Halloween Costumes for Couples

Halloween is looming once again and with it the potential (even for grown-ups) to don some pretty interesting costumes. Most grown-ups are hesitant to do so though. No one wants to look stupid, after all. So if you're gonna do it, go all out -- and bring a buddy!

Dressing as a couple is a great way to get psyched up for Halloween and to keep from looking quite so stupid. So where do you begin?

Are you a history buff? Whether you are or not, you can certainly take advantage of the costume opportunities provided by famous couples throughout history. And what a wide range of styles these couples provide! Embrace Ancient Rome and Egypt as Antony and Cleopatra. Take the regal route as King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Take charge as Napoleon and Josephine or George and Martha Washington. Or go skimpy as Adam and Eve. Other recognizable historic couples include: Pocahontas and Captain John Smith, Elvs and Priscilla Presley, Jack and Jackie Kennedy, John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Capitalize on pop culture by becoming your favorite book, movie or TV couple. Couples from the pages of classic and popular books usually don't require you to carry a copy of the book to the party. However, be sure to choose characters and costumes you're confident everyone will recognize. Here are a few classic and recognizable examples: Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, King Arthur (or Lancelot) and Guinevere, Jack and Jill, Romeo and Juliet, Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, Tarzan and Jane, Robin Hood and Maid Marion.

Movies can provide ample ideas as well as some really fun and even over-the-top costumes. Styles range from fairly simple - Danny and Sandy from Grease - to a bit crazier - Frankenstein and the bride of Frankenstein. Dorothy and the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion or Wizard could be fun too. Other movie favorites are: Princess Leia and Han Solo or Luke Skywalker, Trinity and Neo from The Matrix, Harry Potter and Hermione, Austin Powers and Felicity Shagwell.

And the last - and probably most abundant and recognizable - pop culture category is television. All sorts of characters make themselve available here - cartoon, dramatic, comedic, kid-friendly, adult-friendly. You name it, you can probably find a character to suit you among the television population. Here are a few examples: Gilligan and Mary Ann or Ginger, Lucy and Ricky from I Love Lucy, Lily and Herman Munster, Mulder and Scully from The X-Files, Jeannie and Major Nelson from I Dream of Jeannie, Marge and Homer Simpson, Morticia and Gomez from The Addams Family, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy (or Daphne, Velma or Freddy).

Other well-known pairs couples can take advantage of for Halloween are: M&Ms, bride and groom, dog and cat (or fire hydrant), angel and demon, Republican elephant and Democrat donkey, doctor and nurse (or patient), priest and nun, police officer and prisoner, magician and rabbit, prom king and queen, salt and pepper shakers, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Whatever you decide to become for Halloween, be creative! And be realistic. Choose a costume and a couple that you can manage. Consider your budget and the amount of time you'll be able to commit to putting it together. And don't forget props! Across all costume categories, many work best with props. Dorothy works best with Toto at her side. Luke Skywalker needs his light saber. Jack and Jill need their pails. Some of these items make the difference in having a recognizable costume.

Visit your local Halloween or party store for a pre-made costume and props. Check out stores like Wal-Mart and Target for those as well but don't forget that you may find pieces at these stores or others (like thrift stores) that will allow you to create your own costume at a great price. Don't forget to check your own closets either. You may already have everything you need for a great costume!

So as Halloween approaches, get geared up (and don't forget to get your partner on board) for Halloween this year!