How to Dress for a Civil Wedding? 👰

Are you planning your civil wedding soon and wondering what outfit to wear? How might it differ from that of a religious wedding? Or perhaps you're invited to this type of event and looking for inspiration for your attire on the day?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I have a keen interest in wedding trends, as they often involve incredibly beautiful outfits that stand apart from everyday wear and help create unforgettable memories for those who wear them.

Today, I'm excited to share with you a selection of outfits, along with some tips, specially chosen for a secular ceremony, whether you're the star of the show or a guest.

For a civil wedding, you can opt for a more relaxed outfit, which deviates from the traditional, extravagant wedding dresses and classic suits. For women, consider a simple jumpsuit, a short dress, or perhaps a bohemian-style dress. For men, a light-coloured suit paired with unique accessories (suspenders, a bow tie, etc.) and trendy shoes will be just right. Finally, if you’re a guest, be bold with an outfit that showcases your personal style and makes you feel good!

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• Why it can be important to choose a specific outfit for your civil wedding
• Ideas for women's outfits that stand out from the classic wedding dress,
• Suggestions for grooms as well,
• Plus tips and tricks for guests…
• … and plenty of stylish party outfit examples for this type of event!

Why wear different outfits for your religious and civil weddings?

Although both serve the same purpose, a civil wedding and its religious counterpart take place in different contexts. A civil union is generally less formal and solemn. On average, there are fewer guests at the registry office compared to the church, and the two ceremonies do not necessarily occur on the same day or in nearby locations.

Therefore, it's entirely possible to plan for two different outfits – one for the church and another for the registry office. The latter usually allows for a more relaxed and less traditional dress code. This is the perfect opportunity to choose a wedding dress or a suit that truly reflects your style!

👉 Of course, if you’ve decided to have only a civil wedding or a registered partnership, the fashion tips I’m sharing in this article are also for you!

What to wear to your own civil wedding if you're the lucky one? 👰

Are you getting married at the registry office and looking for the perfect outfit to shine on this special day? I've gathered some ideas for you that align with the wedding trends of recent years! Check them out in the following lines. 😉

Switch it up from the classic dress with a short dress!

In popular imagination, the wedding dress is typically a long white gown, often quite extravagant. For a civil marriage, you can modernise it by opting for a shorter style!

Choosing a midi-length white dress with a stunning backless design and some elegant lace details is a sure way to highlight your figure, particularly your legs and the upper part of your back, as well as complementing your hairstyle.

The short dress suits a variety of body shapes, but it particularly flatters petite and average-height women, as well as curvy women or those with a defined shape.

For this trend, I recommend keeping it simple by wearing classic heels and steering clear of overly flashy accessories.

👉 Want to explore white dress styles for your informal ceremony? Join us on our boho fashion site by clicking the banner below!

white dress for civil wedding

Show off your personality with a women's suit or outfit!

Would you like your outfit to reflect your energy while still being very elegant and sophisticated? A women's suit or a jumpsuit are options you might consider!

➡️ The difference between these two outfits is straightforward:

• The suit consists of two pieces, including trousers and a jacket,
• The onesie is a single-piece fashion item.

Whichever option you choose, these garments have the advantage of slimming and elongating your silhouette. They are particularly suited to women of average to tall height, with a fairly slender physique.

To maintain the sophisticated look of this outfit, I'd recommend keeping it simple with plain heels and subtle accessories.

Embrace Boho Chic Fashion

Not keen on a white dress for your ceremony? In that case, you might consider a long, flowing bohemian-style dress, which is very much in vogue at the moment. Whether it's a solid colour or features a print (which I recommend keeping simple and subtle), the bohemian dress is a perfect match for most body shapes. I suggest choosing one that complements the colour of your hair and eyes, and, once again, to enhance it, pair it with understated and simple accessories.

🌺 For instance, you might consider wearing a lovely flower crown to frame your face. It's a very simple accessory to wear that will give you a distinctly feminine look. Does this option appeal to you? Check out our collection of bohemian flower crowns!

👉 Looking for a bohemian outfit for your wedding? Check out a selection of perfect dresses for the occasion, or browse our entire collection using the banner below:

bohemian dress for civil marriage

What to Wear for Your Civil Wedding If You're the Groom? 🤵

While choosing the wedding dress often takes the spotlight during wedding preparations, the groom's suit is also a vital detail of your ceremony. That’s why I’ve decided to share some outfit ideas that are also suitable for men in this article.

A bright and colourful outfit to celebrate your joy

A wedding is a joyous occasion! To express your happiness, there's nothing quite like wearing bright colours that will make you look radiant and full of life. So, you might want to opt for a linen suit, which is light yet always well-fitted.

👔 A less formal ceremony, a civil wedding is the perfect chance to ditch the tie or wear a stylish and unique one. Choose the option that suits you best!

A suit with a vest, stylish and classy

Want to dress elegantly for the occasion? Trendy suits with vests will give you a sophisticated look and a polished appearance. Made popular by Netflix series like Peaky Blinders, these classic outfits have made a comeback in recent years and are perfect for a civil wedding! Plus, they're suitable for all seasons.

Dare to be original with accessories!

Don’t want your wedding to be too stiff and formal? A civil ceremony is a great opportunity to express your personality with accessories like:

• braces,
• a bow tie,
• shirts with colourful buttons,
• an original jacket,
• a patterned shirt,
• a hat…

👉 To avoid going overboard, make sure to choose no more than two accessories from this list, and that they complement each other. 😉

Stylish Casual Shoes

Continuing with the accessories, the choice of shoes is also much broader for a civil wedding. You're not restricted to classic leather flats, and for this occasion, you can opt for less formal footwear.

However, I recommend choosing shoes that match your style: for instance, a pair of white sneakers (make sure they’re clean, without a mark!) will go nicely with a plain suit, while cowboy boots will pair well with a denim jacket.

What to Wear to a Civil Wedding if You're Invited?

A friend, a colleague, or a family member has invited you to their wedding at the registry office, and you're wondering what to wear for the occasion? In this final section, I’ll provide you with some outfit ideas for the whole family that will be just right for a civil ceremony.

What should you know about fashion before attending a civil wedding?

Before you choose your outfit, here are a few handy tips that could help you:

• If you're attending the wedding as a couple, it can be lovely to match your outfits, especially in terms of styles and colours. It will make for great photos!
• Don’t forget to check with the couple about any theme they have planned for their wedding: this can help you choose an appropriate outfit!
• Find out about the venue: some secular ceremonies, for example, are held on beaches. It’s best to choose your clothing accordingly if that’s the case.
• Lastly, make sure to wear an outfit suitable for the weather during the season when the ceremony takes place, to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

What Should a Man Wear?

For the gents, a smart-casual outfit will be ideal. You don’t need to wear a suit and tie, but I recommend a well-fitted light-coloured pant, paired with matching shoes and a shirt, along with a blazer.

👔 When it comes to accessories, you can rely on the advice provided in the previous paragraph, directed towards the groom.

What outfit should a woman wear?

For this occasion, you’re free to choose an outfit that flatters your shape and highlights your features. If you prefer, you can opt for a single colour, by selecting a solid dress or a jumpsuit. This will add elegance to your outfit, while remaining simple.

In any case, I highly recommend that you stick to no more than two different colours!

👝 When it comes to accessories, consider some subtle jewellery (that will highlight your lovely hairstyle), as well as a clutch that is both stylish and practical for holding your smartphone and a few small essentials.

What clothes should you prepare for your children?

For kids, I recommend choosing an outfit that is both stylish and simple, with no more than two colours. Keep in mind that there’s a good chance they’ll spend the day playing and having fun: if the outfit you have in mind isn’t very practical, make sure to have a change of clothes ready for them when the time comes.

This article is coming to a close, and I hope it has provided you with plenty of ideas and inspiration for your upcoming civil wedding! Want to explore more articles on fashion? Check out our blog! 😉