What to Wear to a May Wedding | Dress for the Wedding (2024)

May weddings are the start of the busiest part of the wedding season. If you're wondering what to wear to a wedding in May, this post will help!

What to Wear to a May Wedding

Are you wondering what to wear to a May Wedding? A lovely spring dress should work! Here, we will show you some outfit ideas and dress options for day, afternoon, and evening weddings.

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What to Wear to a May Wedding | Dress for the Wedding (1)

Image credits and shopping sources: 1. Balto off the Shoulder Midi Dress by Astr the Label 2. Green Satin Lace Up Maxi Dress from Lulus 3. Floral V Neck Pleated Midi Astr the Label 4 Dreamy Floral Lavender Maxi Dress Lulus

Colors of the season made their way into our latest picks. This purple orchid pink off-the-shoulder midi is one of our favorite classic wedding guest looks for the season. If you have a more formal wedding to attend, a pleated satin maxi dress in a gorgeous gray-blue-green color is a perfect choice for this transitional season. For a casual daytime wedding, try a floral print dress like the v-neck pleated short-sleeve midi if a great choice. For a classic may outdoor wedding, a floral maxi dress with a flowy skirt is a the perfect spring wedding guest dress.

May Wedding Attire

When unsure what to wear to a May wedding, opt for a pretty floral dress, a pastel maxi dress or lace co*cktail dresses for a daytime wedding. Try a lace co*cktail dress or a pretty beaded or colorful co*cktail dress for the afternoon and evening in spring colors. A beautiful bright color gown or pastel is the perfect choice for formal May weddings. More dresses and details below!

Our Picks for May Wedding Guest Dresses

Here are a few of the dresses we've been eyeing lately that are perfect for weddings in May! These are the newest colors and top styles for the current wedding season.

Links in theshop section are from affiliates and sponsors.

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Visit this page to see our latest Spring Wedding Guest Dress picks. If you're attending a formal wedding check out our latest suggestions for spring formal wedding attire.

Past Picks: co*cktail Dresses for May Weddings

This section shows older May wedding suggestions that are now out of stock. We will update this section soon! This post was originally published on May 4, 2015, but it has been updated with new dresses for Spring 2024

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  1. One Shouldered Dress in Green Hammered Satin by ASOS $76 2. EmbroideredBlue Topaz Dress from Anthropologie3.Ruffles Ripple Maxi Dress in Lavender $149 at ModCloth 4. JetSet Pineapple Dress from Shopbop

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A gorgeous green satin maxi dress with a pretty hemline. One Shouldered Dress in Hammered Satin by ASOS $76

Blue Floral Fit and Flare

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The print makes this good for May afternoon weddings, but the formal fabric and metallic texture makes it work for evening weddings too! Metallic Jacquard Fit and Flare Dress by Eliza J

Tiered Lavender Maxi Dress

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For a formal event, or if you just feel like wearing an elegant long dress in a beautiful lavender shade. As Ruffles Ripple Maxi Dress in Lavender $149 at ModCloth

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A cobalt blue lace co*cktail dress is always a good choice for early spring weddings!Chi Chi London Tall Scallop Lace Pencil Dress $103 from ASOS

Black Floral Print Dress

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I had the chance to see this dress in person and it is so cute! The flowers are bright and cheery - more than it seems in the picture - and the black background makes it pop! I'm calling this the perfect May wedding guest style, because it works for both daytime and night weddings with just a change of accessories! And it's only $75! Undeniably Timeless Fit and Flare Dress from ModCloth.

Pale Blue Off-the-Shoulder Dress

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If you have a daytime wedding, a beach wedding, or a wedding in a coastal or summery venue, IIove the look of this pale blue-green dress with a floral print! Get it in May, wear it all summer!Yumi Kim Skip A Beat Dress in Wanderlust Jade

Purple Lace Dress

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Maybe you're looking for a dress to rent? If so I love the look of this showstopper! Spring colors, lace details and just the right amount of embellishment, flattering without being overly tight. I love this dress! Rent it from Rent the Runway.Marchesa Notte Purple Lace Flounce Sheath

Long Sleeve Maxi

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Long Sleeve Maxi dresses are big this season! This color combo of mauve and bright florals is as on-trend as they come! It would be a gorgeous choice for evening semi-formal or formal weddings.ASOS EDITION Embroidered Floral Maxi Dress

Dresses for May Wedding Guests

Are you as happy as I am that May is here? May is one of those months when spring is really in action, the signs of summer really start appearing, and the feeling of carefree days ahead sets in. It's also really when wedding season goes into high gear! As promised, I'm trying to more do of-the-moment picks each month for wedding guests , so I have a new compilation of dresses for May wedding guests.

(Please note, this post is from a few seasons ago so many of the orginially shown dresses are out of stock, but we've added plenty of new dresses!

What to wear to a may wedding. A co*cktail dress is always a great choice. Here are some favorites!

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If you ask me, spring is THEseason for pastels. This taffeta dress is a nice semi-formal style, that offers polished look and an easy way to wear pastels into evening. Vera Wang Gathered Taffeta Dress(now out of stock, try these pink wedding guest dresses)

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Navy blue, lace, and floral print -- three of my favorite elementsin one dress! This cute and preppy co*cktail dress works for afternoon into evening; it's great little dress for a semi-formal wedding! Eliza J Belted Lace Overlay Dress from Nordstrom( now out of stock, try these other floral styles from Eliza J)

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ASOS Oasis Lace Midi DressI have yet to meet a cobalt blue dress I don't love, and the pretty pleats in this make the dress that is made for dancing! Out of stock - try more stylesorthis blue dress from ASOS.

Semi Formal Dress for a May Wedding

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For a evening semi-formal wedding, I'm in love with this dress!It has a muted neutral mocha-y and mauve shimmer to it, and that cute little jacket is removable to reveal a cute co*cktail dress that is great for the reception!ASOS Red Carpet Two Piece Sequin Dress(Second look below.) This dress might be low in stock so also look at our picks for short sequin dresses)

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Two-piece sequin co*cktail dressASOS Red Carpet Two Piece Sequin Dress

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By now, you probably know there are very few lace co*cktail dresses of this shape that I can resist. This pretty periwinkle blue is a great color for spring and summer weddings, and one of those great little dresses that can be suited today or night events! Shoshanna Periwinkle Lace Sierra Dress from Rent the Runway.

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Oasis Lace Pencil Dress from ASOS

I learned a few years ago that wearing a green dress to a wedding in the UK is seen as a no-no. I'm not sure if that rule still stands, but I'm glad it's not a rule we follow here in the US, because I think green is a wonderful color to wear to weddings! Right now, I'm loving this green lace dress. It's a little bit consverative and tailored, but that little panel of see through green lace keeps it fun and fresh! I love this dress as a great all-around wedding guest dress! Here's another green dress I can't resist!

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Here's another green dress I can't resist!Y.A.S. Green Arcade Dress( This dress is now low in stock, so check out these new picks for Green Dresses for Wedding Guests, or look at the new post for Spring Wedding Guest Dresses for 2016)

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This Tadashi Shoji co*cktaildress is my go-to classic lace co*cktail dress pick. I very often recommendit for mothers of the wedding, but as you can seeit is gorgeous dress for any stylish lady in any role at a wedding!It is a gorgeous co*cktail dress and Nordstrom added so many new colors for spring!

Dressy Casual Dresses for May Weddings

The softly structured sundress is one of my favorite looks for casual daytime weddings. Floaty chiffon dresses in soft colors in a pretty midi-length are among my favorite picks for laid-back outdoor weddings at this time of year.

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Floral Midi dress from ASOS(may be out of stock, try more floral dresses from ASOS)

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Peachtree Dress from Anthropologie(See more coral and peach dresses for weddings here)

Maxi Dresses for May Wedding

Maybe you've been invited to a beach wedding in May? As you may know, I'm on a bit of a maxi dress kick here and I especiallylove this one for a beach chic look.

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Dress it up with big statement earrings for a beach formal look, or dress it down with a casual look like this for a more relaxed beach wedding. Hunter Bell Camo Sea Maxi Dress at Rent the Runway. See our latest picks for more Beach Wedding Guest Dresses)

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This is another dressthatcan go black tie, or to a beach wedding!Fame and Partners Floral Watercolor Gown available at ASOS ( More formal dress code dressesor beach chic looks here)

Another favorite for beach or outdoor weddings is a pretty maxi dress. Thesestyles that can be made more formal with strappy sandals and some bold sparkling accessories or toned down for daytime with some simple studs and a long necklace.

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Y.A.S. Lina Maxi Dress at ASOS( If this dress has sold out, find more red dresses here and more maxi dresses here)

Formal Gowns for May Weddings

On the more formal side of things, if you have been invited to a black tie wedding, I think spring is a wonderful time to wear a little bit of color in a full-length formal gown. It used to be that only neutral dark colors were recommended for the strictest black tie - and I've including one dark gown-- but as we see on red carpets for awards and galas, a bit of color makes for some of the prettiest dresses. Here are a few I'm loving right now!

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ASOS Fishtail Maxi DressThis navy blue gown is the modern take on conservative black tie. The tank style and criss-cross makes it a current look, while the fishtail hem gives plenty of glamour and formality. And one can never go wrong with navy blue! ( Also see this fabulous formal navy gown)

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I love a lavender dress! A gorgeous color in a formal style is always lovely in my bookfor a black tie spring wedding.Vera Wang Chiffon Gathered Gown from Nordstrom

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Agorgeous color, sweeping layers, and unique neckline! Minted Silk Gown From Anthropologie

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What could be more spring-like than a hot pink dress? This gown reminds me of theAzaleasand peonies that start to bloomthis time of year!Corundum Tourmaline Gown at Rent the Runway

Floral Dresses for May Weddings

Spring is also a wonderful time to trot out plenty of prints and floral patterns!

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This floral maxi dress can work for nearly every type of wedding invitation- a semi-formal but daytime wedding, summery black tie, or beach formal weddings, and would be perfectly in place at a garden wedding as well! The pretty watercolor print in soothing colors and embellished neckline give this maxi dress a sophisticated twist! Eliza J Embellished Floral Maxi Dress from Nordstrom. ( If this one is out of stock, these Eliza J maxi gowns are sosimilar especially this onein pink print and blue print!)

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This cheerful print has an embellished belt and a great mix of rosy colors!Embellished Jacquard Dressfrom Nordstrom. Also see this pink dress picks!

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Such a cute blue and white floral with a fun hi-low hem and full skirt! Chi Chi London High Low Hem Dress

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And finally, a sure sign of spring - a rosey pink floral sundress, with pockets and ready for any wedding!Pink Floral Dress from ASOS This dress is in out ofstock so also try this similar styleor or more floral dresses from ASOS or browse our picks for more floral dresses here.

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ASOS Oasis Lace Midi Dress

Where to Find More Dress Ideas

If these picks didn't fill your wedding attire needs for the month, check out the Wedding Guest Dress shop, where you can shop and browse by wedding style or color!

Also, see our latest picks for Spring Wedding Guest Dresses

Links in italics and in the shop section are from affiliates and sponsors, meaning that this blogmay earn a small referral commission from the retailer, at no cost to the purchaser, if a qualified sale is made.

More style ideas you might enjoy :

Sandals for Beach WeddingsGreen Lace Party DressPink and Blush Wedding DressesBurgundy Dress for a Fall Wedding
What to Wear to a May Wedding | Dress for the Wedding (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to a May wedding as a guest? ›

Yellow, pink, lilac, and green dresses are all great options to wear as a wedding guest. Dresses with patterns and floral designs also work well for the spring season—just be sure you aren't wearing the same color as the bride's bridal party, and of course, stay away from white! Can I wear black to a wedding?

How do you answer a wedding dress code? ›

The wedding is casual, so please feel free to wear whatever you'd feel best in!” “The wedding is semi-formal, so we encourage you to wear co*cktail attire [for evening events] / Sunday best [for daytime events].” “The wedding is formal, so we encourage you to wear black tie attire.

What is formal attire for a spring wedding? ›

co*cktail attire is highly favored for weddings, striking a balance between elegance and comfort, and sophistication with a touch of simplicity. Women should consider tea-length, knee-length, or midi dresses instead of floor-length gowns. While tuxedos are no longer obligatory, men should still opt for a suit and tie.

Is it okay to wear black to a spring wedding? ›

Though it's technically OK to wear black at any time of the day, Aleece says it's better suited for late afternoon and evening weddings in the fall and winter, along with formal and black tie weddings in the early spring.

Can you wear navy dress to a May wedding? ›

If you're attending a wedding in the evening, there are certain colors that can help you look your best and make an impression. If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate.

What do you wear to an early May wedding? ›

"Spring represents joy and love, so it's all about florals and shades of red, pink, blue, purple, and green," says Ranu Coleman, CMO of online bridal retailer Azazie. Of course, if you feel more comfortable in less eye-catching attire, there are other options. Classic pastel colors will always be a springtime staple.

What is the best dress code for attending wedding? ›

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.

What is dress code answer? ›

: a set of rules about what clothing may and may not be worn at a school, office, restaurant, etc.

What is dressy casual for a wedding? ›

If you consider it on the scale of semi-formal vs. co*cktail attire, dressy casual is closer to the semi-formal side than the co*cktail one. Light colors and casual materials, like satin or linen, fit the code well.

What not to wear to a spring wedding? ›

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

What to wear to a wedding in May 2024? ›

Formal Spring Wedding Attire

Unless the wedding specifies black-tie attire (in which case you should opt for black or a similar dark shade) feel free to experiment with bright, springtime colors like pink, yellow or green for your next formal spring wedding.

What is the formal dress code for ladies? ›

For Women. For women, it helps to have a selection of gowns to use for formal events. Opt for gowns and dresses of different lengths so that you can adjust your outfit for white tie, black tie, and formal events. Skirts, blouses, and fancy jewelry can also be useful when attending special occasions.

What colors to wear to a May wedding? ›

While white and green is a versatile choice for any time of the year, wedding planner Eva Clark says this color combination is especially fitting for a May wedding. What's more, it works with just about any aesthetic, especially those who prefer a more classic style.

What colors are not appropriate to wear to a wedding? ›

5 Colors to Avoid Wearing as a Wedding Guest
  • White or Ivory. Itching to wear the gorgeous white dress you just purchased? ...
  • Champagne, Beige, or Anything Close to White. ...
  • The Same Color as the Bridal Party. ...
  • Lots of Glitter. ...
  • Denim.
Feb 27, 2023

What to wear to a casual spring wedding? ›

Casual Spring Wedding Guest Dresses

If the wedding dress code is casual, that means you can wear a more informal dress, like a sundress or shirt dress. You still want to look nice, but you don't have to wear anything too fussy. Cute floral prints and breezy lightweight fabrics are fantastic for this dress code.

What do you wear to a backyard wedding in May? ›

"Cotton, linen, or a cotton blend will keep you cool in the summer or spring months for an outdoor wedding," tells Katz. "If you're directly in the sun, make sure the fabric of the dress won't be something you can sweat through or show sweat," she warns.

What does a May wedding mean? ›

The Basics

May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, Goddess of fertility, making it a great month for the birth of a new life together as newlyweds. According to old marriage superstitions, May used to be considered an unlucky month to be wed. Now it's the 2nd most popular wedding month for couples.

Can you wear red to a May wedding? ›

Summary. To answer the main question of the article, yes you can wear red to a wedding in most circ*mstances. However, in some situations you may want to check with the marrying couple that red is acceptable to wear as a guest and it won't go against their culture or distract from their big day.

Is May a popular wedding month? ›

Spring is also the season of rebirth and new beginnings, which ties in wonderfully with a wedding. It's also right before summer so you can hop right into your honeymoon! May is a popular wedding month, so the competition is fierce, but March and April are great options as well.

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