Weddings are a celebration of love, legacy, and personal style—and there's no reason that style can't be unapologetically dark and refined.
At Vampfangs and Velvet & Vein, we believe that formalwear should feel as bold, intentional, and transformative as the moment itself.
Whether you're a guest, part of the wedding party, or the one getting married, our curated collection of gothic formalwear from Shrine of Hollywood is here to elevate your look and honor your individuality.
Why Gothic Formalwear Makes a Statement at Weddings
Gothic fashion isn’t just for shadowy nights and moonlit rituals. In formal settings like weddings, it offers a rich palette of romanticism, symbolism, and drama that few other styles can match.
Think ornate brocade fabrics, tailored lines, intricate buttons, and velvet finishes that photograph beautifully and feel luxurious to wear.
Gothic formalwear turns the idea of traditional elegance on its head—without losing any of the sophistication.
Choosing the Perfect Gothic Pieces for a Wedding
Before you select a look, consider a few things:
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The Dress Code: Is the wedding formal, semi-formal, black-tie optional? Gothic fashion can flex between codes with the right combination of pieces. A dramatic velvet vest paired with tailored pants works well for cocktail attire, while a full-length coat or tailcoat makes a bold black-tie statement.
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Indoor or Outdoor Setting: Summer garden wedding? Go for lightweight vests with rich detailing. Indoor winter celebration? Layer with structured jackets and heavier fabrics.
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Time of Day: Brighter ceremonies lend themselves to deep jewel tones and brushed gold accents, while evening affairs invite bolder blacks, silvers, and moody red tones.
Key Gothic Formalwear Pieces to Consider
🖤 Men's Vests
Vests from Shrine of Hollywood offer the perfect blend of historical inspiration and modern tailoring. Expect high-quality brocade, velvet finishes, corset-style backs, and antique metal buttons. Vests pair effortlessly with both dress shirts and high-collared blouses, making them a cornerstone of gothic formal dressing.
Shop a huge selection of our mens vests.
🖤 Women's Vests & Corset Tops
Corseted vests for women evoke Victorian charm with a modern, structured edge. These pieces flatter the waist and elevate even the simplest blouse or skirt combo. Shrine’s designs often feature dramatic lapels, lace trims, or embroidered details.
Dresses can always have vested layers.
🖤 Gothic Jackets & Coats
From tailored military-inspired jackets to sweeping floor-length coats, outerwear from Shrine adds serious impact. Perfect for formal evening weddings or cooler weather events, these pieces layer beautifully over vests and dresses.
Browse our collection of Formal Jackets
Playing with Color: Red, Black, and Beyond
While black is a staple, gothic formalwear doesn't stop there:
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Crimson or Wine Red adds romantic intensity
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Ivory or Silver nod to tradition while standing apart
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Deep Green or Navy can offer a moody alternative to standard neutrals
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Gold Accents elevate and warm a dark palette
Use color to reflect your individual personality, symbolism, or coordination with the wedding party.
Formalwear for All Genders and Expressions
At Vampfangs and Velvet & Vein, we understand that fashion is a form of identity. Our collection includes gender-neutral cuts, traditionally masculine and feminine options, and pieces that blend both worlds.
We believe everyone deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and stunning—especially at weddings.
Whether you're seeking a sharply tailored vest, a flowing coat with dramatic flair, or something entirely unconventional, our formalwear is designed to honor self-expression. We invite you to explore silhouettes, textures, and styling combinations that resonate with who you are—because the most powerful statement you can make is showing up as yourself.
How to Accessorize for a Gothic Wedding
- Shoes: Pointed leather boots or Victorian-style heels add drama and polish. Opt for materials like patent leather or velvet to elevate the look and anchor the silhouette from the ground up.
- Jewelry: Choose statement pieces with dark gemstones, intricate filigree, or serpentine motifs. Velvet & Vein offers selections from global artists and custom designs handcrafted in Nepal and Bali—each piece an heirloom in the making.
- Pocket Watches or Lapel Pins: Historical accessories can bring an outfit full circle. They nod to gothic romanticism while adding a layer of character and intentionality to suiting.
- Capes or Cloaks: For the truly bold or themed weddings, this is your red-carpet moment. A well-cut cloak in velvet or brocade transforms a formal look into a cinematic statement worthy of the occasion.
Wedding Looks for the Modern Vampire
A gothic wedding invites drama, elegance, and individuality—and the formalwear should reflect that. For those exchanging vows in the dark glow of candlelight or beneath moonlit skies, fashion becomes a powerful way to express identity and connection.
Think beyond tradition: a groom in a brocade vest with satin lapels, a bride in a tailored velvet coat or layered black lace, or a mixed-gender wedding party unified by rich textures and deep, moody tones. Shrine of Hollywood’s statement pieces make it easy to create a look that feels cohesive without sacrificing personality.
Whether you’re coordinating subtle accents or building an all-out theatrical moment, gothic formalwear lets you bring storytelling into every stitch—without ever feeling like a costume.
Customizing the Look: Alterations
Shrine of Hollywood’s formalwear is designed to make a statement the moment you enter a room. With dramatic silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable detailing, these pieces are meant to stand out. But even the most breathtaking garment benefits from a personalized fit.
Tailoring is key to transforming a beautiful piece into your piece. Whether you’re selecting a brocade vest with intricate metal buttons or a velvet frock coat with strong shoulders, taking the time to have your garment properly altered ensures you look sharp and feel confident. Minor adjustments—like nipping the waist, adjusting the length of sleeves, or bringing in the shoulders—can elevate the entire ensemble and give it that made-just-for-you polish.
Getting the Right Fit: How to Choose Your Size
Because Shrine’s pieces are often structured and feature unique cuts, sizing can vary slightly from conventional formalwear. It’s important to check size charts carefully and consider how you want the piece to sit on your frame. If you’re between sizes or unsure how a jacket or vest will layer over other pieces, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance—or work with a local tailor who understands gothic formalwear.
At Vampfangs, we’re happy to help advise on fit for the specific pieces we carry. Many of our customers invest in tailoring as a final touch, knowing it adds longevity, comfort, and presence to their formal look. Especially for weddings and other significant events, a custom-fitted Shrine of Hollywood piece doesn’t just meet the dress code—it redefines it.
Where to Shop the Collection
You can explore our full selection of formalwear online or visit us in person in Salem, MA. Our stylists are happy to help you build a look that fits your role in the celebration—from officiant to guest of honor.
Shop here
Celebrate in Style—Darkly
Weddings are a moment to show up fully as yourself—and your wardrobe should reflect that. Gothic formalwear brings drama, symbolism, and timeless elegance to any wedding setting.
With standout pieces from Shrine of Hollywood and accessories curated from around the globe, you can embrace the power of gothic fashion in every step down the aisle.
This wedding season, walk in like the night itself.