Silver is not a colour the wedding industry reaches for very often. It turns up on cake stands and in the occasional sequin, and then it politely steps aside for ivory and blush.
Today's feature puts it centre stage. Submitted by Love Buzz Wedding Planning and set against the walls of Hastings Castle, this is The Ghostly Silver Medieval Castle Wedding: dark silver, black and a splash of deep green, with more than a few surprises hiding in the details.
From A Brooklyn Catwalk To A Medieval Castle
The idea began a long way from the Sussex coast. Rodarte's Fall 2023 show, staged at the Williamsburg Savings Bank in Brooklyn, sent models around a silver glitter-coated tablescape in beaded fringe, lace and tinsel. For the lead creative at Love Buzz, it sparked a question: what would gothic silver bridal look like?
"I created a dark silver and black wedding collage and added a splash of deep dark green to incorporate some earthy tones," Sarah told us. "My vision was to challenge the conventional wedding palette and explore a more unexpected, atmospheric approach to colours in the wedding industry."
A Team Built From A Shared Idea
With the concept in place, Love Buzz reached out to wedding artists to see who wanted to be involved.
"The team came together, and ideas instantly began to flow, with each supplier bringing their own creativity and expertise to the alternative wedding concept."
It's a story we recognise. Some of the best work in the alternative wedding world happens when one person shares a mood board and a dozen others say yes.
Look Closer
Hastings Castle does a lot of the work on its own. But this is a shoot that rewards a second look, because the darkness here is playful as well as elegant.
In their words: "If you take a closer look you will discover decorative animal skulls, veiled lady candles, haunting dried florals, gothic opulence head pieces, handfastening creations, hand painted stationary and draped candelabras."
None of it is there for shock value. Each piece was made by someone who understands this world, and together they build a wedding that feels, as the team put it, "unconventional, atmospheric and deeply personal".
It's gothic luxe with a sense of history, designed for couples who want something darker and more distinctive.
The Soundtrack
We always ask about the music. For this concept, the choice was The Whole Woman by Anna von Hausswolff and Iggy Pop. If you want to know how ghostly silver sounds, start there.
On Accessibility In The Wedding Industry
We also ask every contributor what they'd change about the industry. This answer deserves to be shared in full.
"The lack of visibility for people with a disability and/or additional need is something I always strive to champion and advocate. I continue to learn and adapt my ways of working to create a more inclusive environment for my nearlywed, suppliers and vendors. Accessibility across the wedding industry requires improvement and investment. Small initiatives can bring huge benefits for people who require reasonable adjustment to support them on their wedding journey. We need to listen to the lived experience of those who have got married and faced challenges across the industry and discover how we can do better together to make the wedding speciality more inclusive."
We couldn't agree more.
Advice For Nearlyweds: Small Choices, Lighter Footprint
Love Buzz's advice for engaged couples is all about sustainability, and how small, thoughtful decisions add up.
Florals
Choose seasonal, locally grown flowers where possible.
Use the same arrangements for both your ceremony and reception.
Opt for dried florals that can be reused or repurposed after the wedding.
Donate fresh flowers the next day to a local charity or organisation that can pass them on.
Attire
Consider vintage or pre-loved outfits, including dresses, suits and accessories.
Rent where buying something new isn't necessary.
Look into alterations afterwards so your outfit can be worn again.
If buying new, choose a brand with transparent and responsible manufacturing.
Venue
Choose a venue that's easy to reach by train or public transport.
Consider one that can host both ceremony and reception, so nobody travels between the two.
Ask about recycling and waste management.
Look for venues with existing sustainable practices around energy, water, food waste and sourcing.
The Team
Lead creative curator, planner and stylist: Love Buzz Wedding Planning (@lovebuzzweddingplanning)
Venue: Hastings Castle (@hastings.castle)
Photography: Wild River Ravens (@wildriverravens)
Bridal boutique: Here You Are Bridal (@hereyouare_bridal)
Celebrant: Carrie Celebrates (@carrie_celebrates)
Hair and makeup: Emz Makeup Artist (@emz_makeup_artist)
Florals: Love's Story: Dried Flowers (@loves_story_dried_flowers)
Stationery: Laura MacVine Studio (@lauramacvine)
Crown and headwear: Twilight Couture (@twilightcouture)
Handfasting: Solar Crone Creations (@solarcrone)
Animal skull accessories: Izzie Lou Creations (@izzieloucreations2024)
Candles and styling: Mother of Demons Candle Co (@motherofdemonscandleco)
Draping and fabric: Koroma Events (@koroma_events)
Model: Cara Paleschi (@carapaleschi)
Model and musician: Conor Hyde Music (@conorhydemusic)
