11 Subtly Spooky Halloween Wedding Ideas

‘Tis the season for goblins, ghouls, witches, and… weddings? Yup, that’s right. Fall wedding season is actually the perfect time to incorporate Halloween‘s moody and slightly spooky touches to your big day. Case in point: these 11 frightfully fabulous details. Scroll on for all the scary-chic ideas.

1. Dark Features: Wearing a dark lip or black nail art can instantly lend a mysterious vibe to your bridal style. (via Kym Ventola Photography / Junebug Weddings)

2. Back in Black: Is it just us, or is this couple looking straight into our souls? They totally rock their black attire, and that veil is to die for. (via Ana Lui Photography / Burnett’s Boards)

3. Black and Gold Cake: Who says your wedding cake has to be white? The black and gold details of this dessert table make it look like a work of art. (via Ashley Cook Photography / 100 Layer Cake)

4. Bridesmaids in Black: Okay, so technically this was a bridal shower, but how stunning do these bridesmaids look strutting through the smoke? From the flower crowns to the attitude, this shot gets a 10/10 in our book. (via This Rad Love / Green Wedding Shoes)

5. Love Potion: You don’t have to watch Hocus Pocus on repeat (although we certainly recommend it) to know that a witch’s brew is mandatory for any Halloween affair. Serve up your signature cocktails in beakers like this and your guests will have no problem getting in the spirit. (via LH Calligraphy / The Perfect Palette)

6. Table Envy: A candelabra is the perfect addition to any reception table, inside or out. It instantly brings a sophisticated vibe that is borderline creepy — just the way we like it. (via Nerinna Studios / mywedding)

7. Smoke Show: Nothing sets the mood like orange smoke. For the full-on scary effect, try not to smile. We dare you. (via Addison Jones Photography / Junebug Weddings)

8. Dark Bouquet: Design your bouquet with overflowing flowers and dark berries to contrast your wedding dress. This one’s almost too pretty to throw. (via Dana Fernandez Photography / MODwedding)

9. Decadent Desserts: Fill your sweets table with more treats than tricks and we guarantee that your guests will be coming back for seconds. It’s just too hard to pass up such an elegant display of sugar. (via Jamie Mercurio Photography / 100 Layer Cake)

10. Farm Favorite: Turn your backyard wedding into a spooktacular event. The crisp fall air and dark decor will give your family and friends the good kind of goosebumps. (via Samuel Goh / The Wedding Scoop)

11. Dress to Impress: Even just one thin layer of black tulle and black lace sleeves can turn a traditional wedding dress into an All Hallow’s Eve-approved statement. The open back makes it both classy and edgy without going all black. (via Luna de Mare / Style Me Pretty)

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Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco are engaged — and the best part of the whole celebration has been seeing the reactions. Taylor Swift has made an official request to be flower girl, while Hailey Bieber showed some surprising love for the couple on Instagram. But Selena's reactions have been the sweetest of all. We've already seen some photos of a very-excited Selena from the night Benny proposed, but the producer just posted a couple of videos that will totally change how you look at the engagement.

Keep scrolling to see all the details on Selena Gomez's engagement ring — and Benny Blanco's proposal surprise!

Selena Gomez actually sang about her future engagement ring in 2015.

Benny Blanco shared a video of Sel after the proposal as they cheers two glasses of champagne, and Selena Gomez's engagement ring is on full display! I'm also obsessed with the fur coat she wore to the date — it's the perfect shade of bridal white.

The marquise diamond is the perfect cut for Selena because it's both classy and modern but it's also unexpected and romantic all in one. And fans are calling out how Selena sang about marquise diamonds in 2015's "Good For You," so she basically manifested her ring and didn't even know it.

How many carats is Selena Gomez's engagement ring?

Selena Gomez's engagement is estimated to be around four carats, according to Julia Hackman Chafé, a jewelry content creator and gemstone wholesaler (via TODAY). The larger marquise diamond is set on a chunky gold band made up of smaller .25 carat stones. Gorgeous! And if you're wondering how much is Selena Gomez's ring? “The diamond itself, if Benny chose a high-quality diamond, is probably around $75,000 and up,” Chafé said.

Benny Blanco also revealed his proposal to Selena wasn't your average picnic.

Benny also posted a behind-the-scenes look at his Taco Bell proposal picnic, and revealed the proposal took place on a soundstage! Talk about a real-life romantic movie moment. Ever since he popped the question, Selena's been "glowing," and these new videos and all the photos are totally proving it.

“They’re so supportive of each other,” a source told Peopleafter the couple got engaged. “He wants the best for her and she wants the best for him. They’re perfect together. They really are.” I just love love.

Did you know Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's proposal was in a soundstage?! I literally had no idea, but I love that Benny was able to make it perfect. Check out our weekend email newsletter for more pop culture & celebrity news!

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Congratulations are in order for Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco — they're engaged! The couple have been romantically linked since 2023 (although they collaborated on 2019's "I Can't Get Enough"), and on December 11, 2024, Selena Gomez confirmed they were getting married. TLDR; Selena's getting her "love on"!! This is one wedding I know is going to look gorgeous and I, for one, can't wait to see Selena Gomez's wedding dress. I'm smiling just thinking about it!

Here's everything you need to know about Benny Blanco & Selena Gomez's engagement — including Selena Gomez's ring! See their adorable pictures below.

Selena Gomez is engaged! And she's all smiles in the announcement.

Selena Gomez posted four photos to Instagram celebrating her engagement to Benny Blanco, and captioned the post (which begins with a close-up of her amazing engagement ring), "forever begins now.." The post also includes a photo of Selena wearing a fur coat and jeans during a picnic, an overjoyed selfie, and a shot of Benny with his arms around her.

Of course, friends and fans flooded the comments with congratulations, led by Benny himself. "hey wait… that’s my wife," he said. "yes I will be the flower girl," Taylor Swift commented.

Nina Dobrev (who recently got engaged herself to Shaun White) commented with plenty of emojis, saying, "YES !!!! Congratulations!!!!! So happy for you both!!!! 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍‼️" while Selena's official Rare Beauty account commented, "CONGRATULATIONS 🥹💍 so happy for you two!!"

While we won't know details about Selena Gomez's wedding for quite some time (if she chooses to share them), we do know one thing: she's keeping her last name. "I’m not changing my name no matter what,” she said in a September interview with Vanity Fair. “I am Selena Gomez. That’s it.”

The "Lose You To Love Me" singer added that she's "never been loved this way," and called Benny "a complete light in my life" before adding that "he’s my best friend [and] I love telling him everything.”

The internet (and the paparazzi) have focused on Selena's relationships since she began dating Justin Bieber in 2010. Despite the intense scrutiny, the actress has found ways to both speak honestly about her desire for relationships (like in 2020's "Boyfriend") and have fun with her singleness too (like with 2023's "Single Soon").

Selena went viral in June of 2023 when she sat on a field watching a soccer game and called to the players to let them know she was single at the time. "I'm just a little high maintenance but I'll love you so much," she said. Looks like you don't have to sit on any more soccer fields Selena!

We're sending Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco so much love ahead of their big day! Check out Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen's gorgeous engagement photos for even more butterflies ;).

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.