What Costumes to Wear to a Church Halloween "Alternative" Fall Festival

Ok, so someone has invited you to their church's Halloween "alternative" fall festival. What does that mean, anyway? What sort of costume are you supposed to wear if you're not all that psyched about showing up looking like a Bible character? If itchy robes and "Jesus sandals" aren't your thing, that's OK. For a little help on understanding what to wear to a church Halloween alternative/fall festival, just keep the following tips in mind.

First, do be sure that costumes are even allowed at this particular Halloween function. Sure, Halloween is all about dressing up and having fun, but some churches feel that doing so is akin to conforming to traditions affiliated with a holiday that they don't generally support. Whether you agree or not, just be sure to check first. You don't want to be the only Paris Hilton look-alike at the party, no matter where it's held.

Next, let's take a quick look at what the heck a Halloween alternative even is. There are several reasons churches offer Halloween alternatives, the first being to give their congregants a way to celebrate the coming of fall and to kickoff the holiday season overall without feeling that they are taking part in a holiday that the church might not condone. However, some pastors simply offer Halloween alternatives to give all parents in the community a place to take their children for candy with a minimal risk of danger. Let's face it, trick-or-treating just isn't as safe as it once was, and this is usually the main reason that churches will offer fall festivals. As such, they often allow costumes for everyone as long as the "content" is clean.

The trouble is, everyone has a different interpretation of clean, so let's just cover the basics for the sake of not offending anyone. First, many churches believe that wearing clothing or costumes that impersonate a person of the opposite sex is immoral. Question that theory or not, there actually is a verse in the Bible about it, though many congregants question the context in which it was written. Regardless, play it safe and keep the drag at home.

Next, understand that the point of having the Halloween "alternative" is also largely based on the church's disapproval of wearing costumes that represent witches, goblins, ghosts, etc (think Satan and demons, if you're confused). As such, these costumes are usually not allowed at church Halloween fall festivals and alternative parties. Showing up looking like "the enemy" probably isn't a great idea. You wouldn't show up to a hometown sporting event in the other team's uniform. The same logic applies.

Next, there are a few finer points to discuss for women's costumes at a church fall festival. No, you don't have to show up looking like a nun to avoid offending anyone, but a place of worship isn't exactly where you'd want to wear your "sexy nurse" costume. What might seem innocent and fun to you might seem completely inappropriate to others, especially as children will be present. Mini-skirts, cleavage, and stilettos should be saved for adult, non-religious Halloween get-togethers. Just in case some of you ladies are wondering, yes this paragraph really did have to be written. There are some women who really do have to be told not to let the goodies hang out at a church function. Thank you for bearing through that one.

On that note, many Halloween party goers aren't aware that anything representing alcohol, in any form or fashion, will probably be banned at a church Halloween alternative festival. While church-goers aren't always against a drink here and there, as there is much controversy over whether the Bible actually instructs against it, most avoid it altogether based on the "appearance of evil" verse (we don't have time to go into all that, so just go with it). While you probably have enough sense not to show up to a church function dressed in a Budweiser beer can costume, you may not know that even a shirt or hat with just a beer or wine company's slogan can be offensive. A little strict, yes, and most people under the age of ninety three won't be offended, but because church Halloween alternatives are extremely family-oriented, keep the "World's Best Beer Guzzler" t-shirt at home.

Next, if you're bringing children along, be sure that you are up to date on the newest list of banned children's role models, toys, books, and shows in the land of religion (note the sarcasm, please). Harry Potter is looked downed upon for the used sorcery in storylines. The Simpsons show is considered irreverent toward Christians. You get the idea. If it isn't squeaky clean, free of magic and sorcery, and devoid of any sarcastic or foul language, it might be offensive.

Ok, so we've pretty much narrowed your costume choices down to either Barney or a Chick-fil-a cow, right? Understand that most churches are under a great deal of pressure to hold safe Halloween alternatives that create an atmosphere where absolutely no one, hopefully, will be offended by a costume. It's silly, it's strict, and it's a bit much, but when trying to cater to congregants that cover a very wide age range and who differ greatly on just how conservative they are, it's best just to play it safe. Remember that it's for the kids, and try to smile as you saunter in wearing those fabulous clown shoes.