What Should a Wedding Officiant Wear?

Published: June 29, 2020/Last Updated October 29, 2024

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Choosing the right attire as a wedding officiant is essential to making a lasting impression without overshadowing the couple.

Your role is important, and the way you present yourself should reflect the significance of the occasion.

Whether you’re officiating a formal black-tie ceremony or a laid-back beach wedding, your outfit should align with the couple’s style and the overall atmosphere of the event.

In this guide, you’ll find practical advice on how to dress for different types of weddings, ensuring you’re both comfortable and appropriate for the special day.

Let’s get straight to the point

As a wedding officiant, it’s essential to dress appropriately for the formality of the event while keeping the focus on the couple.

Choose attire that aligns with the wedding’s style—formal weddings may require tuxedos or elegant dresses, while casual ceremonies can allow for more relaxed outfits.

Stick to neutral, solid colours that complement the wedding palette, avoid patterns, and prioritise comfort, especially for outdoor venues.

Always consult with the couple to match their theme and preferences, ensuring your look enhances, but doesn’t overshadow, the occasion.

Male Wedding Officiant Attire Etiquette

For male officiants, attire should reflect both the formality of the wedding and the couple’s preferences. Here’s what to consider:

1. Choose The Right Formality Level

For black-tie weddings, a tuxedo is the best choice.
For more casual weddings, a well-fitted suit in neutral tones is appropriate.

2. Stick To Solid Colours

Stick to solid, neutral tones like black, navy, or grey. These colours are classic and help keep the focus on the couple.
Avoid overly bold colours or busy patterns.

3. Check The Colour Scheme

Always ask the couple about the wedding colours. If the wedding party is wearing tan suits, for example, avoid wearing black as it may clash with the overall aesthetic.
A solid-coloured tie that complements the wedding colours is a simple yet elegant touch.

4. Tailored For Comfort

Fit is essential. Tailor your suit for both comfort and style. You will be standing for an extended period, and an ill-fitting outfit can make the day feel longer than it should.

5. Don’t Outshine The Groom

While it’s important to look smart, the officiant should not be dressed more formally than the groom. If the groom and groomsmen are wearing tuxedos, you can opt for a classic black suit instead.

Casual Wedding Officiant Attire

In casual weddings, the dress code is typically relaxed, but you still need to appear well-presented.

Dress slacks and a button-up shirt are typically sufficient for a casual ceremony. A suit jacket can add a touch of formality if needed, but it’s often fine to skip the tie.
If the wedding theme is rustic, such as a country-style wedding, the officiant might even wear a nice pair of jeans with a collared shirt. However, always ask the couple for their input before making this choice.

Woman Officiant Attire

For female officiants, the same general rules of formality and comfort apply, but there are a few additional considerations.

1. Opt For Dark Or Neutral Colours

Many officiants find that black is the safest option for weddings. It’s simple, elegant, and doesn’t draw attention away from the couple.

However, if black feels too formal, dark grey, navy, or muted shades of blue can be equally appropriate.

Avoid bright or flashy colours: These can be distracting, especially in photos.
Subtlety is key: Stick to neutral tones that complement the wedding’s overall theme.

2. Choose A Simple Dress

When it comes to dresses, less is often more. A simple sheath dress or a knee-length pencil skirt paired with a smart top is appropriate for most weddings. Avoid dresses that are too revealing or overly elaborate.

Focus on clean lines: A sheath dress or a wrap dress in a solid, neutral colour is a timeless option.
Avoid busy patterns: Just like with men’s attire, patterns can be distracting in photographs, so it’s better to choose solid colours.

3. Add Subtle Accessories

A few well-chosen accessories can enhance your look without overshadowing the couple.

A sparkly wrap or a pair of understated sparkly shoes can elevate your look, particularly for a more formal wedding. However, ensure these accessories are subtle enough not to steal the focus.

4. Practical Footwear

Footwear is another critical consideration, especially for outdoor weddings. High heels might not be ideal for venues with grass, sand, or uneven terrain.

Opt for comfortable shoes that won’t sink into soft ground or cause discomfort during the ceremony.

Tips For Choosing The Perfect Attire

1. Consider The Formality Of The Wedding

Assess the formality: The first and most important consideration is the formality of the event. If the wedding is black-tie, your attire should reflect this—meaning suits or tuxedos for men and elegant dresses for women. In contrast, casual beach or backyard weddings call for more relaxed attire. The key is to dress in harmony with the event’s overall tone.
Venue matters: The location of the wedding can greatly impact your attire choice. For instance, a church or ballroom setting might call for formalwear, while an outdoor garden or beach wedding could allow for lighter, more casual fabrics like linen or cotton.

2. Ask About The Colour Palette

It’s essential to consult with the couple regarding the wedding’s colour palette.

Many weddings follow specific colour themes, and your outfit should complement, rather than clash with, this palette.

Blend in: Choose a neutral or subdued colour that aligns with the wedding’s theme. For example, if the theme includes soft pastel colours, opt for light grey, navy, or beige to avoid drawing attention away from the couple.
Avoid standing out: Bright or bold colours can detract from the couple’s moment. The focus should always be on them, not on the officiant.

3. Avoid Patterns

When deciding on your outfit, it’s a good idea to steer clear of patterns. Photographs are a big part of any wedding, and patterns can be distracting, especially in formal portraits.

If you enjoy a bit of flair, a subtle pattern on a shirt or accessory might work, but solid colours are a safer choice for jackets, dresses, or suits.

Opt for solids: Solid colours create a clean, timeless look that doesn’t detract from the couple in photographs.
Subtle accessories: If you prefer a bit of pattern, keep it minimal with a tie or pocket square. The goal is to avoid anything that takes attention away from the couple.

4. Choose Comfort And Fit

Your attire should not only be appropriate but also comfortable. Wedding ceremonies, especially those involving pre-ceremony events and receptions, can last several hours.

Choosing an outfit that fits well will ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the day.

Tailoring is key: A well-tailored suit or dress will not only look better but will also ensure comfort, helping you focus on the ceremony rather than how your clothes feel.
Stay relaxed: Even formalwear can be comfortable if it fits correctly. You’ll be standing, speaking, and interacting with guests, so make sure your clothing allows for easy movement.

5. Seek The Couple’s Opinion

Before finalising your outfit, it’s always best to ask the couple if they have any preferences regarding your attire.

Many couples may have specific expectations, especially if they have a cohesive theme or colour scheme in mind for the ceremony.

Collaborate with the couple: Ask if they have any particular requirements or preferences about the formality, colours, or style of your attire.
Consult the planner: If the couple has hired a wedding planner or designer, they can provide guidance on what would look best given the wedding’s overall theme.

6. Consider The Venue And Weather

The venue and weather conditions are essential factors in choosing your attire.

For instance, outdoor venues require a more thoughtful approach when it comes to footwear and fabrics.

Outdoor weddings: In an outdoor setting, such as a beach, garden, or vineyard, opt for breathable fabrics. Linen suits or cotton dresses are ideal for keeping cool in the summer heat. Avoid heavy materials like wool or polyester, which can be uncomfortable in warmer weather.
Climate considerations: Weather can be unpredictable. For colder climates or winter weddings, consider layers such as a blazer or shawl that can be removed later. Rainy weather requires darker shoes that won’t stain, and a backup plan for outerwear can be a lifesaver if the weather turns chilly.

Conclusion

As a wedding officiant, your attire plays an essential role in complementing the couple’s special day without drawing attention away from them.

Whether the wedding is formal or casual, the key is to match the formality of the event, choose neutral or subdued colours, and prioritise comfort and practicality.

Always consider the venue, weather, and the couple’s preferences to ensure you look appropriate and feel confident.

By thoughtfully selecting your outfit and collaborating with the couple, you can contribute to creating a harmonious and memorable wedding experience for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an officiant in a wedding?

A wedding officiant is the leader of the wedding ceremony. They work with the couple to prepare materials for the ceremony and perform the marriage on the day of.

How do you become a wedding officiant?

Know Local Laws. Law varies by state, so it’s important that you study up on local officiating rules to legally ensure that the wedding will happen.
Get Ordained (If Required)
Spend Time With the Couple.
Plan the Ceremony.
Rehearse and Refine.
Track the Marriage License.
Officiate the Ceremony.
Sign the License.

Can my friend officiate my wedding?

The quick answer to that is yes; it is possible to have a friend or a family member perform your marriage ceremony once they have been legally ordained to do so.

Getting ordination can be as simple as filling out an online form from a ministry that will ordain anyone who wants to solemnize weddings.

What’s the purpose of an officiant?

The main duty of a wedding officiant is to make your wedding official by fulfilling the requirements set forth by the marriage laws in the state in which you are being married.

This includes witnessing the couple deliberately give their consent to the marriage and signing the marriage license.