How to Dress for a Civil Wedding? 👰

Are you planning your civil wedding soon and wondering what outfit to wear? How might it be different from what you'd wear to a religious ceremony? Or perhaps you're invited to this type of event and looking for style inspiration for the day?

You're in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I have a keen interest in wedding trends, as they often involve stunning attire that stands out from everyday wear and helps create unforgettable memories for those who wear them.

Today, I invite you to explore a selection of outfits, along with tips, specially chosen for a civil ceremony, whether you are the guest of honour or an invited guest.

For a civil wedding, you can opt for a more casual outfit, which strays a bit from the traditional elaborate wedding dresses and classic suits. For women, you might consider a solid-coloured jumpsuit, a short dress, or even a bohemian-style dress. For men, a light-coloured suit paired with unique accessories (such as suspenders, a bow tie, etc.) and trendy shoes will be perfect. Finally, if you are a guest, don’t hesitate to wear an outfit that reflects your style and makes you feel great!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Reasons why it may be important to consider a specific outfit for your civil wedding
• Ideas for women's outfits that stand out from the classic wedding dress,
• Suggestions also for grooms,
• As well as tips and tricks for guests…
• …and plenty of stylish outfit examples for this type of event!

Why Wear Different Outfits for Your Religious and Civil Weddings?

Although they have the same purpose, civil marriage and its religious counterpart occur in different contexts. A civil union is generally less formal and solemn. On average, there are fewer guests at city hall than at the church, and the two ceremonies do not necessarily take place on the same day or in nearby locations.

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

👉 Of course, if you’ve chosen to have just a civil wedding or a domestic partnership, the fashion tips I share 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 city hall and looking for the perfect outfit to shine on this special occasion? I've put together some ideas that align with the wedding trends of recent years! Check them out in the following lines. 😉

Switch up the classic look with a short dress!

In popular imagination, a wedding dress is typically seen as a long white gown that can be quite grand. For a civil ceremony, you can modernize it by choosing a shorter style!

Choosing a midi white dress with a beautiful open-back and delicate lace details is the perfect way to enhance your silhouette, especially your legs and the upper part of your back, as well as showcasing your hairstyle.

The short dress suits a variety of body types, but particularly flatters petite and average-height women, as well as curvy women.

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

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

bohemian white wedding dress

Showcase Your Style with a Women's Suit or Combination!

Do you want your outfit to reflect your vibrant personality while remaining very elegant and sophisticated? A women's suit or a jumpsuit are great options to consider!

➡️ The difference between these two outfits is straightforward:

• The suit consists of two pieces, with pants and a jacket.
• The jumpsuit is a one-piece fashion item.

Whatever your choice, these garments have the benefit of slimming and elongating your silhouette. They are particularly suited for average to tall women with a somewhat slender physique.

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

Succumb to Chic Bohemian Style

Don't want a white dress for your non-traditional ceremony? In that case, you might consider a long, flowing bohemian-style dress, which is quite trendy right now. Whether it's solid or features a print (I recommend keeping it simple and subtle), a bohemian dress is the perfect choice for most body types. I suggest selecting a dress that complements the colour of your hair and eyes, and once again, to enhance its look, pair it with understated and simple accessories.

🌺 For example, you might consider wearing a lovely flower crown that will frame your face. It's a very simple accessory that will give you a very 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 explore our entire collection through the banner below:

bohemian dress for civil wedding

What to Wear for Your Civil Wedding as the Groom? 🤵

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

A bright and colourful outfit to celebrate your joy

A wedding is a joyful day! To express your happiness, nothing beats wearing bright colours that will make you look radiant and vibrant. Therefore, you might consider choosing a lightweight linen suit that is well-tailored yet comfortable.

👔 A less formal option, a civil ceremony is a chance, if you wish, to ditch the tie or to wear a nice and unique one instead. Choose 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 civil wedding! Furthermore, they are ideal for all seasons.

Dare to Embrace Unique Accessories!

Don't want your wedding to be too formal? A non-religious ceremony is a great opportunity to express your personality with accessories such as:

• some suspenders,
• a bow tie,
• shirts with colourful 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 ensure they complement each other. 😉

Stylish Casual Shoes

Continuing with the accessories, the choice of shoes is also broader for a civil wedding. You’re not obligated to wear classic low leather shoes; you can opt for less formal footwear for this occasion.

However, I recommend choosing shoes that match your style: for instance, white sneakers (make sure they're clean, without a stain!) will look great with a solid suit, while cowboy boots will pair nicely with a denim jacket.

What to Wear to a Civil Wedding as a Guest

A friend, a colleague, or a family member has invited you to the town hall to celebrate their wedding and you're wondering what to wear for the occasion? In this final part, I will share some outfit ideas for the whole family that will be perfect for a civil ceremony.

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

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

• If you're attending the wedding as a couple, it can be nice to coordinate your outfits, especially in terms of styles and colours. It will look great in photos!
• Don't forget to ask the couple if they have a theme planned for their wedding: this can help you choose an appropriate outfit!
• Find out about the venue: some non-religious ceremonies take place on beaches, for example. You'll want to choose your clothing accordingly if that's the case.
• Finally, make sure to have 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 gentlemen, a slightly dressed-up outfit will be just right. You don’t have 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 suit jacket.

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

What outfit should a woman wear?

For this occasion, you’re free to choose an outfit that flatters your figure and highlights your best features. If you prefer, you can focus on a single colour by selecting a solid dress or a jumpsuit. This will add elegance to your outfit while keeping it simple.

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

👝 When it comes to accessories, you might consider wearing some subtle jewelry (that will highlight your beautiful hairstyle), along with 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 colours as well. Keep in mind that there’s a good chance they will end the day playing and roughhousing: if the outfit you have in mind isn't very suitable, have a change of clothes ready for them to put on 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 the upcoming civil wedding! Interested in exploring more articles about fashion? Check out our blog! 😉