The moody, dark forest wedding theme is so in right now and we are all about it. This theme is so much fun to plan and the elements are absolutely beautiful and very special.
Choosing your wedding theme and watching it come together is one of the most exciting aspects of wedding planning. When brides come in for appointments, we always talk about the overall vibe or theme of the wedding. Knowing the vibe of the wedding helps us curate a selection of dresses that will fit into the bride’s vision.
There are a few common themes we hear: traditional and classic, whimsical garden, country boho, light and beachy… but this moody dark forest theme is becoming more and more common with our brides. Especially brides with wedding dates in the fall!
What is Moody, Dark Forest Theme?
Think fairy tale, dark romance, and nature all coming together in flawless fashion.
Moody dark forest themed weddings are all about creating a mystical, enchanting atmosphere, blending the natural beauty of the woods with touches of dark romance. Golden hour with the afternoon sun rays peeking through the trees. The overall vibe is intimate, ethereal, and slightly mysterious.
Darker colors, exposed wood, stonework, and lots of flora are key features in curating this atmosphere. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale!
What Is A Moody Color Palette?
The decor and color palette are important areas to consider to achieve the enchanting, moody, forest aesthetic. A moody color palette includes dark tones and jewel colors. Colors like Hunter green and emerald, deep red tones, deep purples, and earthy browns.
Accent colors like gold or rose gold will play nicely with the jewel tones. Consider deep reds with baby’s breath in the floral arrangements, or maroon dahlias and black baccara roses with ribbons in black lace. Adding ferns into the bouquet is a simple touch that elevates the bouquet from the traditional bridal look into something more moody and nature-inspired.
Soft lighting, twinkling string lights, votive candles, and lanterns will give the venue a warm and inviting ambiance and truly make the setting feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Enchanting Decor Ideas
And of course, incorporating nature into the decor is a must. Use lots of greenery and plenty of natural elements like branches, pine cones, and wildflowers. Centerpieces with candles and flowers that are set on the wood slabs always look perfect with moody themes, or opt for terrarium-style centerpieces with moss, river rocks, and tea lights. Consider lining the aisle with ferns or pampas grass, and use a wood-based arbor as opposed to a metal one. Table numbers can be created by using pressed ferns and flowers in gold frames.
Adding elements like candelabras, drinking goblets, and a corseted gown elevate the enchanting feel of these forest weddings.
Do not forget a spectacular moody inspired wedding cake and signature drink with matching colors. This will delight your wedding guests and make them truly feel part of your fairy tale wedding!
What Does The Couple Wear?
Dressing the part is just as important as setting the scene.
There are certain design features on wedding dresses that embody the fairy tale and moody dark forest aesthetic. Things like nature-inspired appliques, exposed boning, and champagne-colored lining will match the vibe well, and we have plenty of gowns like that!
Sarie by Madi Lane features exposed boning, 3D floral appliques, and can come in a two-toned colorway. Morilee’s Rosa gown, one of our very favorites, has exquisite floral details, and soft and ethereal tulle. Rosa comes in champagne, dusty lavender, and there is a black dress option for the brides who are really leaning into the dark romance theme. Keisha by Kitty Chen is adorned with leaf-and-vine appliques, and the sparkle in it will be radiant under some twinkling string lights.
Note: we have loved the moody dark forest theme so much that we are holding our third annual black wedding dress trunk show next month. We are one of the only stores in the country to do this three years in a row. Our non-traditional brides with a Gothic wedding theme love this show!
There are also many styles of suits and tuxedos that we offer that are perfect for the groom and his groomsmen to wear to a moody dark forest themed wedding.
Two obvious choices are the Hunter green and Olive green suits. The green colors are unique and compliment woodsy settings. Our Chocolate suit is also a great option, especially when paired with a lighter color tie, as is the gorgeous dark navy tuxedo.
We have a few jewel-toned options as well, for couples who are leaning more into the dark fairy tale aspect, like the Burgundy tuxedo with a black lapel or our dark purple Eggplant suit. These jewel toned colors also work well for a gothic theme.
Note: The gothic style wedding is similar to the moody dark forest theme, however, a goth wedding has more macabre wedding details: a spooky vibe, til death do us part, lots of black and deep red rose colors, and Victorian elements.
Venues For Dark Forest Wedding Themes
You need the right place for this vibe!
Venues like an enchanted cottage, or a darling micro wedding venue like the Vaughn House in Virginia with outdoor spaces that immerses you in nature are perfect for a moody wedding day.
There are many wedding venues in the Poconos that place you directly in the forest, saying “I do” under a canopy of trees. Tall Timber Barn has a stunning ceremony location called The Chapel in the Pines, where you are surrounded by pine and oak trees.
If you want these moody yet enchanting vibes, Holly Hedge Estate in New Hope fits the bill. Stunning historic buildings with old stone walls, exposed wood, acres of woodlands and lush English formal gardens; this provides a reception space that makes you feel like you have been transported to a different realm.
Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo has the perfect attire for your romantic, dark forest themed wedding! Make your special day exactly what you want and embrace the perfect mix of moody vibes and enchanted fairytale!