Registry office weddings are more popular than ever, with couples preferring the intimacy and simplicity they offer compared to the fuss and frills of a traditional ceremony. They’re low stress, easy to organise and much cheaper too.
But what should you wear for a registry office wedding? This may be a more relaxed way to tie the knot, but it’s still a wedding ceremony. Whether you’re the groom or the guest, it’s important to look the part.
Dressing for the Occasion at a Registry Office
Dressing for a registry office wedding is all about finding the right balance between relaxed and formal styling. You’ll want to be smart, but not overdressed.
A registry office is typically less formal than a church, stately home or other grand wedding venue. The dress code for the day should reflect this, although you can of course still get dressed up to the nines if you want to.
Ultimately, you have a little more freedom in what you wear for this kind of wedding. Some couples love a pared-back vintage look, while others aim for tailored elegance.
Striking the Balance Between Smart and Relaxed
For grooms, a tailored two-piece suit is ideal for a registry office wedding. You could also go for a blazer-and-trouser combination, in neutral or otherwise muted tones. A tie is optional, and you can also dial up the formality if you want by adding a waistcoat.
For guests, smart separates are a good choice. Think chinos with a blazer, or a shirt and trousers with smart loafers. You can let the happy couple guide you, as they may set a dress code for the day or give you some advice on what level of formality is appropriate.
The golden rule is not to be scruffy. This is a wedding, so you should aim to look smart and polished. This means absolutely no jeans or trainers.
Choosing Outfits That Suit the Venue’s Simplicity
Registry offices across the UK vary in architectural style. Some are very simple and minimalist, while others nestle inside grand Victorian town halls. Many have a vintage charm all of their own, so it could be a nice idea to match this when putting a look together.
Here are some outfit suggestions for the big day:
- Slim-fit suits in navy, charcoal or light grey.
- Blazers with subtle patterns (such as check, houndstooth) paired with plain trousers
- Crisp shirts in light colours (such as white or pale blue)
- Vintage or patterned accessories to add a pop of interest, such as a tie, pocket square or pocket watch
You could even try something bolder, such as a brightly coloured or vintage suit. In this kind of venue, it’s easier to show off your personal style and have a little fun with it.
Seasonal Style Choices for Civil Ceremonies
It’s also a good idea to dress for the season. For example, lighter fabrics such as cotton and linen work well for spring and summer civil ceremonies. You can also take a look at spring wedding suits in soft colour palettes.
Deeper tones work well in autumn, as do fabrics such tweed or even some smart knitwear. For winter, you can’t go wrong with a wool suit and darker coloured formal shoes.
When shopping for a suit, remember that registry office weddings are all about timeless style, so this is the main vibe you should be going for.
What to Wear to an Autumn Wedding Indoors
Autumn is a lovely time of year for a wedding, civil ceremony or even a vow renewal, with the colourful leaves falling and a sense of cosiness indoors.
If you’re dressing for an autumnal celebration, you might want to try a tailored navy or charcoal suit. Pair this with a very on-trend knitted tie and a pair of polished brogues.
For other members of the wedding party, consider matching argyle suits in colours such as brown or grey.
For guests, a blazer or suit in autumnal tones such as olive, camel or burgundy should tick all the right boxes.
Layering Tips for What to Wear to a Wedding in Autumn
Alongside style, comfort is also important when dressing for an autumn wedding. You don’t want to be shivering inside the registry office, so aim for lots of layers. To keep it smart, consider:
- A blazer with a fine-gauge knit under a suit jacket.
- An overcoat in wool or tweed for arriving at and leaving the venue
You might get away with a cardigan or lightweight jumper, which can be worn under blazers if styled well. But in general, it’s best to avoid bulky layers as they can ruin tailoring.
Finishing Touches That Elevate Your Look
Lastly, we have the finishing touches. These are what keep your look smart and polished, even if it’s a low-key registry office wedding with just a handful of guests.
Footwear That Matches the Formality
The perfect pair of shoes for a registry office celebration is a classic pair of leather brogues. If you prefer, you can also consider Oxfords or loafers in black or brown depending on the colour of your suit.
Accessories to Keep Things Polished
For grooms that want a little more polish on their big day, consider adding the following accessories:
- Pocket squares
- Slim or knitted ties
- Subtle lapel pins
- Classic watches
- Vintage cufflinks
- Wool or silk scarves (for weddings in cooler months)
