Rhiannon Hendricks
May is the start of the busiest part of the wedding season, and dressing for a May wedding can be tricky. The weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to come prepared with layers. When in doubt, a midi silhouette with sandals or a button-down and slacks is a safe choice. For a formal wedding, a pleated satin maxi dress in a gorgeous gray-blue-green color is perfect, while a floral print dress is ideal for a casual daytime wedding. Vibrant floral prints are perfect for heading into summer, adding a vacation-ready vibe to your look. It's important to remember that weddings are a sacred occasion, so dress codes should be respected. Staying away from white is a general rule of thumb, but you can always opt for a neutral colour.
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What You'll Learn
- Dress codes: If the wedding is formal, casual, or religious, adapt your outfit accordingly
- Colours: Avoid white and pale colours that may photograph as white
- Prints: Vibrant florals are perfect for May weddings
- Fabrics: Satin and lace are elegant choices
- Layers: Bring a shawl or jacket in case it gets cold
Dress codes: If the wedding is formal, casual, or religious, adapt your outfit accordingly
When deciding what to wear to a May wedding, it's important to consider the formality of the event and the venue. While most wedding invitations include the preferred dress code, creative phrasing like "whimsical garden party" or "tropical formal" can make it challenging to determine the appropriate attire.
If the wedding is formal, opt for elegant and sophisticated clothing. For women, this could mean a floor-length dress, a formal pantsuit, or a cocktail dress that falls just above the knee or longer. Men should typically wear a suit and tie, with the option to wear a dress shirt and slacks, and leather dress shoes or dressy loafers.
For a casual wedding, which often indicates an outdoor or beach ceremony, the atmosphere and dress code are more relaxed. Men can wear slacks or khakis with a button-down shirt or polo shirt, while women can choose from sundresses, jumpsuits, or casual maxi dresses. Jeans are generally not recommended, especially if the wedding is held at a church or religious venue.
If the wedding is religious, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. Consider bringing a shawl or sweater to cover up, and opt for dresses with thicker straps or floor-length skirts. While you don't need to wear something old-fashioned, remember that modesty is expected during religious ceremonies.
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Colours: Avoid white and pale colours that may photograph as white
When deciding what to wear to a May wedding, it's important to consider the colours that you should avoid. While it may seem obvious, it's crucial to stay away from wearing white to a wedding, as this is the colour typically worn by the bride. In addition to white, it's best to avoid pale colours that may photograph as white. This includes shades like very light yellow with a white lace overlay, extremely pale blue, and other neutral or pale hues. Lighter colours tend to photograph as white, so it's important to be mindful of how your outfit will appear in photographs.
If you want to wear something close to white, you could consider choosing a neutral shade instead. Beige, for example, is a light colour that is unlikely to photograph as white. You could also opt for a dress with a white background but a colourful print, such as a floral pattern, which will ensure you stand out from the bride.
It's also a good idea to avoid wearing the same colours as the wedding party, unless specifically requested by the couple. This will prevent you from blending in with the bridal party in photos. If you're unsure about what colours to choose, you can always opt for a vibrant floral print, which is perfect for a May wedding as it adds a vacation-ready vibe to your outfit.
Additionally, it's important to consider the venue and theme of the wedding when choosing your colours. For example, if the wedding is taking place in a church or other religious institution, it's respectful to dress modestly. You can bring a shawl or sweater to cover up if needed, and these come in a variety of colours to coordinate with your outfit.
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Prints: Vibrant florals are perfect for May weddings
May is the perfect time for florals, and vibrant floral prints are a great choice for wedding guest dresses.
If you're attending a formal wedding, a pleated satin maxi dress in a gorgeous grey-blue-green colour is a perfect choice. You could also opt for a one-shouldered dress in green hammered satin, which is a great choice for May afternoon weddings, while the formal fabric and metallic texture make it work for the evening too. For a casual daytime wedding, a floral print dress is a good option. Try a V-neck pleated short-sleeve midi dress or a floral maxi dress with a flowy skirt. A pastel maxi dress or lace cocktail dress is also a good choice for daytime weddings.
Floral prints are a great way to embrace the season and the vibrant blooms of May. You can also incorporate florals into your outfit with a colourful cocktail dress for afternoon and evening weddings. A bright colour gown or pastel is perfect for formal May weddings.
When choosing what to wear to a May wedding, it's important to consider the venue and any dress code. If the ceremony is in a church or another institution with a modest dress code, remember to be respectful and bring a shawl or sweater to cover up if needed. It's also a good idea to avoid colours that are too light, as they may photograph as white.
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Fabrics: Satin and lace are elegant choices
When it comes to May weddings, satin and lace are elegant and romantic choices. Satin is a versatile fabric that can be used to create sexy, comfortable, or classic dresses. It is known for its lustrous appearance and fluid drape, and its smooth texture and rich shine make it perfect for structured ball gowns or A-line dresses. Satin is also a good choice for creating figure-hugging shapes. For a May wedding, a pleated satin maxi dress in a gorgeous grey-blue-green colour is a perfect choice, while a green satin one-shouldered dress with a pretty hemline is a good option for afternoon weddings.
Lace is another fabric that is often associated with weddings, as it exudes romance and vintage charm. Lace adds a romantic, vintage appeal with its intricate details. It is a timeless choice that won't look dated in years to come. Lace is also a good choice for a May wedding, with a cobalt blue lace cocktail dress being a good option for early spring weddings. For a daytime wedding, a lace dress with a floral print is a great choice. If you want a mix of both worlds, you can opt for a satin dress with lace embellishments.
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Layers: Bring a shawl or jacket in case it gets cold
May weddings are the start of the busiest part of the wedding season. The weather might not be as warm as you'd like, so it's always a good idea to bring layers just in case.
If you feel cold easily, it's a good idea to bring a shawl or jacket to a May wedding. A pashmina is a stylish option, and there are plenty of ways to wear one. You could also bring a sweater or cardigan to keep warm. If you're wearing a suit, swap your sports coat for a long wool coat or pea coat.
If you're attending a formal May wedding, a pleated satin maxi dress in a gorgeous grey-blue-green colour is a perfect choice for this transitional season. You could also try a bright colour or a vibrant floral print. For a casual daytime wedding, a floral print dress is a great option. A floral maxi dress with a flowy skirt is perfect for a classic May outdoor wedding.
If you're attending a May wedding in a church or another religious institution, remember to dress modestly. You can bring a shawl or sweater to cover up and stay warm.
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Frequently asked questions
For a formal wedding, a pleated satin maxi dress in a gorgeous gray-blue-green color is perfect. For a casual daytime wedding, a floral print dress is a great choice. A floral maxi dress with a flowy skirt is ideal for a classic outdoor wedding. A cobalt blue lace cocktail dress is a good choice for early spring weddings.
Vibrant floral prints are perfect for May weddings, especially if the wedding is in a summery destination. You can also opt for pastels, bright colors, or spring colors.
Yes, it is best to stay away from colors that match the wedding party. It is also good to avoid off-white, light yellow with a white lace overlay, or very pale blue, as these colors tend to photograph as white.
