How to Dress for a Civil Wedding? 👰

Are you planning your civil wedding soon and wondering what to wear? How might it differ from an religious wedding outfit? Or perhaps you're invited to such an event and 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 attire that stands out from everyday wear and helps create unforgettable memories for those who wear them.

Today, I’d like to share with you a selection of outfits, along with some handy tips, specifically chosen for attending a non-religious 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 traditional wedding dresses and classic suits. For women, consider a solid-coloured jumpsuit, a short dress, or a bohemian-style dress. For men, a light-coloured suit paired with unique accessories (like suspenders or a bow tie) and trendy shoes will be ideal. Lastly, if you're a guest, don't hesitate to wear an outfit that reflects your style and makes you shine!

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• Reasons why it can be important to plan a specific outfit for your civil wedding
• Ideas for women's outfits that go beyond the traditional wedding dress,
• Suggestions for grooms 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 wedding?

Although they serve the same purpose, a civil marriage and its religious counterpart do not take place in the same context. A civil union is typically 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 each other.

Therefore, it’s entirely possible to plan for two different outfits, one for the church and another for the registry office. 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 decided to have a civil wedding, or a PACS, the fashion tips that I'm sharing in this article are for you as well!

What to wear for 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 make you 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. 😉

Swap the classic dress for a short dress!

In popular belief, a wedding dress is typically 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 backless design and some elegant lace details is a surefire way to showcase 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 medium and petite women, as well as curvy women or those with defined curves.

For this trend, I recommend keeping it simple by wearing plain heels and steering clear of overly flashy accessories.

👉 Want to explore white dress styles for your non-religious ceremony? Join us on our bohemian fashion website by clicking on the banner below!

civil wedding white dress

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

Would you like your outfit to reflect your energy 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 simple:

• The suit consists of two pieces, including trousers and a jacket,
• The jumpsuit is a single-piece fashion item.

No matter what you choose, these garments have the advantage of slimming and elongating your silhouette. They are particularly suited for women of medium to tall height, with a fairly slender build.

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

Embrace the Bohemian Chic Look

Not keen on a white dress for your ceremony? In that case, you might consider opting for a long, flowing bohemian-style dress, which is very much on trend right now. Whether it's a solid colour or features a print (I recommend keeping it simple and subtle), the bohemian dress is a perfect fit for most body shapes. I suggest choosing a dress 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 might 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. Does this option appeal to you? Take a look at our collection of bohemian flower crowns!

👉 Looking for a bohemian outfit for your wedding? Discover a selection of perfect dresses for the occasion, or explore our entire collection through the banner below:

bohemian dress for civil wedding registry

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

While choosing a wedding dress often steals the spotlight during wedding preparations, the groom's suit is also a crucial detail for your ceremony. That's why I've decided to share outfit ideas that are also suitable for men in this article.

A bright and colourful outfit to celebrate your joy

A wedding is a joyous occasion! To display your happiness, there's nothing quite like wearing bright colours that will make you look radiant and happy. So, you might opt for a lightweight linen suit, which is stylish yet comfortable.

👔 Less formal than a traditional ceremony, a secular ceremony is the perfect opportunity, if you wish, to either skip the tie altogether or to wear a stylish and unique one. Choose the option that suits you best!

A suit with a waistcoat, stylish and classy

Would you like to dress stylishly for the occasion? Very on-trend, suits with vests will give you a sophisticated look and a polished appearance. Popularised by Netflix series like Peaky Blinders, these timeless outfits have made a comeback in recent years and are absolutely suitable for a civil wedding! What's more, they are perfect for all seasons.

Dare to be bold with unique accessories!

You 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 coloured buttons,
• an original jacket,
• a shirt with a pattern,
• a hat…

👉 To avoid going overboard, make sure to choose no more than two accessories from this list and ensure that they match each other. 😉

Casual and Stylish Shoes

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

I recommend that you choose shoes that match your style: for example, white sneakers (make sure they're clean and free of stains!) will pair nicely with a plain 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 registry office to celebrate their wedding, and you’re wondering what to wear for the occasion? In this final section, I’ll suggest 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 selecting your outfit, here are a few helpful tips to consider:

• If you're attending the wedding as a couple, it can be a nice idea to coordinate your outfits, especially in terms of styles and colours. This will look great in the photos!
• Don’t forget to ask the couple if there’s a theme for their wedding: this can help you find an outfit that fits!
• Find out about the venue: some non-religious ceremonies might take place on beaches, for example. It’s best to choose your clothing accordingly if that’s the case.
• Lastly, make sure your outfit is 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 smart-casual outfit will work perfectly. You don't have to wear a suit and tie, but I recommend a well-fitted light-coloured pair of trousers, along with some matching shoes and a shirt, paired with a blazer.

👔 When it comes to accessories, you can rely on 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 highlights your best features. If you prefer, you can opt for a single colour, perhaps 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, consider adding some subtle jewellery (which will enhance your lovely hairstyle), as well as a clutch bag that is both stylish and practical for storing your smartphone and a few smaller items.

What clothes to prepare for your children?

For the kids, I recommend choosing an outfit that is both smart and simple, with no more than two colours as well. Keep in mind that there's a good chance they will spend the day playing and being silly: if the outfit you have in mind isn't very practical, make sure to pack a change 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! Want to explore more articles dedicated to fashion? Have a look at our blog! 😉