How to Plan a Fairycore Wedding: The Magical Aesthetic That’s Perfect for Nuptials

fairycore aesthetic wedding ideas
photo: Laura Beresford Photography dress: After Elizabeth flowers: C Taylor’s Floristry model: Megan Vickers metal hoop: Suffolk Iron Works + Rich Built

If your idea of a perfect weekend is picking berries, gathering mushrooms, and chatting with your furry woodland friends (a girl can dream), it’s time to spread your wings. Fairycore is here! And the enchanting aesthetic is just begging to be re-imagined for a wedding.

What is fairycore?

Fairycore leans into the more magical aspects of nature through fashion, decor, and beauty. The sparkly subculture is a form of escapism in this pandemic era that has stepped into the spotlight thanks to TikTok, especially. With motifs like furry animals, mushrooms, butterflies, soft pastels, springtime, and a sometimes blurry, often sparkly aesthetic, fairycore is the enchanting cousin of cottagecore—and we can’t get enough.

Does the fairycore aesthetic work for weddings?

If ethereal dresses, whimsical details, and locations that feel like they’re out of a storybook are wedding-worthy then YES, fairycore absolutely works for weddings. It’s a totally unique and stunning inspiration point to begin building out the design for your big day.

Below, we’re perking our ears toward fairycore’s most magical themes to see how they can inform your wedding day—from dresses to locations to beauty and more. Clap your hands if you believe…

Fairycore Wedding Ideas

fairycore wedding ideas butterflies
photo: KT Merry featured in this post

Butterflies and pastels are common motifs among the fairy trend. Anything that calls on the magical aspects of nature is fair game and these transforming beauties certainly fit the bill.

fairycore wedding dress odlyn the ceremony
photo: The Kitcheners featured in this post

Dresses that make you feel like frolicking through a field are welcome and even necessary. Similarly, deep forest greens and moody vibes add to the enchanted life of a fairy. Circles in nature are also fairycore adjacent as they recall fairy rings—circles of mushrooms that are said to be left behind following a night of mischief and fun.

fairycore aesthetic wedding ideas mossy details
photo: Laura Beresford Photography props + handmade paper flowers: Hire My Decor styling + props: Sugar Lump Lane flowers: C Taylor’s Floristry

Mossy details mixed with pastel florals and whimsical cloches and candlesticks (not to mention teacups!) all easily fit within the world of the fairies.

Fairycore Wedding Dresses

fairycore wedding fashion shimmery dress
dress: Teuta Matoshi

Fairycore fashion is all about the glimmery, the billowy, and the corset-y. Seek out dresses that move like water or recall fluttering wings. Or opt for a cinched waist that highlights the body’s curves and valleys before spilling out into a full circle skirt. We selected some current favorites below that are available to purchase or pre-order right now!

Tippi Gown by Wtoo by Watters

fairycore wedding dress bhldn

When in doubt, look for flowers. The way the botanical embroidery moves with dimension across this dress! We love how the layers bring whimsy and romance to the empire-waisted A-line silhouette.

Shop this dress from BHLDN

The Queen Of Angels Silk Gown by Selkie

silk fairycore wedding dress by selkie

We have a thing for puff-sleeve wedding dresses in general but this silk Selkie dress stole our fairy-lovin’ hearts in a whole new way. This gown is also available in pink and black—dark fairy vibes, anyone?

Pre-order this dress from Selkie

Tulle Corset Bridal Gown

blue tulle corset fairycore wedding dress

The skirt is made up of several layers of silk, chiffon, and tulle so when we say it moves like a dream, you know it’s true. And the flowers embroidered from mouline floss and sequins bring that perfect element of sparkle and botanicals.

Shop this dress from Sumarokova Atelier

Floral Embroidered Fairycore Wedding Gown

fairy wedding dress tulle pink embroidered

This gown is similar in style and elements to the one above but unique in its color and that deep V. You also get a stunning backless design! Can’t you just imagine picking flowers for your lover in this dress?

Shop this dress from Sumarokova Atelier

Handmade Floral Lace-Up Corset Top on Etsy

fairycore wedding dress tapestry corset

The corset is a core element in fairycore fashion. We love this one for its floral cotton and big, billowy (removable!) sleeves.

Shop this corset from Proizvodstvo

Custom Corset and Skirt on Etsy

fairycore wedding dress handmade corset puff sleeves

Just a classic storybook look and shape, this one. Add a crown of fresh-picked flowers and your set.

Shop Custom Corset and Skirt from Proizvodstvo

Fairycore Wedding Venue + Location Ideas

Overgrown Buildings

fairycore wedding venue overgrown building
photo: Laurène and the Wolf venue: Abbaye Vaux de Cernay Cernay-la-Ville, France featured in this post

Now that you have the dress, it’s time to move on to magical, mystical locations! Fairycore loves an abandoned building covered with overgrown greenery.

Fields of Flowers

fairycore wedding destinations couple in the dolomites
photo: Kreativ Wedding location: the Italian Dolomites featured in this post

Fields of blooming wildflowers are another favorite of the fairies. Fresh for the picking and perfectly romantic.

Swampy Forests

fairycore wedding venues rainforest
photography: Meg Layman Photography location: Hoh Rainforest and Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park, Washington featured in this post

The mossier the better! From swamps to rainforests, deep greens are rich with wonder when it comes to capturing the fairycore aesthetic.

Among the Trees

fairycore wedding aesthetic couple
photography: The Kitcheners location: Isle of Skye, Fairy Glen, Scotland featured in this post

These two hit the jackpot when they chose to elope in a place called Fairy Glen! But if you can’t make it to Scotland, any whimsical forest with hidden alcoves for stealing kisses will do just fine.

A Cozy Fairycore Cabin

fairycore wedding venue ideas cabin
photography: Jessie Felix Film + Photo location: The Woods Maine, Norway, Maine featured in this post

Even fairies need a roof over their heads from time to time. A cozy cabin tucked away in the trees will do just fine.

A Path in the Woods

fairycore wedding location ideas forest path
photo: Jordan Voth location: Trinidad, California featured in this post

Find a well-worn path lined with ancient trees and you’ve found the path to fairycore. Bonus: a path in the woods provides a natural wedding aisle!

Fairycore Bridal Hair + Makeup

Bridal Hair Ideas

fairycore wedding hair
photo: Shots by Cheyenne

The fairycore hairstyle of choice is long locks worn down or in loose, messy buns or braids. For a wedding, we’d most certainly add flowers!

Makeup Ideas

fairycore makeup for a wedding
hair + makeup: McLaine Craig

As for makeup, it’s all about the shimmer and shine. Pastels work perfectly here! Dainty details like painted freckles or white lashes add to the whimsy and fun. But above all else, don’t forget the glow!

fairycore wedding dresses brides in field
photo: Laura Beresford Photography coordination + hair: Bridal Hair by Marina coordination+ make up: Victoria Taylor dresses: After Elizabeth models: Megan Vickers + Erin Baker
fairycore wedding bride with flowers
photo: Cassandra Daye Photography makeup artist: Osman Salam featured in this post

Shoes + Accessories

fairycore wedding headband bhldn
via BHLDN

Flowers, real or not, are a must for bridal hair accessories. This headband is fit for a fairy princess!

Shop Floral Headband

fairycore wedding veil bhldn
via BHLDN

Opt for a veil that has some dimension. This one has the allure of falling petals that pool at your feet—so romantic.

Shop Rosyn Veil

fairycore wedding shoes with butterflies
photo and shoes via @bellabelleshoes photographer: Matteo Coltro Weddings butterflies: Butterfly Story

As for shoes, you can go barefoot, find a darling flat, or in this case, choose a lacey heel to embellish with a few fluttering friends.

Shop Lace Up Wedding Heels

Fairycore Bridesmaid Dresses

Butterfly Dream Maxi Dress by Fairy Tong

fairycore wedding bridesmaid dress butterfly by fairy tong

Did we mention butterflies? This dress would be perfect for the MOH or even a second look for yourself.

Pre-Order This Dress from Fairy Tong

Ruffle Open-Back Dress by ASTR

satin pink fairycore bridesmaid dress

For a more classic bridesmaid dress that still leans toward the whimsical, this ruffled dress (that comes in several colors) still brings the magic.

Shop this dress from ASTR The Label

Blume Dress by DÔEN

short fairycore dress for wedding

Imagine your bridesmaids wearing this dress with a few flower crowns and velvet flats—SO cute.

Shop this dress from DÔEN

Taye Midi Dress by BHLDN

fairycore lavender bridesmaid dress

If your fairycore wedding leans toward the elegant side of enchanting, this floral sheath dress is the perfect option for your ‘maids.

Shop this dress from BHLDN

Tiana Maxi Dress by Fairy Tong

fairycore wedding bridesmaid dress mint green fairy tong

Layers, ruffles, movement, pastel—need we say more?

Shop this dress from Fairy Tong

Fairycore Aesthetic Decor + Details

Moss + Overgrown Greenery

fairycore wedding ideas
photo: Iron + Honey Photography featured in this post

In terms of details and decor, fresh flowers and shimmery pieces are the way to go. Mirrors, ornate frames, hanging plants, moss, and botanical motifs fit perfectly with the theme.

Pretty Pastels

fairycore wedding bridal makeup
photo: Laura Beresford Photography coordination + hair: Bridal Hair by Marina coordination+ make up: Victoria Taylor dresses: After Elizabeth props + handmade paper flowers: Hire My Decor models: Megan Vickers + Erin Baker

All the pastel details (even in dress form) are welcome here!

Fairy Rings + Wild Things

fairycore wedding locations italian dolomites
photo: Artur Saribekyan featured in this post

Incorporate the legend of fairy rings with a fresh spin. Instead of mushrooms, use clouds of babies breath or other flowers. Look for meaningful ways to incorporate the magic of nature into your design and the day.

fairycore wedding stacking rocks
photo: Wild Embrace Photography featured in this post

Celebrate With a Fairycore Picnic

fairycore aesthetic wedding picnic
photo: Artur Saribekyan featured in this post

Fairies love sweet, rich foods like chocolate, butter, cheeses, and champagne. Pack a basket filled with juicy fruits, delicious bites, jams, and teas.

fairycore aesthetic picnic
photo: Danielle Aisling featured in this post

Will you incorporate any fairy lore into your wedding day? We say bring on the magic.

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