, so alter thrifted pieces at the waist and shoulders until both of you can move freely. Bride and Groom name badges help if the joke needs a nudge. Recreate a classic wedding portrait pose with an empty picture frame for the photos.
Veils, Trains and Other Things People Step On
Party guests are not wedding guests. Nobody is watching where your veil goes, and long fabric behind you gets trodden on, shut in doors and dipped in drinks. A few small changes keep the bride's look intact all evening.
- Keep the veil to shoulder or elbow length for a crowded party. Save cathedral lengths for photos at home.
- Anchor the veil comb by sliding it in against the direction your hair falls, then cross two bobby pins over it. A comb on its own slides out of silky or freshly washed hair.
- Bustle a train with a safety pin or a ribbon loop under the skirt so you can lift it off the floor once the photos are done.
- Ask your partner to walk on the side where the veil falls. It sounds fussy, but it stops strangers from brushing past and catching it.
Keeping Pale Makeup Off White Collars
Most of these couples wear pale or grey face makeup above a white shirt or gown, and that line where skin meets collar is where costumes get ruined. Apply the makeup before you dress, then press translucent powder over the jaw and neck and let it sit for a minute before brushing off the excess.
Stop the face paint just under the jaw rather than carrying it down the neck; with a high collar no one will see the edge. Tuck a tissue into the collar while you finish your hair. If something does transfer, blot it with a little micellar water on a cotton pad. Rubbing pushes the pigment deeper into the weave. Patch-test any face paint you haven't used before on the inside of the wrist the day before, especially the grey, green and blue shades these looks call for.
Two Costumes, One Wedding Story
A good wedding costume for two balances a clear couple theme with clothes you can actually move in. Ghostly newlyweds always work, but decades, characters, jokes and colorful twists give you plenty of room to make it yours. Start with formalwear you already own or can find secondhand, then add makeup, hair, shoes, accessories and one prop each. Shared colors make even simple DIY pieces look deliberate. Choose a look that fits your event and your feet, and you'll both still be enjoying it when the last photos are taken.
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