Ghost Bride Costume
Costumepedia earns a commission if you buy through links on this page. It doesn’t change what you pay. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nearly every culture has a ghost story about a bride who never made it to her wedding, and the costume is one of the most beautiful ways to be scary. It’s elegant, it’s eerie, and it’s a great use for an old white dress, a prom dress or a thrifted wedding gown.
What Makes It Work
Start with a long white or ivory dress. Older is better. Tear the hem into ragged strips and dust the skirt with gray eyeshadow or a light dusting of flour to make it look aged.
The veil is the signature. Tear it, let it hang a little crooked, and pin it into loose, messy hair. A wilted or black flower bouquet makes it clear this wedding went badly.
Makeup carries the scare: pale gray-white skin, dark hollow eye sockets, gray lips and a little shading under the cheekbones. Move slowly and stare a lot.
What People Get Wrong
A spotless white dress and full bridal makeup. That’s just a bride. She needs to look aged and dead. The other mistake is fake blood everywhere, which turns it into a zombie bride.
Buy It or Build It?
Ghost bride costumes run $30 to $60. A thrifted dress and a $10 veil usually look better, since you can tear them up without feeling bad.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make a ghost bride costume?
Use an old white dress, tear the hem, dust it gray, add a torn veil and do pale gray makeup with dark hollow eyes.
What's the difference between a ghost bride and a zombie bride?
A ghost bride is pale, quiet and haunting. A zombie bride is bloody, dirty and messy.
What couples costume goes with a ghost bride?
A skeleton groom, a ghost groom, or a very nervous wedding guest.
Where can I find a cheap white dress for a ghost bride?
Thrift stores, especially old bridesmaid or prom dresses.
Next up: Bat Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.