6 Trends to Wear if Attending a Registry Office Wedding
Gen Z drives spike in ‘Registry Office Wedding Outfit’ searches
Searches for “registry office wedding outfit” are up 49% year-on-year, with Gen Z leading the switch to more relaxed, city-based celebrations. Influenced by celeb couples like Jamie Laing & Sophie Habboo, low-key ceremonies with stylish, smart-casual looks are taking centre stage – and saving budget for honeymoons and second celebrations.
According to Pinterest’s annual wedding trends report, searches for ‘Registry office wedding outfit’ have increased by 49%, with the majority of searches being driven by Gen Z, suggesting a shift in mindset around the occasion for the younger generation. One thing likely to be influencing this shift is the popularity of registry office weddings among celebrities. Celebrity couples like former Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Sophie Haboo, and Brewdog Founder James Watt and TV personality Georgia Toffolo have opted for a more casual registry office wedding in recent years, inspiring many to follow suit and use the money saved to enjoy a second celebration or a more extravagant honeymoon.
With registry office weddings tending to be more relaxed occasions, knowing what to wear can sometimes be confusing, so we have worked with the fashion team at Next to help YCB readers navigate the dress code, as well as highlighting some of the biggest wedding guest trends this season.
What to consider for a registry office wedding
- Relaxed & Understated
At registry office weddings, the dress code is typically smart-casual and less formal than a wedding taking place at a church or other wedding venue.
When choosing your outfit, opt for something more casual than your typical formal wedding attire – think elegant daywear rather than full formalwear. Registry office wedding guest dresses are typically midi in length for women, and men should consider something relaxed like a pair of chinos and a blazer rather than a full three-piece suit.
- Urban-Friendly
Registry offices are usually located in urban, inner-city locations, so choosing an outfit that is suitable for a commute is best to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the day.
Given the location, it is best to consider something that is stylish but practical that will suit your city surroundings and be comfortable to move in. The best choices would be midi dresses, tailored jumpsuits, and co-ords rather than more formal floor-length evening gowns that you could easily trip on.
- Comfortable footwear
Choosing comfortable footwear is essential for a registry office wedding, as you are likely to be getting some extra steps in during your commute to and from the wedding.
Because of the urban location, getting to a wedding at a registry office will often involve a lot of walking or could involve using public transport. Guests should therefore consider opting for more comfortable shoes rather than stilettos.
Trending styles like ballet flats or trusty favourites like loafers or smart boots are always a good choice, but if you want to opt for a heel, consider a block or kitten heel to save your feet.
Registry office outfit trends
- Flutter sleeve midi dresses
Google searches for ‘flutter sleeve midi dress’ are 60% higher compared to the same time last year and have increased by 204% in the past month².
Flutter sleeve dresses are the perfect choice if you want to wear something that is just the right amount of feminine and floaty for the occasion. The draped sleeves make them a great option if you like a little arm coverage without having a full sleeve in the summer months.
Friends Like These Red Floral Flutter Sleeve Empire Midi Dress – £59
- Bow back dresses
Bows have increased in popularity massively over the last year, being seen everywhere in both fashion and interiors. The latest bow-related trend to be gaining traction is ‘bow back dresses’, which have seen searches increase by 58% in the last year.
A great way to make a smart-casual outfit a little more interesting is to pick something that has subtle extra details. Bows are a prime example of this; a simple bow detail on the back of a dress or as a fastening adds a touch of elegance and otherwise simple outfit.
Friends Like These Green High Neck Short Sleeve Midi Dress with Bow Detailing – £48
- Pastel suits
Pastels always come into their own in the Spring and Summer months, but this year, lavender is the shade of choice for many. Google searches for ‘lavender suit’ are 47% higher than they were this time last year.
Opting for a suit in a summery colour definitely adds an element of fun to a usually understated look. Wearing a suit also removes the struggle of figuring out what jacket will work with your outfit. The other benefit to a suit is that you can easily rewear the pieces after either together or separately. Paired with a kitten heel or sandal and a clutch, you will look effortlessly cool.
Sosandar Purple Shawl Collar Tailored Blazer – £85
- Pastel floral dresses
Next has seen a spike in searches for ‘floral midi dress’, with Google also reporting an increase in searches for ‘Pastel floral dress’, which is currently 31% higher than it was this time last year.
For daytime occasions, dresses in pastels, floral prints, or subtle patterns are an appropriate choice, whilst opting for fabrics like silk, crepe, or satin adds a touch of sophistication without being overly formal.
Lipsy White Floral Angel Sleeve Off the Body Square Neck Midi Dress – £60
- Co-ords
Co-ordinating sets are always in style in one form or another, whether it be a matching waistcoat and trouser set or a skirt and top, you can never go wrong with a staple two-piece set. As we move into wedding season, searches for ‘co-ord’ are currently 61% higher than they were last year, indicating they will be a popular choice at celebrations this summer.
A co-ord is a good choice if you want to look polished without feeling overdressed. It’s a great hack for looking and feeling put-together but with low effort. A well-tailored two-piece is always classy and timeless, and the perfect way to look elegant without stealing the spotlight.
Neutral Cross Hatch Pleat Straight Leg Trousers – £44
Neutral Cross Hatch Square Neck Button Through Waistcoat – £42
- Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are the perfect no-fuss choice for occasions that have a semi-formal dress code, with Google searches for the item peaking annually in June, and Next seeing an increase in interest for ‘polka dot jumpsuits’ recently.
A jumpsuit is a chic alternative to a dress for smart-casual occasions, either in a solid colour or in an understated print, they are a stylish yet comfortable option.
Sosandar Blue Petite Metallic Fleck Belted Jumpsuit – £79