Wedding Celebrant Outfits: 2024 Style Guide

As a wedding celebrant, you’re not just officiating a ceremony; you’re contributing to the overall atmosphere of the special day. While the focus is naturally on the couple, your attire plays a role in setting the tone and ensuring you look professional and polished. And in 2024, we’re throwing the rulebook out of the window!

This guide will walk you through key considerations for choosing wedding celebrant outfits. Looking for inspiration? Read on…

What should a celebrant wear to a wedding?

There are no hard and fast rules as to what you should wear as a wedding celebrant, but here are some key principles to keep in mind:

• Match the formality of the event: Consider the venue, location, and theme. Black-tie weddings call for formal attire, while beach weddings might be more suited to light and airy fabrics.
• Complement, don’t compete: Your outfit should complement the couple’s attire and the overall wedding theme, not outshine them. Avoid colours clashing with the wedding party and steer clear of white (unless the bride specifically approves).
• Embrace the elements: Choose weather-appropriate attire. Be mindful of potential sun exposure or chilly evenings.
• Be comfortable and professional: Your outfit should allow for movement and feel comfortable throughout the ceremony. Maintain a professional appearance by avoiding overly revealing clothing or excessive jewellery.
• Look good in photos: Choose an outfit that translates well in photographs. Solid colours tend to photograph better than busy patterns.

Wedding Celebrant Outfits for Women:

As a female wedding Celebrant the options are endless, dresses, trouser suits, a smart jacket over a dress or skirt, jumpsuits. As a rule, wedding etiquette would say steer away from anything white, ivory or cream.

• Dresses: Classic sheath dresses, knee-length or midi styles in neutral tones like navy or beige are excellent choices.
• Suits and pantsuits: Tailored pantsuits or skirts paired with a blouse can create a sophisticated and professional look.
• Accessories: Keep accessories simple and elegant. A statement necklace or a scarf can add a touch of personality without detracting from the occasion.

Winter Wedding Celebrant Outfits

It can be hard to find formal outfits that are also warm, so we recommend layering in the winter and choosing thicker fabrics.

• Plaid, Wool and velvet are great to add a bit of warmth without sacrificing on style
• Consider adding thin layers, bodysuits or thermal layers underneath your formal outfit
• Wear something with pockets and add hand warmers (available online and in outdoor stores).
• Add a cardigan, jacket or pashmina with a brooch to keep you feeling toasty warm.

5 of the best Wedding Celebrant Outfits

Navy dress: The navy dress is a classic, versatile and elegant choice for various wedding settings that will never go out of style. And because it goes with pretty much everything, you can dress it up with colourful accessories: shoes, scarves or jewellery to add a pop a colour.

Tailored trouser suit: Offers a professional and polished look, but you don’t have to stick to traditional navy or grey, try a bold colour or channel your inner Barbie and wear this season’s hottest pink! The options below are available to hire from Hirestreetuk.com so you don’t have to worry about them going out of fashion.

Floral dress: Floral dresses are perfect for summer weddings and Ideal for outdoor weddings with a relaxed vibe. Opt for an A-line or midi dress for a more formal feel or go long sleeve and maxi for that boho vibe.

We love this gorgeous turquoise number from Elliat and this floral lovebomb of a dress that’s available up to size 32 from Simply Be, both available to hire at Hirestreet UK.

Something sparkly: Looking for wedding celebrant outfits that add a bit of sparkle? Sequins are a classic and sophisticated combination, opt for a muted neutral or statement bold colour.

Something bold: Traditional rules around what a celebrant should wear would tell you to blend in, but with more and more people opting for Celebrant-led weddings as a way to showcase their unique personalities, we say throw the rulebook away and go bold with something that really expresses who you are.

Wedding Celebrant Outfits for Men

It might feel like you have fewer style options as a male celebrant, but there are plenty of outfit options and lots of ways to express your personality through your style choices:

• Suits: A well-tailored suit in a classic colour (Navy or grey) is a safe bet for formal weddings, but there’s no rule that it has to be a neutral colour, you can go bold, choose a tartan or plaid fabric or go for a luxe velvet. Choose lighter fabrics like linen for warmer climates.
• Coordinated separates: Combine formal trousers with a shirt and tie or a waistcoat and jacket for a versatile and polished look.
• Traditional Dress: From kilts to kaftans, if you have a traditional outfit, you could choose to wear that rather than a suit.
• Accessories: dress your outfits up with colourful shoes, ties, waistcoats, pocket squares or even a hat

Where to find Wedding Celebrant Outfits

If you don’t already have any suitable outfits to wear for wedding ceremonies, the cost can add up quickly, try some of our tried and trusted places to find celebrant outfits:

• Department stores and clothing boutiques: Look for separates and dresses that fit these guidelines. Try shopping for classic pieces in the sales.
• Online retailers: Many online stores offer a wide variety of formal wear options and even some of the cheaper online retailers like Shein can have some good options at budget prices. Remember to check the returns policy before you order, as it can be hard to gauge fit and quality until you’ve tried it on.
• Second-hand marketplaces: Save £££s by shopping for high-quality, gently used items on second-hand marketplaces. Shop brands that you know and that fit you well, as you often can’t send them back. Try Vinted (UK & Worldwide), VestaireCollective (UK & Worldwide) or TheRealReal (US-based), who all have buyer guarantees in place to protect you from rogue sellers or seek out a local dress agency for items that have usually only been worn once or twice.
• Rental services: Renting an outfit can be a great option for a one-time event, particularly for formal occasions. HirestreetUK offer 5 items for 30 days for £65, perfect for busy wedding seasons. Try HURR and By Rotation and some brands even have their own rental options instead of buying new.

By following these tips and exploring your options, you can find the perfect wedding celebrant outfit that allows you to look your best and contribute to a beautiful and memorable ceremony.

Share your favourite wedding ceremony outfits in our Celebrant Facebook Group!