• Gothic weddings are highly dramatic, just as the architecture that it takes its name from. The amount of drama that's included in the wedding decor depends on the couple getting married. It can be as simple as rejecting the traditional white-based color palette or as extensive as decorating with Gothic architecture elements.
  
  

Color Scheme

• White is the traditional color of a wedding reception, but not for Gothic weddings. Instead, select a darker color scheme: Red or purple paired with black are appropriate choices.
  
  

Gothic Architecture

• The actual definition of Gothic relates to a style of architecture developed in northern France in the 12th Century. A Gothic wedding could take a cue from its namesake and decorate with elements of its architecture, specifically gargoyles. Gothic gargoyles are carved stone birds or beasts and could be used as a centerpiece at the wedding reception.
  
  

Candles

• Gothic weddings call for a venue lit entirely in candlelight. Pick up dramatic candelabras, which are available in black iron, to place around the wedding location. Once the taper candles that have been lit on the candelabras start dripping wax, it will set the atmosphere appropriately.
  
  

Flowers

• Some Gothic brides choose not to use flowers, but there are options. For example, crimson roses provide dramatic decor. Although black roses do not exist naturally, Gothic brides can purchase silk black roses, dye white roses black or select very deep red roses that look nearly black.