How to Dress for a Civil Wedding? 👰

Are you soon to be organising your civil wedding and wondering what outfit to wear? How might it differ from that of a religious ceremony? Alternatively, if you’re invited to this type of event and seeking inspiration for your look on the day, you’ve come to the right place!

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I am particularly interested in wedding trends, as they often involve stunning attire that offers a departure 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 some tips, specially chosen for wearing to a civil ceremony, whether you are the star of the day or a guest.

For a civil wedding, you can opt for a more casual outfit that deviates from the traditional, elaborate wedding dresses and classic suits. For women, consider a plain jumpsuit, a short dress, or even a bohemian-style dress. For men, a light-coloured suit combined with unique accessories (such as braces or a bow tie) and stylish shoes will be perfect. Lastly, if you're a guest, dare to wear an outfit that reflects your style and enhances your appearance!

Would you like to learn more? Continue reading to find out:

• Reasons why it might be important to plan a specific outfit for your civil wedding
• Ideas for women's outfits that differ from the classic bridal gown
• Suggestions also for grooms
• As well as tips and tricks for guests…
• …and plenty of stylish party outfit examples for such events!

Why wear different outfits for a religious wedding and a civil wedding?

Although they serve the same purpose, a civil wedding and its religious counterpart do not 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 do not necessarily occur on the same day or in close proximity to one another.

Therefore, it is entirely possible to plan two different outfits, one for the church and one for the registry office. The latter will typically 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 have decided to have just a civil wedding, or a civil partnership (PACS), the style 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 the registry office and on the lookout for the perfect outfit to showcase yourself on this special occasion? I've curated a few ideas for you, in line with the wedding trends of recent years! Discover them in the following lines. 😉

Swap the classic dress for a short dress!

In popular culture, the wedding dress is typically seen as a long white gown, often quite elaborate. For a civil ceremony, you can modernise it by opting for a shorter style!

Choosing a mid-length white dress with a beautiful backless design and some delicate lace details is guaranteed to enhance your silhouette, highlighting your legs and the upper part of your back, as well as showcasing your hairstyle.

The short dress suits many body shapes but flatters particularly petite and average-height women, as well as curvier women with defined shapes.

For this trend, I recommend focusing on simplicity by opting for plain court shoes and avoiding overly flashy accessories.

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

white dress for civil wedding

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

Would you like your outfit to reflect your energy while remaining very elegant and sophisticated? A tailored suit or a jumpsuit are options you might want to consider!

➡️ The difference between these two outfits is straightforward:

• The suit consists of two pieces, with trousers and a jacket.
• The jumpsuit is a fashion piece made in one complete garment.

Whichever option you choose, these garments have the advantage of shaping and elongating your silhouette. They are particularly suitable for tall to medium-sized women with a rather slender build.

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

Surrender to Boho Chic Fashion

Not keen on a white dress for your civil 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 plain or features a simple, subtle print (which I would recommend), the bohemian dress is the perfect companion 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 could 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? 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 using the banner below:

bohemian wedding dress for civil ceremonies

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

Although choosing the wedding dress captures much of the attention during wedding preparations, the groom's suit is also an essential detail of your ceremony. That’s why, for this article, I’ve decided to share outfit ideas that are equally suitable for men.

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 flourishing. Therefore, you might opt for a lightweight linen suit that is well-fitted yet comfortable.

👔 Less formal, the civil ceremony is an opportunity, if you wish, to forgo the tie or to wear 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 trendy, suits with waistcoats will give you a sophisticated look and a polished appearance. Made popular by Netflix series like Peaky Blinders, these rather classic outfits have made a comeback in recent years and are perfectly suitable for a civil wedding! Moreover, they are ideal in all seasons.

Dare to be original with accessories!

Do you want to avoid your wedding feeling too formal? A civil ceremony is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personality with accessories such as:

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

👉 To avoid overdoing it, make sure to not choose more than two accessories from this list and that they complement each other. 😉

Casual and Stylish Shoes

Following on from accessories, there is also a wider selection of shoes available for a civil wedding. You aren't required to wear traditional leather dress shoes, and for this occasion, you can opt for less formal footwear.

However, I recommend choosing shoes that match your style: for example, white trainers (to be worn clean, without a mark!) will go very well with a plain suit, while cowboy boots will pair nicely 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 registry office to celebrate their wedding, and you’re wondering what to wear for the occasion? In this final section, I will suggest some outfit ideas for the whole family, which will be perfectly suitable for a secular ceremony.

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

Before choosing your outfit, here are a few helpful tips to consider:

• If you're attending a wedding as a couple, it can be nice to coordinate your outfits, especially in terms of styles and colours. This will look lovely in the photos!
• Don’t forget to ask the couple if there's a theme for their wedding: this can help you find an appropriate outfit!
• Find out about the venue: some civil ceremonies take place on beaches, for instance. It’s best to choose your clothes accordingly if that's the case.
• Lastly, make sure to wear appropriate attire for the weather during the season in which the ceremony is taking place, to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

What Should a Man Wear?

For the gentlemen, a slightly smart outfit will be just right. You don't need to wear a suit and tie, but I recommend a well-fitted pair of light trousers, paired with matching shoes and a shirt, complemented by a suit jacket.

👔 When it comes to accessories, you can rely on the advice provided in the previous paragraph aimed 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 wish, you can opt for a single colour by selecting a plain dress or a jumpsuit. This will bring elegance to your outfit while keeping it simple.

In any case, I recommend that you do not 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 keeping your smartphone and a few other small items organised.

What clothes should you prepare for your children?

For children, I recommend choosing an outfit that is both smart and simple, with no more than two colours as well. Keep in mind that there is a good chance they will end the day playing and causing a ruckus: if the outfit you have planned for them isn’t very suitable, make sure to have a change of clothes ready for them to put on when the time comes.

This article is coming to an end, and I hope it has provided you with plenty of ideas and inspiration for the upcoming civil wedding! Fancy exploring more articles dedicated to fashion? Take a look at our blog! 😉