What to Wear to a Civil Wedding? 👰

Are you organising your civil wedding soon and wondering what outfit to wear? How might it differ from that of a religious ceremony? Or perhaps you’re invited to this type of event and are looking for some inspiration for your style on 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 garments 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, along with tips, specially chosen for a civil ceremony, whether you’re the star of the day or a guest.

For a civil wedding, you can opt for a more relaxed outfit that strays a bit from the traditional over-the-top wedding dresses and classic suits. For women, consider a simple jumpsuit, a short dress, or even a bohemian-style dress. For men, a light suit teamed with some unique accessories (suspenders, a bow tie, etc.) and trendy shoes will be spot on. Lastly, if you're an invitee, don’t hesitate to choose an outfit that suits your personal style and shows you off at your best!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Reasons why it might be important to choose a specific outfit for your civil wedding
• Ideas for ladies' outfits that are different from the traditional wedding dress,
• Suggestions for grooms as well,
• As well as 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 wedding?

Although they serve the same purpose, a civil marriage and its religious counterpart don’t take place in the same context. A civil union is generally less formal and solemn. On average, there are fewer guests at the registry office than at the church, and the two ceremonies don’t necessarily happen on the same day or in nearby locations.

So, it’s perfectly reasonable to plan for two different outfits, one for the church and another for the registry office. The second option typically allows for a more relaxed and less traditional dress code. This is your opportunity to choose a wedding dress or a suit that truly reflects your style!

👉 Of course, if you've decided to have just a civil wedding, or a civil partnership, the style tips I share in this article are for you too!

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 occasion? I've put together a few 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, the wedding dress is usually a long white gown, often quite elaborate. For a civil ceremony, you can modernise it by opting for a shorter style!

Choosing a midi white dress with a lovely backless design and delicate lace details is sure to accentuate your figure, highlighting your legs and the upper part of your back, as well as your hairstyle.

The short dress is suitable for many body shapes, but it particularly flatters petite and average-sized women, as well as curvy women.

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

👉 Fancy discovering white dress styles for your civil ceremony? Join us on our bohemian fashion site by clicking the banner below!

white dress for civil marriage

Make a Statement with a Woman's Suit or Ensemble!

Are you looking for an outfit that reflects your energy while still being elegant and sophisticated? A women's suit or a jumpsuit are both great options to consider!

➡️ The difference between these two outfits is straightforward:

• The suit consists of two pieces: trousers and a jacket,
• The jumpsuit is a single, all-in-one fashion item.

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

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

Embrace the Chic Bohemian Style

Not keen on wearing a white dress for your ceremony? If so, you might want to 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 (and I advise you to keep it simple and subtle), a bohemian dress is a fantastic choice for most body shapes. I recommend picking one that complements the colour of your hair and eyes, and once again, to enhance its beauty, 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 to wear that will give you a beautifully feminine look. Does this option appeal to you? Have 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 using the banner below:

bohemian dress for civil marriage

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

While choosing the wedding dress often grabs most of the attention when planning a wedding, the groom's suit is also an essential detail of your ceremony. That’s why I’ve decided to share some outfit ideas that are suitable for men as well in this article.

A bright and colourful outfit to celebrate your joy

A wedding is a joyful day! To express your happiness, there's nothing quite like wearing bright colours that will make you look radiant and vibrant. You might consider opting for a linen suit, which is light yet always well-fitted.

👔 A less formal option, a civil ceremony is the perfect opportunity to either ditch the tie or opt for a lovely and unique one. Choose the option that suits you best!

A suit with a waistcoat, stylish and classy

Would you like to dress elegantly for the occasion? Very on-trend, suits with waistcoats will give you a sophisticated look and a polished appearance. Popularised by Netflix series like Peaky Blinders, these classic outfits have made a comeback in recent years and are perfectly suited for a civil wedding! Furthermore, they are ideal for all seasons.

Embrace Unique Accessories!

Don't want your wedding to be too formal? A civil ceremony is a great opportunity to showcase your personality with accessories such as:

• braces,
• a bow tie,
• shirts with colourful buttons,
• a distinctive 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 match well together. 😉

Casual and Stylish Shoes

In keeping with the trend for accessories, the choice of shoes is also broader for a civil wedding. You’re not obliged to wear traditional low leather shoes, and for this occasion, you can indulge in choosing less formal footwear.

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

What to wear to a civil wedding if you are invited?

A friend, a colleague, or a family member has invited you to the registry office to celebrate their wedding, and you’re wondering what to wear for the occasion? In this final section, I’m sharing some outfit ideas for the whole family that will be perfectly suited for a civil ceremony.

What Should You Know About Fashion Before Attending a Civil Wedding?

Before choosing your outfit, here are a few handy tips that might help you:

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

What to Wear as a Man?

For gentlemen, a slightly smart outfit will be just right. You don't need to wear a full suit with a tie, but I recommend a well-fitted light-coloured trouser, paired with matching shoes and a shirt, along with a suit jacket.

👔 When it comes to accessories, you can trust the advice given in the previous paragraph aimed at the groom.

What outfit should a woman wear?

For this occasion, you're free to choose an outfit that flatters your figure and enhances your look. If you wish, you could opt for a single colour by selecting a solid-coloured dress or a jumpsuit. This will bring an air of elegance to your outfit while keeping it simple.

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

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

What clothes should you plan for your children?

For children, I recommend choosing an outfit that is both smart and simple, using no more than two colours. Keep in mind that there's a good chance they will end up spending the day playing and having fun: if the outfit you have planned isn’t very suitable, make sure to have a change of clothes ready for when the time comes.

This article is coming to a close, and I hope it has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for the upcoming civil wedding! Interested in exploring more fashion-related articles? Check out our blog! 😉