Civil wedding outfit: how to dress for a civil marriage and a successful legal ceremony
Summary:
From the town hall to the civil ceremony, this guide walks you through every step to find the perfect outfit and shoes for your civil wedding and create a celebration that reflects your personality. Short dress, jumpsuit, or suit: each look is enhanced by the right pair of shoes—golden sandals, elegant heels, leather babies... Also discover our tips for organizing your civil ceremony and creating a moment that truly represents you.
Introduction
Are you preparing your civil wedding and looking for the ideal outfit for the town hall?
For this special day, your civil wedding outfit should be simple, chic, and comfortable.
The shoes play a crucial role: they accompany you with every step, from "yes" to leaving the town hall. Heels, golden sandals, or leather babies—it's up to you to choose the style that suits you best.
In this article, discover our advice for finding the perfect outfit for a civil wedding, selecting your shoes, and organizing your civil ceremony.
What is the difference between a civil wedding and a civil ceremony?
Before choosing your outfit, it’s essential to understand the difference between civil wedding and civil ceremony. These two moments are often linked, but they have different significance and settings.
The civil wedding is the only union legally recognized in France. It takes place at the town hall, in front of a civil registrar, and formalizes your commitment. The ceremony is brief, about fifteen minutes, sober, and formal, although some town halls allow personal touches like speeches or music.
The civil ceremony holds no legal value. It is a symbolic celebration, often held after the town hall ceremony, at a location of the couple’s choosing: a garden, barn, beach, or estate. It allows for personalized details: choice of vows, texts, music, rituals, or exchanges of vows.
| Civil Wedding | Civil Ceremony | |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Official and legal | Symbolic and emotional |
| Location | Town hall | Any location (outdoors, estate, garden...) |
| Duration | 15 to 30 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes or more |
| Officiant | Civil registrar | Civil officiant (friend or professional) |
| Purpose | Legally recognized union | Personalized celebration |
| Style | Sober, formal | Reflecting your personality |
Finding the perfect outfit for your civil wedding
Which dress to choose for your civil wedding?
Before selecting your wedding shoes, start with the civil wedding dress: your style and the venue of the ceremony will naturally guide your choice.
Unlike a religious wedding
The town hall now allows more freedom: the idea is to find an outfit that is both elegant and comfortable, in which you will feel truly yourself.Long dress or short dress for your wedding?
The short dress remains a classic choice for civil ceremonies. Both chic and practical, it embodies a modern look, perfect for a daytime celebration.
Those seeking a more solemn approach will opt for a flowing midi or long dress, which elongates the silhouette and adds a touch of elegance.
Trending colors
While white remains a staple, civil wedding dresses are reinvented in soft, refined shades: ecru, blush pink, or sky blue for a summer wedding.
These hues bring a gentle touch, highlighting your gold or silver accessories.
Preferred materials
Choose fabrics that are pleasant to wear and elegant: crepe, satin, lace, or silk.
A white lace dress charms with its timeless appeal, while a smooth crepe dress offers a clean, modern fall.
The goal is to find a balance between elegance and comfort, so you feel at ease throughout the day.
Alternative to the dress: the suit, jumpsuit, or ensemble
Not all brides identify with the traditional dress for their civil wedding.
Between a suit, jumpsuit, or coordinated set, the outfit for a civil wedding adapts to all tastes with modern, elegant cuts.
The pantsuit
Chic and daring, a white or ecru pantsuit is a stylish, contemporary option. It elongates the silhouette and pairs well with both stilettos and ivory sandals.
The jumpsuit
The jumpsuit has become a staple in the bride’s wardrobe. Practical, elegant, and comfortable, it offers a refined alternative to the traditional dress.
Belted or backless styles enhance the silhouette without overdoing it.
The gold or ivory heeled sandals provide the perfect finishing touch.
The ensemble: a midi skirt and a sophisticated top
A midi skirt paired with a silk camisole or a tailored shirt creates a feminine, light look.
It’s an ideal choice for a civil wedding at the town hall, with a simple yet refined style.
Complete the outfit with light pink heeled sandals for a luminous, elegant note.
Wedding shoes: an accessory not to overlook
Because a successful civil wedding outfit doesn’t stop at the dress, shoes play a crucial role.
Classic stilettos or elegant sandals?
For a civil ceremony, stilettos remain a reliable choice: they convey a look that is both feminine and confident. Their sleek lines pair just as well with a flowing dress as with a tailored suit.
And heeled sandals
Seductive, in terms of their lightness and comfort. In gold, ivory, or blush pink, they accompany the bride throughout the day, never sacrificing comfort.What heel height should you choose?
Finding the right heel height is primarily about balancing style and comfort.
A 5 to 7 cm heel offers the ideal proportion: it elongates the silhouette while maintaining stability, perfect for a day of celebration.
If the day promises to be long, opt for a block or platform heel that ensures a natural and elegant gait, whether climbing the church steps or taking outdoor photos. The key is to feel at ease!
Organize a wedding ceremony that reflects your personality
Key steps in planning
Organizing a wedding ceremony is based on a simple principle: freedom. You choose every detail, from the location to the officiant, to create a moment that truly represents you.
Choosing the venue
A garden, a beach, or a estate: a wedding ceremony can adapt to any setting. The most important thing is to select a place that holds meaning for you, whether it evokes a shared memory or simply an atmosphere that inspires you.
Selecting the officiant
The officiant is the person who will guide the ceremony and set the tone. They can be a close friend or a professional. In any case, they should embody your story and be able to tell it with sincerity and emotion.
Planning the flow
A wedding ceremony typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. It often includes speeches, readings, music, and symbolic rituals. The idea is to create a narrative that reflects your relationship and your way of loving.
Personalizing rituals
Sand rituals, exchanged vows, or tree planting are symbolic gestures that mark this moment. They forge a bond between you and your loved ones, giving the ceremony an intimate dimension that makes it unique.
Attire for the wedding ceremony
Some brides choose to keep their civil wedding outfit, while others prefer a more flowing dress or a lighter jumpsuit for the ceremony. There are no strict rules, only comfort and harmony with the setting. Outdoors, consider adapting your outfit: a long dress on the lawn, a hem adjusted for sand, or breathable fabric for summer weddings.
As for footwear, prioritize styles that combine stability and elegance: block heels, strappy sandals, or closed-toe pumps, depending on the terrain. A pair of heeled sandals or leather flats will keep you comfortable until the last dance.
FAQ - Civil wedding and wedding ceremony
- How to dress for a civil wedding at the town hall?
For a civil wedding Opt for an elegant yet comfortable outfit: a short dress, a tailored suit, or a flowing jumpsuit are always reliable choices. Fabrics like crepe, silk, or lace offer a refined drape without excess.
Complete your look with heeled sandals or closed-toe wedding shoes, combining style and stability for this special day.
- Which color should you choose for a civil wedding outfit?
White remains the traditional choice, but it’s not mandatory. Ecru, champagne, pastel, terracotta, or blush pink add softness and modernity.
The key is to select a shade that reflects your personality.
- Can you wear the same outfit for both the civil ceremony and the religious celebration?
Absolutely. Many brides choose to keep the same attire, especially if it remains comfortable for the rest of the day.
Others prefer to opt for a lighter dress or a flowing jumpsuit for the religious ceremony, particularly if it takes place outdoors.
