How to Dress for a Civil Wedding? 👰

Are you planning your civil wedding soon and wondering what outfit to wear? How does it differ from a religious wedding outfit? Or perhaps you’ve been invited to this type of event and are looking for 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 outfits that stand out from everyday wear and help create unforgettable memories for those who wear them.

Today, I invite you to explore a selection of outfits along with some tips, specially chosen for attending 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 deviates from the typical large wedding dresses and classic suits. For women, consider a solid-coloured jumpsuit, a short dress, or a bohemian-style dress. For men, a light suit paired with unique accessories (such as suspenders, a bow tie, etc.) and trendy shoes would be perfect. Finally, if you're a guest, feel free to wear an outfit that reflects your style and makes you feel great!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Why it can be important to choose a specific outfit for your civil wedding
• Ideas for women's outfits that are different from the classic wedding dress,
• Suggestions also for grooms,
• 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 wedding and civil wedding?

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

Therefore, it’s quite feasible to plan for two different outfits, one for the church and another for the registry office. 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 suit that truly reflects your style!

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

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

Are you getting married at the registry office and on the hunt for the perfect outfit to look your best on this special day? I've picked out a few 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 usually a long white gown that can be quite grand. For a civil ceremony, you can give it a modern twist by opting for a shorter style!

Choosing a mid-length white dress with a lovely open back and some elegant lace details is a sure way to highlight your figure, particularly your legs and the top of your back, as well as 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 with an hourglass figure.

For this trend, I recommend embracing simplicity by opting for classic heels and steering clear of overly flashy accessories.

👉 Keen to explore white dress styles for your wedding ceremony? Visit our bohemian fashion site by clicking on the banner below!

white dress for civil wedding

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

Do you want your outfit to reflect your vibrancy while being very elegant and sophisticated? Then 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 jumpsuit is a one-piece fashion item.

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

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

Embrace Bohemian Chic Style

Not keen on a white dress for your civil ceremony? In that case, you might want to consider a long, flowy bohemian-style dress, which is very much in vogue at the moment. Whether it’s a solid colour or features a simple, subtle pattern (which I highly recommend), a bohemian dress is an excellent choice for most body shapes. I suggest selecting one that complements the colour of your hair and eyes, and once again, to enhance the look, pair it with understated and simple accessories.

🌺 You might like to consider wearing a lovely flower crown that will frame your face beautifully. It’s a very simple accessory to put on and will give you a wonderfully feminine look. Interested in this option? 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 if You're the Groom? 🤵

While choosing the wedding dress captures a lot of attention when planning a wedding, the groom's outfit is also a crucial detail for your ceremony. That’s why I’ve decided to offer some outfit ideas that are suitable for men in this article.

A bright and colourful outfit to celebrate your joy

A wedding is a joyful day! To show your happiness, nothing beats wearing bright colours that will make you look radiant and flourishing. You could opt for a linen suit, lightweight yet still well-tailored.

👔 A more relaxed option, a secular ceremony gives you the opportunity, if you wish, to ditch the tie or wear a nice and unique one instead. 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 trendy, suits with vests will give you a sophisticated look and a polished appearance. Popularised by Netflix series like Peaky Blinders, these quite classic outfits have made a strong comeback in recent years and are perfect for a civil wedding! Besides, they are suitable for all seasons.

Dare to be different with accessories!

Don’t want your wedding to feel too formal? A civil ceremony is a great opportunity to showcase your personality with accessories like:

• braces,
• a bow tie,
• shirts with coloured buttons,
• a unique jacket,
• a patterned shirt,
• a hat…

👉 To keep it simple, make sure you don't choose more than two accessories from this list and that they complement each other. 😉

Casual and Stylish Shoes

When it comes to accessories, there’s a wider selection of shoes for a civil wedding. You’re not restricted to classic leather dress shoes; for this occasion, you can opt for more casual footwear.

I recommend choosing shoes that align with your style: for example, white sneakers (make sure they’re clean, without a mark!) will pair nicely with a plain suit, while cowboy boots will go 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 the town hall 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 will be just right for a civil ceremony.

What do you need to know about fashion before attending a civil wedding?

Before deciding on your outfit, here are a few helpful tips for you:

• If you're attending the wedding as a couple, it can be nice to coordinate your outfits, especially in terms of style and colour. It’ll look great in photos!
• Don’t forget to ask the couple if there’s a theme for their wedding: this could help you find a suitable outfit!
• Check out the venue: some civil ceremonies might be held on the beach, for example. It’s best to choose your attire accordingly if that’s the case.
• Finally, make sure to wear something appropriate for the weather of the season when the ceremony takes place, to avoid any nasty surprises!

What should a man wear?

For the gentlemen, a slightly smart outfit will be ideal. You don't need to wear a suit and tie, but I recommend a well-fitted light-coloured pair of trousers, matched with complimentary shoes and a shirt, along with a blazer.

👔 When it comes to accessories, you can rely on the advice given in the previous section 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 appearance. If you prefer, you can opt for a single colour, by selecting a solid dress or even 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 some subtle jewellery (which will complement your lovely hairstyle), as well as a clutch that is both stylish and practical for storing 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, with no more than two colours as well. Keep in mind that there’s a good chance they’ll end 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 comes to an end, and I hope it has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for the upcoming civil wedding! Want to explore more articles about fashion? Check out our blog! 😉