Halloween costumes can get way too complicated. Who has the time (or budget) to sew something that looks like it came straight out of a Tim Burton movie? That’s why I love the Kiss Marry Kill Halloween costume idea. It’s cheeky, it’s easy, and IMO, it’s one of those costumes that makes people laugh while secretly admiring how clever you are.
The best part? You don’t need a sewing machine, a Pinterest-perfect craft room, or an unlimited Amazon cart. You can totally throw this together at home with stuff you already own (or can grab at the dollar store). And yes, I’ve actually done this costume before—it got more laughs than my half-hearted attempt at a zombie bride, so trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
So, want to know how to pull off this quirky trio of personas—Kiss, Marry, and Kill—without losing your sanity (or your wallet)? Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is the “Kiss Marry Kill” Costume?
Think of it as a literal take on the classic “Kiss, Marry, Kill” game. Instead of debating which celebrity fits which category, you actually become all three. One outfit, three vibes. It’s part flirty, part romantic, part creepy—aka the perfect Halloween mash-up.
- Kiss: Fun, playful, bold (think lipstick, hearts, sass).
- Marry: Romantic, bridal vibes, soft touches (veil, bouquet, ring).
- Kill: Dark, spooky, murderous flair (fake blood, toy weapon, dramatic makeup).
Simple, right? But also super flexible. You can go cute or scary depending on your mood. Ever wondered why this works so well? Because it checks all the Halloween boxes—humor, creativity, and just the right amount of shock value.
Step 1: Plan Your Look
Before you start raiding your closet, decide how bold or low-key you want to go. Do you want your costume to scream “I made this in 15 minutes” or “Yes, I deserve the best costume award”?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to lean funny, scary, or sexy?
- Will I be indoors (party) or outdoors (trick-or-treating, bar crawl)?
- Do I want to DIY everything or buy a couple cheap props?
Pro tip: Make a quick list of things you already own (lipstick, old veil, toy dagger) before you spend money. You’d be surprised at how many Halloween staples are hiding in your bathroom drawer or random junk box.
Step 2: Build the “Kiss” Side
This one is the easiest and the most fun. Basically, pile on all the clichés of romance and flirtiness.
Essentials for “Kiss”:
- Red or pink lipstick (bonus points if you “kiss mark” your cheek or collar).
- Hearts everywhere—heart stickers, heart sunglasses, a heart necklace.
- Playful vibe—maybe even write “Kiss” on your arm or a T-shirt in bold letters.
If you want to go extra: Draw kiss marks on your neck and arms with lipstick. It’s cheap, quick, and people instantly get the joke. :)
Step 3: Create the “Marry” Side
Okay, here’s where it gets fun. We’re talking low-budget bride vibes. You don’t need a $200 veil from Etsy—grab tulle from the craft store or even use a white scarf.
Essentials for “Marry”:
- Veil or tiara (make one out of lace, ribbon, or even tissue paper).
- Something white—dress, shirt, or even a bedsheet toga if you’re feeling scrappy.
- Bouquet or ring prop—fake flowers from the dollar store work perfectly.
IMO, the bouquet is the MVP here. I once used a bundle of plastic roses duct-taped together, and people still knew I was “the bride” side of the costume.
Step 4: Add the “Kill” Side
Here’s where you crank up the Halloween factor. The “Kill” part balances out the sweetness of “Kiss” and “Marry” with something darker.
Essentials for “Kill”:
- Fake blood—a Halloween must-have. Smear some on your shirt or face.
- Weapon prop—plastic knife, toy axe, or even a cardboard cutout.
- Dark makeup—smokey eyes, sharp eyeliner, or black lipstick.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to deal with sticky fake blood, use red lipstick instead. Smudge it for a messy, creepy effect. Cheaper and less gross.
Step 5: Combine It All
Now the magic happens—you put all three sides together. You can split the costume vertically (left side Kiss, right side Kill, middle Marry) or layer everything so it’s more chaotic and fun.
Here are some quick combo ideas:
- Wear a white dress (Marry), kiss marks all over your face (Kiss), and carry a bloody knife (Kill).
- Do a split-face makeup look: one side hearts and red lipstick, one side bridal, one side smeared with fake blood.
- Write “Kiss, Marry, Kill” across your shirt in bold letters, then decorate each word with the right vibe.
It doesn’t have to be perfect—part of the charm is how messy and DIY it feels.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Accessories and attitude make the costume pop. Don’t skip this part—it’s what takes you from “cute idea” to “iconic execution.”
- Hair: Curl one side for Kiss, pin a veil in for Marry, mess up the other side for Kill.
- Shoes: Red heels for Kiss, white flats for Marry, black boots for Kill.
- Attitude: Play the part! Blow kisses, toss your bouquet, then menace someone with your “weapon.”
Because let’s be honest, half of Halloween is commitment. You could wear a trash bag and still kill it if your acting is on point. ;)
Budget-Friendly Hacks
Not trying to drop $50 on a costume you’ll wear once? Same. Here are cheap tricks:
- Dollar store finds: Veils, plastic flowers, toy knives—they’ve got it all.
- DIY veil: Hot glue some lace to a hair clip. Done.
- Makeup over props: Honestly, dramatic makeup sells a costume more than any accessory.
- Repurpose old clothes: White shirt = wedding vibe, black jacket = Kill vibe, red scarf = Kiss vibe.
Ever wondered why DIY costumes feel cooler? Because you get to brag about making them when someone inevitably asks, “Where’d you get that?”
Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my failures, friend. Here are the pitfalls:
- Overcomplicating it: Don’t stress about perfect symmetry. This costume works best when it looks a little chaotic.
- Skipping the labels: If you’re worried people won’t “get it,” write “Kiss,” “Marry,” and “Kill” on your outfit. Problem solved.
- Too much fake blood: A little is spooky. A lot is “why are you dripping on my carpet?”
Why This Costume Wins Every Time
Here’s why I swear by the Kiss Marry Kill costume:
- It’s instantly recognizable—everyone knows the game.
- It’s budget-friendly—you can DIY it with $10 or less.
- It’s funny AND spooky—that rare sweet spot of Halloween costumes.
- It’s customizable—make it as cute or as creepy as you want.
Honestly, it beats showing up as “cat with ears and eyeliner whiskers” for the fifth year in a row.
Conclusion
The Kiss Marry Kill Halloween costume is hands down one of the easiest, funniest, and most flexible DIY costumes you can throw together. With just a few household items (lipstick, fake flowers, maybe a splash of fake blood), you can create a look that’s playful, romantic, and creepy all at once.
So, what’s stopping you? Grab that old lipstick, tape together some dollar store roses, and embrace your inner murderous bride. And hey—if anyone gives you side-eye, just tell them you killed it this year. ;)