Weddings have become more and more ostentatious. However, many couples are now bucking this trend and opting for a more intimate registry office wedding. If you are here, chances are you have been invited to one but are not sure about what to wear. So, I would like to present to you some of the best options to take away the worry and anxiety that you may be experiencing.
So, what should you wear to a registry office wedding? If the bride and groom haven’t specified a dress code on their wedding invitations, your best bet is to wear smart casual dress to a registry office wedding.
Still a little worried about what outfit to choose for a registry office wedding?
You’re in the right place. In this article, I will break down exactly what you can and cannot wear to a registry office wedding, regardless of whether you are female or male.
Is There A Dress Code For A Registry Office Wedding?
There is only a dress code for a registry office wedding if the bride and groom have decided to have one. If so, it will likely be specified on the wedding invitations. Otherwise, most guests will typically wear business casual dress code.
There are no rules when it comes to a registry office wedding, you could technically come dressed however you like, but you might raise a few eyebrows from other guests and the married couple.
However, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind when choosing your wedding outfit.
Registry offices tend to be a little tighter on space than a church or barn wedding, so staying away from big bustles and wide skirts might be a good idea.
You don’t want to struggle to take your seat and end up taking up three or more chairs.
Weddings held in registry offices tend to be less formal than traditional wedding ceremonies, and it’s not uncommon for even the bride not to wear a wedding gown, so sticking to something smart but not overly glitzy is always a safe bet.
What Should A Guest Wear To A Registry Office Wedding?
It can be tricky to work out what is appropriate to wear for a courthouse wedding. The rules, or lack thereof, can lead to a lot of confusion.
So, here are some suggestions that you can use for your registry office wedding attendance.
Female Guests
Pant Suit
A smart, casual pants suit can never be wrong for a registry office wedding. You don’t have to keep to bland colors, either.
Take a few risks by sticking to a classic pants suit cut and pushing the envelopes with blog colors and fun prints.
Just because a registry office wedding is more relaxed doesn’t mean you can’t flex your love for fashion.
Pair your suit with heels or opt for a more androgynous look and choose a pair of brogues or boots.
Maxi Dress
The classic maxi dress is always a good choice for any wedding you may be attending, even a registry office wedding.
A popular wedding guest outfit, the maxi dress, can be found in almost every store there is, and there are so many cuts and colors to choose from.
The best thing about registry office weddings is you don’t have to worry about your shoulders being on show or anything like that.
So pick a maxi dress that makes you feel like a queen.
Depending on the season, you can pair your maxi dress with a cute pair of sandals or a warm, faux fur-lined pair of boots. The maxi dress is ridiculously versatile.
Read more: Can You Wear A Maxi Dress To A Wedding?
Midi Dress
Not a fan of a floor-length skirt, but still want to wear a dress to a registry office wedding. A midi dress is a perfect compromise.
Still relaxed and comfortable, but with that cheeky glimpse of skin, you might feel a maxi dress misses.
Midi dresses are a classic yet casual choice for a registry office wedding. Pair with a delicate pair of heels to complete your registry office wedding look.
Smart Blouse And Skirt
If dresses aren’t your thing, but you still want the flow of a skirt, you could instead go for a blouse and skirt combo.
If the weather is a little cooler, pick up a smart sweater and tuck it into your skirt waistband for a stylish look.
This look may end up being on the more casual end of a smart casual dress code but dress it up with a pair of smart shoes and a sleek bag, and you will be good to go.
Male Guests
Slacks And Sport Coat
Avoid the tuxedo and go for a more dressed-down look with a pair of smart trousers, a shirt, and a preppy sports coat.
Sports coats are the perfect way of blending comfort with a smart look, and they can come in a variety of colors and patterns so you can put your spin on your registry office outfit.
Keep it sleek by pairing this outfit with dress shoes or boots.
Business Casual Suit
If you prefer the look of a coordinated suit, stick to a business casual style.
Think, if you can wear it to the office, you can wear it to a registry office wedding.
Pair your suit with a tie or bow tie if you want to up the ante on your smart look, but you can equally get away with an open-buttoned collar.
Again, pair it with dress shoes or classic boots.
Light Trousers
When we say light trousers, we’re not talking about jogging bottoms or track runners.
We mean smart trousers made from linen or cotton. Properly tailored, these trousers will look smart but keep you cool and comfortable all day long.
Some styles you might want to consider are chinos, cropped wool flannel trousers, pleated trousers, and even corduroys.
What Not To Wear To A Registry Office Wedding
Female Guests
Cocktail Dress
Unless the dress code specifies a cocktail hour dress code, cocktail dresses can end up being too dressy for a registry office wedding.
If you want a shorter skirt, choose something with a more relaxed fit and sleeves (short or long) to take the edge off the dressy look.
Ball Gown
Registry office weddings are no place for ballgowns.
Not only is there far less room in a registry office, and you may end up taking up the space of two or more guests with your large skirt, but you will also look very out of place.
Even at more traditional wedding ceremonies, a ball gown can come across as attention-stealing.
So, avoid dressing up like you are hitting Cinderella’s ball and stick to a more casual dress.
Jeans And T-Shirt
Although registry office weddings are more laid back, it still isn’t the place to pop on your favorite pair of ripped jeans and your ACDC band tee.
Plus, you can wear that any day of the week. Use going to a wedding as an opportunity to dress up a little bit and feel a bit glamorous.
Anything White
It doesn’t matter what kind of wedding you are attending unless you have been asked to wear white; avoid this color as far as you can.
You don’t want it to look like you are trying to upstage the bride, and there is nothing worse than seeing photos where the bride blends in with a swathe of guests wearing the same color.
Male Guests
Jeans And T-Shirt
Just like female guests, male guests should also avoid wearing jeans and t-shirts to a registry office wedding.
This outfit will be far too relaxed, even at this less formal wedding ceremony, and you will stick out like a sore thumb.
Leave the jeans at home and opt for a smarter pair of slacks.
Tuxedo
Unless specified in the wedding invitation, a tuxedo has no place at a registry office wedding.
As smart as you may feel, this look is much too dressed up for the informal, relaxed vibe of a registry office wedding.
If a suit is your outfit of choice, choose a more relaxed fit and less harsh colors.
Sportswear
Just like wearing jeans and a t-shirt, attending a registry office dressed as if you have just left the track field will make you look as though you haven’t made any effort at all.
You’ll stand out horrendously against everyone else, and you’ll just wind up feeling uncomfortable yourself.
Other Suggestions When Choosing Attire For A Registry Office Wedding
Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when you are choosing your outfit for a registry office wedding.
Ask The Bride/Groom Ahead Of Time
If you are unsure of what to wear or whether there is a dress code, don’t hesitate to ask the bride and groom what would be appropriate attire for their wedding.
Nine times out of ten, the couple will have a good idea of what everyone else is wearing and will be able to give you a good idea.
Ask Another Guest
If you don’t want to bother the bride and groom, they will be rather busy after all; you can always confer with another guest who is attending.
Find out what they are wearing and whether they have spoken to the couple about any possible dress codes.
Play It Safe
The easiest choice is to just play it safe with your outfit choice.
For female guests, pick a smart yet relaxed dress with a pair of dressy shoes,.
For male guests, you can never go wrong with a pair of smart trousers and an open-collared shirt in crisp white.
Hey, I’m Allison – a recent bride, an expectant mother and the chief editor here at Everlasting Occasion. Here I document all the knowledge and experience I accumulated while researching and planning my dream wedding and ahead of our new baby. Here, I try to answer those many questions couples have when planning their dream wedding, while equally, helping expectant parents ahead of their new arrival!