Every year I try to come up with a new way of imagining a Halloween wedding, and this year I was inspired by the idea of a masquerade ball (I can’t tell you how badly I want to attend a formal masquerade party!). Instead of anything overtly Halloween-y, I opted for a black and white palette and couture masks (I couldn’t resist the skull-and-crossbones bow tie). Candelabra centerpieces, gorgeous gowns, and a parade of sparkling cakes all play into the drama of an event like this. Really, there’s no reason this inspiration board has to be limited to a wedding – if anyone decides to throw a black tie masquerade ball, just say the word…

Mood: dramatic elegance
Palette: white silk, black lace

Credits: black and white masquerade wedding

Top row from left: masquerade party from Vogue December 1997, chocolate cake with coconut cream from Woman’s Day, black lace half mask from Valentino
Row 2: photo of black bow tie with skulls via Ritzy Bee, white bouquet with black ribbon from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: tulle gown with black opera gloves by Vera Wang via This is Glamorous, black tulle party dress by Oscar de la Renta via A White Carousel, white calligraphy on black paper by Bernard Maisner
Row 4: Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra at Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, miniature wedding cakes with sparklers from Fete NY

If you like this inspiration board you might also like:

Board #449: Modern Vintage Circus
Board #439: Mercury Glass and Whimsy
Board #506: Quoth the Raven