May Wedding: Is It A Good Time To Tie The Knot?

May is one of the most popular months to get married. The mild temperatures, beautiful blooms, and various celebrations make it a great choice for couples. It is named after the Greek goddess Maia, the Goddess of fertility, making it an ideal month for the birth of a new life together as newlyweds.

May offers a variety of choices for food and flowers. It is a great time for outdoor weddings, with a perfect balance of spring breeze and summer sun. The weather is also favourable, with daily temperatures averaging between 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, it is important to consider the possibility of surprise rainstorms, especially in more southern and tropical regions. Having a backup plan is essential. Additionally, venues and vendors might be difficult to find on certain dates, so early planning is crucial.

In summary, May is a wonderful month to tie the knot, offering a balance of pleasant weather, vibrant nature, and festive celebrations.

Pros and cons of a May wedding

May is a popular month for weddings, and for good reason. As the month of the Greek goddess Maia, the Goddess of fertility, it is considered a great month for the birth of a new life together as newlyweds. The weather is usually temperate, and there is a wide variety of food and flowers to choose from.

However, there are some drawbacks to a May wedding. Here is a list of pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• The weather is usually beautiful, with mild temperatures and lots of blooms.
• The pictures are likely to turn out well, with gorgeous flowers everywhere.
• It is considered peak season, so wedding venues and vendors will be ready to provide the best deals.
• It is possibly the best time for an outdoor wedding, with pleasant weather and greenery.
• The long weekend might provide more days to celebrate and allow you to pack in additional festivities.

Cons:

• There is still a chance of rain, so an alternate plan is necessary if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
• Given the busy season, venues and vendors might be difficult to find on certain dates, so planning for all scenarios is prudent, especially if a destination wedding is being considered.
• Outdoor spaces may be hard to come by as most couples will be aiming for them.
• Invites will need to be sent out earlier than usual so that guests don't plan other activities or travel during the wedding dates.

Choosing a wedding theme

• Modern: Think minimalist canvases with clean lines, geometric shapes, and neutral hues. This theme embraces a minimalist mindset to make a maximum impact.
• Glamorous: Generate that "wow" factor with crystal chandeliers, elaborate floral arrangements, silk linens, and gold details in a swanky ballroom or regal château.
• Rustic: A rustic wedding theme is about connecting your celebration to nature. Decorate with natural, pared-back elements like twine, lace, and wood. String lights and mason jars will also reinforce this design concept.
• Bohemian: For the cool and carefree couples, a bohemian wedding theme is all about earthy tones and elements. Foliage can include dried florals, pampas grass, dried palm leaves, eucalyptus, and sage. Other coordinating elements include rattan, fringe, macramé, wood, and stone.
• Romantic: Romantic weddings are about creating a dreamlike setting. Think soft hues, delicate lighting, and plenty of blooms. Picture lush, airy flowers and flickering taper candles dressing luxe linens at sunset, while string lights float above.
• Vintage: Adorn your venue with antique décor like weathered doors and worn-in wooden tables. Top off your look with a birdcage veil and display elegant calligraphy on your paper products.
• Whimsical: For the playful and quirky couples, a whimsical wedding will be full of bright splashes of colour and quirky components. Deck out your space with multicoloured balloons, punchy floral arrangements, and mismatched chairs.
• Natural: This theme is focused on nature-inspired elements like fresh flowers, animals, trees, and botanical components. The colour palette is inspired by nature, with a base of white or ivory contrasting with deep green, brown, or blue tones.
• Travel: A travel wedding theme is ideal for couples looking to incorporate different wedding themes and cultures into their celebration. Couples often use vintage maps, globes, and luggage tags as décor.
• Classic: A classic wedding is one of the most popular aesthetics. It's usually defined as a more formal wedding with clean lines, white florals, and a traditional overall look and feel.
• Nautical: A nautical wedding theme is perfect for a celebration by the sea or a destination wedding on the coast. Breezy linen fabrics, lighthouse motifs, Breton stripes, and oyster shell escort cards help form this coastal, relaxed style.
• Retro: Mad Men meets Grease in this retro theme. Pull ideas from the 50s and 60s, a time when bold colours like teal, cherry red, neon pink, and canary yellow were popular. A few throwback details, like Coke served in signature glass bottles, round out the experience.
• Moody: For the edgy couples or weddings near Halloween, try a moody wedding with a mostly black colour palette and hints of dark purple and antique gold. Dine in a dimly lit room with spooky uplighting, skeleton symbols, and "'til death do us part" verbiage.

Food and drink options

May is a great month for a wedding as there are so many choices for food and drinks. Here are some ideas for food and drink options for a May wedding:

Food Options

• Buffet spreads of fan favorites like pizza bites, mini bagels, and tiny tacos. These comfort foods are perfect for snacking, especially if you're planning an outdoor event as they allow your guests to move around and enjoy the weather.
• Grazing tables with finger foods are a great way to stimulate conversation as your guests mingle and enjoy a variety of appetizing options.
• Seafood is a great choice for a May wedding, especially if you have pescatarians on your guest list. You can set up a seafood station with bite-sized cooked classics or an exquisite raw bar.
• Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser and can be served in many ways, from a full pasta station to plated dishes. Pair it with a nice glass of red wine or a lighter white wine, depending on the sauce.
• Chicken is a versatile option that can be served roasted, grilled, fried, barbequed, breaded, or stuffed. Serve it with seasonal vegetables and diced or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
• Tacos are a simple yet charming choice, perfect for feeding large groups. Set up a taco station or prepare plated tacos with iconic toppings like pineapple salsa, succulent meat, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, and sour cream.
• Salads can be just as exciting as the main course when prepared creatively. Offer a variety of textures, toppings, and dressings to create a savory salad that will impress your guests.
• Fast food and burgers with fries are a fun and casual option for your wedding reception. You can even set up a station with your favorite takeout options, including some boozy drinks to match!
• Sushi is a great choice for guests who want a light and healthy option. Offer a variety of rolls, from simple California rolls to omakase and sashimi. Don't forget the sake, wasabi, and soy sauce to complete the experience.
• Brunch options like pancakes, bacon, and mimosas are a great way to start your wedding day. Offer a variety of mimosa flavors like strawberry, watermelon, or berry to add a boozy twist.
• Dessert bars are a popular choice for couples with a sweet tooth. Set up a gelato station, make-your-own donuts, bags of candy, cupcakes, and cookies to satisfy your guests' sugar cravings.

Drink Options

• Champagne is a classic choice for weddings, and it pairs well with finger foods like those offered on a grazing table.
• Cocktails can be a fun way to add a unique twist to your wedding. Create signature cocktails like a vintage Turf Club or a summery rosé to impress your guests.
• Wine is a great option to pair with your meal. Offer a variety of reds and whites to suit different palettes and dishes.
• Margaritas are the perfect pairing for tacos, adding a sugary or salty twist to your drink options.
• Mojitos and Bloody Marys can be served with Mexican or shrimp salads, adding a refreshing touch to your drink options.
• Beer and wine are classic options that are sure to please a range of guests.
• Mocktails are a great option for guests who don't consume alcohol. Offer a variety of creative mocktails to ensure they feel included in the celebrations.

Wedding photography

May is a popular month for weddings, marking the start of the wedding season. With mild temperatures and blooms, it offers a great setting for wedding photography.

• May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, the Goddess of fertility, making it an ideal month to symbolise the birth of a new life together as newlyweds.
• Ranunculus, peonies, poppies, and bluebells are some of the best spring flowers to include in your wedding photography. These can be used in venue decor, tablescapes, place settings, centrepieces, and bouquets.
• The weather in May is usually temperate, but it can be unpredictable. There is a chance of surprise rainstorms in more southern and tropical regions. Always have a plan B and speak with your vendors to explore all options.
• May sunset times range from 7:30 to 8:00 pm. If your ceremony is at 5:00 or 6:00 pm, this leaves room for additional photos after the reception.
• If your wedding has multiple locations, you'll need 9-10 hours of photography coverage. For a traditional wedding with around 100 guests, 8 hours is a good baseline.
• For the getting ready photos, plan for 1.5–2 hours.
• If you're doing a first look (where the couple sees each other before the ceremony), plan for 30 minutes. This is a good idea if your wedding is in winter, as there will be less daylight.
• For separate wedding party photos, family photos, combined wedding party photos, and married couple portraits, plan for around 30 minutes for each.
• If you're doing a bouquet or garter toss, cake cutting, or first and family dances, plan for 5-10 minutes for each.
• It's not necessary to have a photographer for the entire reception. There will likely be 2-3 hours of dancing, which isn't the best use of your photography budget. Figure out when your last key reception event will take place, add 30 minutes, and plan for the photographer to leave after that.

Pros and Cons of May Weddings

Pros:

• The weather is usually beautiful, and everything is in bloom, making for brilliant photos.
• It's the start of peak season, so vendors will be ready to work with you and provide good deals.
• It's a great time for outdoor weddings, taking advantage of the climate and greenery.
• There are two bank holidays in May, which means a long weekend and more time for celebrations.

Cons:

• There is still a chance of rain, so always have a backup plan.
• Due to high demand, it may be difficult to find venues and vendors on certain dates, especially for destination weddings.
• Outdoor spaces may be hard to come by, as many couples will opt for outdoor venues.
• Invites will need to be sent out earlier than usual so that guests can plan their activities and travels.

Wedding superstitions

May is a popular month for weddings, marking the start of the wedding season. It is named after the Greek goddess Maia, the Goddess of fertility, making it a great month for the birth of a new life together as newlyweds.

Now, here are some wedding superstitions that you may or may not want to follow:

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

This is a common rhyme used at weddings. "Something old" represents the bride's past, while "something new" symbolises the couple's future together. The bride borrows "something" from a happily married woman, in the hope that some of her good fortune rubs off. "Something blue" denotes fidelity and love.

Wearing White

The tradition of wearing white on your wedding day dates back thousands of years. An old verse explains: “Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey, you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen. Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink.”

A Spider on Your Wedding Dress

Although it may seem like a nightmare, finding a spider on your wedding dress is considered a good omen in English lore.

Rain on Your Wedding Day

In some cultures, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck, symbolising fertility and cleansing.

The Bride Crying

It is considered good luck for the bride to cry on her wedding day. This is believed to be a way of shedding all her tears so that she will have none left to shed during her marriage.

The Bride Being Carried Over the Threshold

This superstition originated in Medieval Europe, where it was believed that a bride was extra vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. The groom would carry the bride into their new home to avoid bringing in any evil spirits.

Seeing Each Other Before the Wedding

This superstition dates back to the time of arranged marriages. It was believed that if the couple saw each other before the ceremony, they might change their minds about getting married.

Receiving Knives as a Wedding Gift

According to folklore, giving knives as a wedding gift is bad luck as knives symbolise a broken relationship.

Crossing Paths With a Nun or Monk on the Way to the Wedding

If a bride sees a nun or monk on her way to the wedding, it is considered bad luck. This superstition claims that the bride will be cursed with a barren life and be dependent on charity.

Frequently asked questions