Not every bride dreams of a 200-person cathedral ceremony complete with a wedding gown that could double as a duvet cover. In fact, courthouse weddings are rapidly becoming the norm for modern couples that simply don't crave the fuss of a larger affair. While planning a courthouse wedding is a cinch, determining the correct attire for the wedding apparel occasion is decidedly not so simple. A voluminous ballgown is far too formal for the venue, while a pair of white jeans and a corresponding blazer seems far too casual for such a momentous moment. But what ensemble would work for understated courthouse I-do's? Read on for seven perfect outfit ideas to take you straight from the courthouse to your post-nuptial festivities.
1. A Simple Skirt Suit
Prim, pretty, and pared-down, the skirt suit is a sartorial standard that will appear infinitely more fashionable walking down the aisle than it might sitting in a cubicle. Choose a fitted, midi-length pencil skirt and a cream birdcage for vintage allure, or take on 2015's ruffled skirt trend with a design that ripples lightly at the knee.
2. A Mod Mini Dress
The '70s trend currently overtaking the fashion industry is not limited to flared denim and peasant blouses. If you're craving a mod moment on your wedding day, opt for a chic mini wedding dress paired with platform pumps. Whether rendered in traditional lace with an illusion neckline and wrist-length sleeves or white satin with crystal embellishments at the bodice, a mini dress embraces the more informal vibe of a courthouse wedding.
3. A Tailored Tuxedo
Bianca Jagger's daringly dipped white wedding tuxedo made quite an impression on hubby Mick, but the suit also drastically altered the manner in which brides dressed for their nuptials. While a floor-grazing wedding gown remains a beloved design for traditionally-minded brides, the silk tuxedo has retained its rock star allure over the years and is favored amongst avant-garde celebrity style icons. If you gravitate towards clothing with menswear-inspired components, the nuptial tuxedo is the perfect fit for a relaxed courthouse wedding.
4. A Tea-Length, Flared Frock
The flared frock is an innately celebratory garment whose exuberance will match that of your wedding day. By selecting a tea-length design in lieu of a floor-grazing frock, you can balance the informal atmosphere of a city hall wedding while still indulging in your whimsical design inclinations.
5. A Beautiful Bias-Cut Gown
There is no law against donning a full-length gown to a courthouse wedding ceremony, but choosing a body-skimming bias-cut gown in chiffon or lace will suit the location better than a ballgown with a trailing tulle skirt. Brides who crave the elegance of a traditional wedding gown without the added formality will find their perfect fit in a floor-length, fitted silhouette.
6. A Streamlined Jumpsuit
If you're planning a swift jaunt to the courthouse dressed in something befitting your utilitarian spirit, look no further than the sophisticated and streamlined jumpsuit. A gracefully draped silk jumpsuit paired with peep-toe heels and an embellished minaudiere is equal parts fashion and function for an ultra-modern bride.
7. A Modern Maxi Skirt And Crop Top
Straight off the spring runways and showing no signs of slowing down for autumn is the bridal crop top trend, whose haute nature and subtly coquettish design makes the style a perfect fit for courthouse vows. Pair your satin or lace crop top with a billowing, pleated chiffon maxi skirt for aesthetic impact, or select a tailored mermaid style for a simpler silhouette
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