That was the first thing in my head, too.
This is exactly what I was coming in to suggest. Best of both worlds.
If you want to do costumes and still have the whole traditional bride and groom look too, I think the best idea would be to use the concept of a theme to help make a more subtle costume into part of a complete concept.
As several mentioned, if you’re going to have Darth Vader officiate, then a general Star Wars theme would work perfectly. She could still have a full traditional gown, and just putting her hair in Leia’s iconic hairdo would be enough to sell it, in that context. Same thing, you could do Han with something as simple as a modified tuxedo vest and maybe a belt with a blaster. You could then just have all the guests just have a space theme, not necessarily star wars, which would allow stuff like astronauts, aliens, whatever.
Or, similarly, you could a fantasy theme, where she would get an elegant dress and you a traditional tuxedo, and you sell it with color scheme and maybe a few in the wedding party as something a bit more exotic.
Or if you want to go more traditional Halloween, maybe something like Dracula and his bride, which wouldn’t require over-the-top make-up, maybe just like a cape and, again, would sell largely based on context.
Either way, I think if you’re going to do costumes, you pretty much have to have some sort of theme because if you don’t, then it would probably look pretty tacky in the photos later that there’s no coordination for the wedding party. And if you’re going to do a theme, make sure it’s something that both of you are passionate about, is accessible to everyone you’re inviting, and is something you can pull off.
Elvira and Dracula should cover all the bases.
We had a Halloween(ish - the 28th) wedding and had our rehearsal dinner be a costume party and a “regular” (silent movie themed) wedding. For the rehearsal dinner we were Frankenstein’s Mobster and Bride. (Because of a hilarious autocorrect.) We looked great.
I can only imagine Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. With professional makeup, you could be gorgeous and handsome! All you need is bolts to the neck and all she needs is a big wig with streaks. And maybe some greenish-while pallor. But still beautiful! I can see it.
Fuedal Japanese miliitary leader and lady - then it could be a Shogun wedding.
See what I did there? It’s a play on the “shotgun” wedding meme - get it?
This is how I got married when we had a Halloween type wedding. We did get married in a pool first and then had the reception later on when we dressed up. I can tell you that everyone who was there had a great time. There were a couple of Dopers there, but none of them still post here that I know of any more.
Cinderella and the Prince from the Disney movie
How about a wedding featuring “Extravagant Hats” - they could have a theme, or not, and people could make crazy hats or elegant hats and/or hats that go with your theme of choice. Maybe that would be a good compromise so people could wear nice “normal” clothes if they wish and then have a removable hat.
I’m visualizing anything from Star Wars battle scenes to Kentucky Derby/Royal Wedding style, or even helmets!
You can cover the identifiable/iconic/awesome/handsome/dashing bases as a wedding-minded Robin Hood.
I vote for Dracula and Elvira.
Especially the Elvira part.