Bridesmaids: A Registry Office Wedding Tradition?

Registry office weddings are a popular choice for couples who want to get married on a budget, keep the ceremony short and sweet, or opt for an intimate celebration with fewer guests. While a registry office wedding is typically associated with a smaller, more casual affair, that doesn't mean you can't include special touches to make your day memorable. One question that often comes up is whether you can have bridesmaids at a registry office wedding. The short answer is yes! Even if you're not walking down a traditional aisle, you can still invite your friends and family to be part of your wedding party. Whether you choose to have one or two bridesmaids, a best man, groomsmen, flower girls, or page boys, your loved ones can certainly play a role in making your special day even more meaningful.

Dress code: There are no restrictions on what to wear to a registry office wedding

There are no restrictions on what you can wear to a registry office wedding. You can wear whatever you want, whether that's a white wedding dress, a suit, formalwear, or something casual. It's your wedding, so wear whatever makes you happy!

If you're wearing white, be aware that cameras pick up on whites and they often look brighter in photos. You may want to opt for an off-white, ivory, or natural shade instead. Avoid shiny white fabric unless it has some colour to it, as it can be harsh in photos.

If you're wearing a dress, consider the length. A full-length dress, a 1950s mid-calf length dress, or a mini dress are all great options. Shift dresses and two-piece skirt suits are also popular choices. If you're not into dresses, a trouser suit, jumpsuit, or playsuit could be a good alternative.

For shoes, comfort is key. Avoid high heels unless you wear them regularly and are comfortable walking in them. Registry offices often require a lot of walking on hard surfaces, so make sure you can manage in your chosen footwear. If you do opt for heels, bring a pair of slip-on trainers or slippers to change into if your feet start to hurt.

When it comes to hair, less is more. Avoid over-styling your hair or using too much hairspray, as this can make your hair look stiff and unnatural in photos. If you usually wear your hair down, a blow-dry can be a great way to achieve a natural, effortless look. If you want to try something new, consider a modern or vintage updo, but avoid making it too perfect—a little bit of movement looks great in photos.

For makeup, keep it natural. Imagine you're meeting your girlfriends at a smart lunch venue—that's the level of makeup you should aim for. Avoid going too dark or too light, as you want to recognise yourself in the photos. If you're doing your own makeup, practice the look beforehand and opt for products you're familiar with.

Overall, the most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident and happy. It's your wedding day, so choose an outfit that reflects your personal style and makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Witnesses: You need at least two witnesses to sign the register

A registry office wedding is a legal ceremony and, as such, you will need at least two witnesses to sign the register. While it is your special day, you can ask just about anyone to be your witness, even a stranger. However, it is more common to choose witnesses that are close to you, like best friends or family members.

Your witnesses must be able to understand the language of the ceremony and have the mental capacity to understand what is taking place. They will be there to support you and celebrate with you, but their legal role is to witness the ceremony and sign the register at the time of the marriage.

If you are inviting more than two witnesses, some registry offices have larger rooms that can accommodate ten, twenty, or even more guests. Sharing your day with loved ones will make your small wedding feel special.

Picking your witnesses

If you are having a small registry office wedding, you will need to carefully consider who you want as your witnesses. While you can have strangers sign as witnesses, this may make your ceremony feel less intimate. If you only want two witnesses, you could choose a parent or a very close friend.

If you are inviting more than two people, you could ask your friends and family to be bridesmaids or groomsmen to make the day feel even more special. You can coordinate their outfits and accessories, such as bouquets.

What to wear

There are no restrictions on what your witnesses should wear. You can give them a free rein and let them choose their own outfits, or you could specify a dress code, such as black-tie or smart-casual.

Guests: Registry office weddings are smaller and more intimate, but you can still invite friends and family

Registry office weddings are a popular choice for couples who want to keep things small and intimate. While they are often chosen for being a budget-friendly alternative to larger weddings, they can still be made special by inviting your friends and family.

Registry offices usually have a range of rooms to accommodate different numbers of guests, so you can invite anywhere from two to a hundred guests, depending on the venue. Sharing your special day with your loved ones will make your small wedding feel all the more meaningful.

If you're worried about having a small guest list, you can always opt to have a bigger reception. This way, you can still keep the ceremony intimate while celebrating with a larger group of friends and family.

Involving your friends and family in the wedding party is another great way to make the day feel special. You can ask friends and family to be bridesmaids or groomsmen, and even include younger members of your family as flower girls and ring bearers.

While registry office weddings are typically shorter and more low-key, you can still ask your nearest and dearest to play a part and celebrate with you.

Vows: You can write your own vows to make the ceremony more personal

Writing your own wedding vows is a great way to make your registry office wedding more personal and creative. While some couples prefer to stick to traditional vows, others decide to write personalised messages to their future spouse. Here are some tips to help you craft your own unique vows.

Start with a template

Use a basic template as a starting point for your vows. Here's a simple one:

• Express your love: Don't forget to say "I love you" at some point in your vows.
• Reaffirm your support: Mention that you'll be there for your partner through good and bad times.
• Share personal stories: Include romantic, funny, or inspiring narratives about your relationship. These stories will make your vows more engaging and meaningful for your guests.
• Make concrete promises: Besides the heartfelt sentiments, include some specific and achievable promises that you intend to keep throughout your marriage.
• Acknowledge your loved ones: Thank your friends and family for their support and ask for their continued guidance in your married life.

Discuss expectations with your partner

Before you start writing, talk to your partner about what you both envision for your vows. Decide on the length, tone, level of detail, and whether you want to include any inside jokes or personal anecdotes.

Brainstorm and outline

Jot down your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about your partner and your relationship. Include memorable moments, inside jokes, and the reasons why you love your partner. Then, highlight the points that resonate the most and use them to create an outline for your vows.

Write and edit

Keep your vows concise and authentic. Avoid using absolute words like "always" and "never," as these can set unrealistic expectations. Focus on capturing the essence of your love and commitment. Edit your vows to ensure they align with the agreed-upon tone and length.

Practice and finalise

Practise reading your vows aloud to improve your delivery and identify any areas that need refinement. Pay attention to pacing, pausing, and intonation to ensure your vows are clear and engaging. Ask a trusted friend to listen and provide feedback. Make any necessary adjustments and finalise your vows well before the wedding day.

Examples for inspiration

"You are my lover and my teacher, you are my model and my accomplice, and you are my true counterpart. I will love you, hold you, and honour you. I will respect you, encourage you, and cherish you, in health and sickness, through sorrow and success, for all the days of my life."

"I promise to get out of bed and make you coffee in the morning before you wake up. I promise to bring you flowers for no particular reason other than it's Tuesday. I promise to flirt with you and remind you of how unbelievably attractive you are."

"I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will celebrate your triumphs and mourn your losses as though they were my own."

Remember, your vows should reflect your unique relationship and personality. Be creative, authentic, and speak from the heart. Good luck!

Decorations: You may be able to bring your own flowers or balloons to decorate the room

Registry office weddings are a great option for couples who want to get married on a budget, keep the ceremony short and sweet, or prefer a small, intimate setting. While these weddings are typically more low-key and casual, there are still plenty of ways to make the day feel special and personalised.

One way to add a personal touch to your registry office wedding is by bringing your own decorations. Depending on the specific rules of your chosen venue, you may be able to bring flowers or balloons to decorate the room. It's important to contact your registry office in advance to inquire about their policies on decorations, as there may be some restrictions in place. For example, you probably won't be allowed to hang anything on the walls or use confetti, as these can be difficult to clean up.

When bringing your own decorations, it's essential to keep in mind the limited time you'll have to set up before the ceremony and the expectation that you'll need to take everything with you afterward. Despite these limitations, adding a few personal touches can make your wedding day feel even more special.

In addition to flowers and balloons, there are other ways to spruce up the ceremony room. For instance, you can coordinate outfits and accessories for your wedding party, such as bouquets for the bridesmaids. You can also incorporate meaningful music selections, such as a song that defines you as a couple or a romantic classical piece.

While registry office weddings may have a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, they still offer ample opportunities for personalisation and unique touches. By bringing your own decorations and incorporating other special elements, you can create a memorable and meaningful celebration that reflects your style and personality.

Frequently asked questions