My main source of style inspiration is my parents, particularly my mum who was very stylish. When they had a special event coming up they would go to a tailor and have bespoke outfits made which complemented them both; my dad is 6′ 2″ and my mum was 5′ 1″ but they were always very well co-ordinated and in sync!”
Jennifer Patrice, Celebrant
Jennifer Patrice is an independent celebrant based in London. In her role, she recognises the vital importance of first impressions and, therefore, emphasises the significance of looking good and dressing well, whether she is in an exotic location or in the snowy Alps. Here, we discuss all the finer details that contribute to Jennifer’s polished appearance…
C&B: “Jennifer, firstly – congratulations on appearing on the CITY & BEACH LIFESTYLE INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST 2025. How important is your overall appearance to what you do and how do you select your outfits for each occasion?”
JP: “Thank you! Fashion plays an important role for me as it’s my ‘armour’. When I feel I look good in what I have chosen to wear, I feel confident and when I feel confident I’m more at ease which translates into how I interact with my couple and their guests. Whether I’m wearing a tailored suit or a formal gown for a black tie wedding I use fashion to align with the day ensuring that I am in sync with my surroundings. It’s vital to be dressed in a way that reflects professionalism and also respects the occasion which in turn builds trust. My approach to selecting my outfits is always to ask my couple what their colour pallet is. My own brand colours are cornflower blue, or pale peony pink which often works quite well, but if their colour pallet is different then I’ll ensure that I fit in with their vision. In terms of my personal style I have a penchant for one shoulder dresses but my aim is always to blend in rather than stand out. It is, after all, about my couple being centre stage…”
Peonies are my favourite flower, specifically in pale pink and they’re a subtle feature on all of my stationery…”
Jennifer Patrice, celebrant
C&B: “You always look impeccable – who are your favourite designers, and how do their aesthetics influence your wardrobe choices?”
JP: “My favourite designers are Chanel, Elie Saab, Safiyaa and Solace London. These designers all represent timeless elegance, which is something I aim to project in my role. For ceremonies I often wear brands such as The Kemist, Lavish Alice, Reiss, Me + Em, Malina, or Karen Millen whose styles are contemporary and sophisticated with classic tailoring. I love that this perfectly aligns with my brand and the tone I wish to set for a ceremony…”
IN MY PURSE: I have a Chanel handbag, a tiny cross-body, which I know will stand the test of time, but I also know it doesn’t hold very much – which is very deliberate otherwise I would carry the whole house around with me! In it, I have a card holder, my passport, a Fendy lipgloss, a Tarte lipstick – I tend to swap this out with either a Charlotte Tilbury or Chanel lipstick depending on the colour needed to top up, an aloe vera lip balm and a teeny tiny angel and since I officiate weddings, I also keep a discreet notepad with pen for last-minute notes and a small Christian Louboutin perfume for a fresh touch throughout the day.”
Jennifer Patrice, Celebrant
C&B: “Yes, these labels are very elegant and classical! How do you stay updated with the latest fashion concepts, and do you have any particular sources of inspiration that guide your style?”
JP: “I stay updated by keeping an eye on different collections and trends but I’m not a ‘slave to fashion’, preferring elegance and longevity which can be worn season after season. While I do enjoy browsing magazines, online stores and social media I tend to focus on pieces that are classic, versatile and timeless…”
C&B: “Can you describe a memorable moment where the outfit you were wearing received special attention?”
JP: “Yes – a while ago I wore a black dress to a charity event at the Lansdowne Club and when luxury planner Chenai Bukutu, of By Chenai Events, saw the photos she sent me a message saying “This dress would be perfect for the ceremony of N. and I.” and, as the saying goes, her wish was my command. The bride loved it, which made my day!”
C&B: “It often takes someone in the same circles to point out what would be perfect for an upcoming occasion! What advice would you give to others looking to elevate their personal style while maintaining comfort and practicality, especially in a professional setting?”
JP: “I could suggest various stylists but my own advice would be to know your body shape and skin tone – and wear your correct size! Be aware of which colours, cuts, and styles you look best in. Get to know fabrics and which are less likely to crease as there can be a bit of waiting around on a wedding day. Wear dresses and suits – these offer a sleek, professional look while being easy to move in. I opt for structured yet comfortable fabrics that don’t crease easily and maintain their elegance throughout the day. It should go without saying, but choose good underwear!”
C&B: “How do you balance the demands of your celebrant duties with the time and effort required to maintain such a polished appearance?”
JP: “This year one of my oldest friends, Janice, has challenged me not buy any new clothes! Looking through my wardrobe, I have so many beautiful pieces I’ve never worn or only worn once, so I’m excited to rediscover and restyle them. Planning and intentionality go into balancing the demands of being a celebrant and maintaining a polished appearance. As a celebrant, my role involves a lot of preparation, from meeting with clients to designing ceremonies, and I have to ensure I’m fully present for each couple. To maintain my appearance, I focus on efficiency and consistency in my routines. I make sure to carve out time for personal grooming and outfit planning in advance, so I’m not scrambling last minute. I choose pieces that require minimal maintenance but still look sophisticated, ensuring I feel polished without spending excessive time on upkeep. I have a good wardrobe that allows me to rotate key pieces, keeping things fresh while reducing the time spent choosing outfits…”
C&B: “Final question, Jennifer, in your opinion, what are the key elements of a well-rounded wardrobe for someone in the celebrant profession?”
JP: “A well-rounded wardrobe for someone in my profession should be a balance of comfort, professionalism, and practicality while ensuring outfits are easy to wear and suitable for different elements. As a celebrant, I need to look polished and elegant, but I also have to feel comfortable and confident, especially since ceremonies can take place in a variety of settings, from grand indoor venues to outdoor locations in unpredictable weather. I wear breathable, high quality fabrics – whether it’s a summer wedding under the sun or a winter ceremony in a historic venue, I select fabrics that are breathable, comfortable, and appropriate for the setting. Elegant footwear is important as I’m often standing for long periods, I choose shoes that are both stylish and practical. A block heel – and I must admit, sometimes a sleek stiletto – ensures comfort without sacrificing sophistication… versatile accessories – a refined belt, statement jewellery, or an elegant scarf can elevate an outfit while allowing for subtle variations without needing an entirely new wardrobe. Ultimately, my wardrobe is designed to make me feel confident and professional while ensuring I can adapt to any setting with ease. Comfort is imperative, when I feel good in what I’m wearing, I can focus entirely on delivering a memorable ceremony…”
CONTACT: http://www.jenniferpatrice.com
