How to Dress for a Civil Wedding? 👰

Are you planning your civil wedding soon and wondering what to wear? How is it different from a religious wedding outfit? Or are you invited to this type of event and looking for style inspiration for that day?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I am particularly interested in wedding trends because these often feature stunning outfits that stand out from everyday wear and help create unforgettable memories for those who wear them.

Today, I’d like to share with you a selection of outfits, accompanied by tips, specifically chosen for attending a secular ceremony, whether you’re the guest of honor or an invitee.

For a civil wedding, you can opt for a more casual outfit that diverges from the traditional wedding gowns and classic suits. For women, consider a solid-colored jumpsuit, a short dress, or even a bohemian-style dress. For men, a light suit paired with unique accessories (like suspenders, a bow tie, etc.) and trendy shoes will be perfect. Lastly, if you’re a guest, don’t hesitate to wear an outfit that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Reasons why it might be important to plan a specific outfit for your civil wedding
• Ideas for women’s outfits that go beyond the classic wedding dress
• Suggestions for grooms-to-be 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 they serve the same purpose, civil marriage and its religious counterpart take place in different contexts. A civil union is typically less formal and solemn. On average, there are fewer guests at the town hall than at the church, and the two ceremonies do not necessarily occur on the same day or at nearby locations.

Therefore, it’s entirely possible to plan for two different outfits, one for the church and another for the city hall. The latter will generally allow 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 enter into a domestic partnership, the style 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 town hall and looking for the perfect outfit to shine on this special occasion? I have picked out some ideas for you that align with the wedding trends of recent years! Check them out in the lines below. 😉

Switch Up the Classic Dress with a Short Dress!

In popular imagination, the wedding dress is typically a long white gown that can be quite extravagant. For a civil wedding, you can modernize it by shortening the dress!

Choosing a mid-length white dress with a beautiful open back and some refined lace details will ensure that you highlight your figure, especially your legs and the upper part of your back, as well as your hairstyle.

The short dress is suitable for many body types, but it particularly flatters average and petite women, as well as curvy women or those with defined curves.

For this trend, I recommend keeping it simple by wearing classic pumps and avoiding overly flashy accessories.

👉 Want to explore white dress styles for your secular ceremony? Join me on our bohemian fashion website by clicking the banner below!

civil wedding white dress

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

Would you like your outfit to reflect your vibrant personality 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 simple:

• The suit consists of two pieces: a pair of pants and a jacket.
• The jumpsuit is a single-piece fashion outfit.

Whatever your choice, these outfits have the advantage of flattering and elongating your figure. They are particularly suited for women of average to tall height, with a rather slender build.

To maintain the sophisticated look of this outfit, I recommend keeping it simple with solid heels and understated accessories.

Embrace the Boho Chic Style

Not interested in a white dress for your non-traditional ceremony? In that case, you might consider a long, flowing bohemian-style dress, which is very trendy right now. Whether it’s a solid color or features a print (I recommend choosing a simple and understated one), the bohemian dress is the perfect choice for most body types. I suggest selecting one that complements your hair and eye color, and again, to enhance its appeal, pair it with subtle and simple accessories.

🌺 For example, 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 very feminine look. Does this option appeal to you? Take a look at 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 explore our entire collection through the banner below:

bohemian wedding dress for civil ceremonies

What to Wear for Your Civil Wedding if You’re the Groom? 🤵

While choosing the wedding dress often grabs a lot of attention during wedding planning, the groom’s suit is also a crucial detail for 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 Colorful Outfit to Celebrate Your Joy

A wedding is a joyous occasion! To express your happiness, nothing beats wearing bright colors that will make you look radiant and vibrant. Therefore, you might want to choose a lightweight linen suit that’s well-tailored yet comfortable.

👔 A less formal option, a secular ceremony gives you the chance, if you choose, to ditch the tie or wear a stylish and unique one. Pick the option that suits you best!

A Suit with a Vest: Trendy and Classy

Would you like to dress elegantly for the occasion? Very trendy, suits with vests will give you a sophisticated look and a polished appearance. Popularized by Netflix series like Peaky Blinders, these classic outfits have made a comeback in recent years and are perfectly suitable for a courthouse wedding! Plus, they are great for any season.

Dare to Embrace Unique Accessories!

Don’t want your wedding to feel too formal? A secular ceremony is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personality with accessories like:

• some suspenders,
• a bow tie,
• shirts with colorful buttons,
• a unique 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

In line with accessories, there is also a wider selection of shoes for a civil wedding. You’re not required to wear classic leather dress shoes; for this occasion, you can opt for less formal footwear.

However, I recommend that you choose shoes that match your style: for example, white sneakers (make sure they are clean and free of stains!) will pair nicely with a solid-colored suit, while cowboy boots will look great 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 the courthouse to celebrate their wedding, and you’re wondering what to wear for the occasion? In this final section, I’ll share some outfit ideas for the whole family that are perfect for a civil ceremony.

What Do You Need to Know About Fashion Before Attending a Civil Wedding?

Before selecting your outfit, here are a few helpful tips:

• If you are attending the wedding as a couple, it can be nice to coordinate your outfits, especially in terms of styles and colors. It will look great in photos!
• Don’t forget to ask the couple if there is a theme for their wedding: this can help you choose an appropriate outfit!
• Check the venue where the celebration will take place: some ceremonies happen on the beach, for example. It’s best to choose your clothing accordingly if that’s the case.
• Finally, make sure to plan an outfit suitable for the weather during the season of the ceremony, to avoid any surprises!

What Should a Man Wear?

For gentlemen, a slightly dressy outfit will work perfectly. You don’t have to wear a suit and tie, but I recommend a well-fitted light-colored pair of pants, with matching shoes, along with a shirt and a blazer.

👔 Regarding accessories, you can rely on the advice given in the previous paragraph, which was directed at the groom.

What Outfit Should a Woman Wear?

For this occasion, you are free to choose an outfit that flatters your figure and highlights your best features. If you prefer, you can opt for a single color by selecting a solid-colored dress or a jumpsuit. This will bring elegance to your look while keeping it simple.

In any case, I recommend that you don’t wear more than two different colors!

👝 When it comes to accessories, consider wearing some subtle jewelry that will enhance your beautiful hairstyle. You might also want a clutch that is both stylish and practical for holding your smartphone and a few small items.

What Clothing Should You Prepare for Your Children?

For children, I recommend choosing an outfit that is both stylish and simple, using no more than two colors. Keep in mind that there’s a good chance they’ll spend the day playing and being active: if the outfit you have in mind isn’t very suitable, 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 about fashion? Check out our blog! 😉