Spring Wedding Bliss: May Dates To Remember

May is a popular month for weddings, with its mild temperatures, beautiful blooms, and host of celebrations. 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. It is also the start of wedding season, with rising temperatures and the feeling of rebirth and renewal that spring brings.

However, there are some notable dates to avoid in May, such as Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day. These holidays may impact your guest list, as some families have standing plans or traditions.

Overall, May is a wonderful month to celebrate your wedding, with its balance of spring breeze and summer sun, providing the perfect setting for your special day.

May wedding ideas and inspiration

May is a great month for a wedding—it's 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. The month offers mild temperatures, the best of blooms, and a host of celebrations. It's also the start of wedding season, so vendors and venues will be ready to work with you and provide the best deals.

Pros and Cons

The weather is usually beautiful, and your pictures are likely to be brilliant, especially with all the flowers in bloom. It's the perfect time for an outdoor wedding, and there are so many choices for food and flowers.

However, there is still a chance of rain, so it's good to have a plan B. Venues and vendors might also be difficult to find on certain dates, so early planning is prudent, especially for a destination wedding.

Dates to Remember

When planning your May wedding, remember these dates:

• May 5: Cinco de Mayo
• May 8: Mother’s Day
• May 30: Memorial Day

If you can, set your wedding around the two bank holidays in May, and you and your guests might be able to spend a long weekend together.

Themes

• Retro: Bring back the disco or go full-on mid-century modern.
• Movie-based: Embrace your inner fan with a movie-themed wedding, with inspired decor and desserts.
• Modern and minimalist: Use shapes, textures, and small pops of color to elevate simplicity and make a visual impact.

Colors

May color palettes are about embracing the best of both worlds. Mix rich colors with bright pastels for the perfect balance.

Food

For a May wedding, comfort foods are a welcome treat. Break out the buffet spreads of fan favorites like pizza bites, mini bagels, and tiny tacos. For dessert, serve treats like cake pops and churros that are easy to roam around with.

Flowers

Ranunculus, peonies, poppies, and bluebells are some of the spring's best additions to floral arrangements. Use them in the venue décor, tablescapes, place settings, centerpieces, and in the bridal party's bouquets and hairpieces.

Attire

May wedding dress codes are among the most creative. From flouncy cotton wedding dresses to elegant suede suits, you can be as refined or as relaxed as you like.

Pros and cons of May weddings

May is a popular month for weddings, and it's not hard to see why. Named after the Greek goddess Maia, the month of May is associated with fertility and the start of summer. The weather is usually good, and nature is in full bloom.

However, there are some considerations to be made before setting a date in May. Here are the pros and cons of May weddings:

Pros:

• The weather is usually beautiful, with a balance of spring breeze and summer sun.
• Nature is in bloom, providing a colourful backdrop for photos and an abundance of flowers to choose from for decorations.
• There are many choices for food and flowers, allowing for a variety of themes and styles.
• It is the start of the wedding season, so venues and vendors will be ready to work with you and provide good deals.
• The long weekend over May Bank Holiday might provide more days to celebrate and allow you to pack in additional festivities.

Cons:

• There is still a chance of surprise rainstorms, especially in southern and tropical regions, so an alternate plan is necessary.
• Given the busy season, venues and vendors might be difficult to find on certain dates, especially for a destination wedding.
• Outdoor spaces may be hard to come by as most couples will be aiming for an outdoor venue this time of year.
• Invites will need to be sent out earlier than usual so that guests can plan their activities and travels accordingly.

May wedding themes

May is a wonderful time to tie the knot, with nature in full bloom and the sun starting to shine. If you're looking for a wedding theme for this time of year, here are some ideas to consider:

Garden Party

Ideal for the warmer months, a garden party wedding is all about fresh florals, lush greenery, and elegant tablescapes. Imagine exchanging your vows in a beautiful garden, surrounded by fragrant flowers and the soft glow of twinkling lights. This theme is perfect for couples who want to embrace the beauty of the season and create an intimate and romantic atmosphere.

Enchanted Forest

For a touch of magic, an enchanted forest theme will transport your guests to a whimsical world. Think moss-covered tables, tree branch centrepieces, and delicate fairy lights. You can even incorporate some fantasy elements, such as miniature hot air balloons or antique bicycle decorations. This theme is perfect for outdoor venues or rustic barn settings.

Tropical Paradise

Bring a taste of the tropics to your wedding with vibrant colours, tropical flowers, and fun flamingo and palm tree decorations. Offer your guests signature beachy cocktails, and don't forget to include some bold, bright colours in your wedding cake design. This theme is all about embracing the fun and creating a lively atmosphere.

Rustic Charm

If you love all things rustic, this theme is perfect for a May wedding. Incorporate string lights, mason jars, twine, and lace to create a simple yet charming atmosphere. Consider a barn or outdoor venue to enhance the rustic vibe. For a unique touch, use tree slices as place settings or a unique cake stand.

Regency Romance

With the popularity of shows like Bridgerton, a regency-themed wedding is a stylish choice. Think lavish linens, elegant gowns, and an abundance of florals. Soft hues, delicate lighting, and hanging chandeliers will add to the romantic ambiance. This theme is perfect for couples who want to embrace the beauty of the past and create a regal atmosphere.

Cherry Blossom Dream

Cherry blossoms are a signature of spring, and they make for a stunning wedding theme. Use these delicate pink and white flowers in your centrepieces, bouquet, and hair accessories. You can even incorporate them into your wedding cake design for a unique touch. This theme is perfect for couples who want to embrace the beauty and symbolism of cherry blossoms.

May wedding attire

May is a great month for a wedding, with mild temperatures and beautiful blooms. If you're attending a May wedding, here are some tips for choosing your attire.

Dress Code

May weddings are typically formal or semi-formal, so guests can expect to dress up. If the invitation specifies black-tie attire, men should opt for a tuxedo, while women can choose a formal gown or a dressy cocktail dress. For formal weddings, men can wear a dark suit and tie, while women can opt for a midi dress or a pantsuit.

Colours and Patterns

Pastel colours and floral prints are perfect for spring weddings. "Peach Fuzz", a soft shade of orange, was the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2024, so it's an excellent choice for May nuptials. Vibrant floral prints are also ideal for ushering in the summer season.

Fabrics

Lighter fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, and linen are suitable for the mild May weather. For women, a nice daytime dress, skirt, top, or jumpsuit in festive colours are good choices. Men can opt for a well-tailored suit in a mid-to-dark neutral colour like grey, blue, or charcoal.

Footwear

For women, heeled or structured sandals are appropriate. Men can choose dress shoes like loafers. It's best to avoid sneakers or flip-flops.

What Not to Wear

It's important to remember that a wedding is a formal event, so certain attire should be avoided. Jeans, baseball hats, and non-collared shirts are generally not appropriate unless specifically requested by the couple. White or off-white outfits, as well as pale pastels, should also be avoided as they may be mistaken for the colour reserved for the bride. Anything too revealing, short, or wrinkled is also not recommended.

Weather Considerations

While May usually offers pleasant weather, surprise rainstorms can occur in more southern and tropical regions. It's always a good idea to have a Plan B, especially if the wedding will be held outdoors.

Cultural Attire

If the wedding party will be wearing cultural dress, guests can consider complementing their styles without upstaging or misappropriating cultural dress. For example, if the groomsmen will be wearing kilts, male guests could wear a tie with a plaid pattern.

Venue Considerations

The wedding venue can also provide guidance on attire choices. For instance, a beach wedding may call for more casual, flowy outfits, while a castle wedding would likely be more formal or even black-tie.

When choosing May wedding attire, it's important to consider the dress code, colours, fabrics, and venue. Guests should aim to dress up while also being mindful of any cultural or weather considerations. With a bit of planning, guests can look and feel their best while celebrating the happy couple.

May wedding colour palettes

May is a time of rebirth and renewal, with warm weather and blooming flowers. This provides a lot of inspiration for wedding colour palettes, from pastel shades to bolder colours.

Blue, Yellow, Pink and Purple

These colours are popular choices for May weddings as they are pulled directly from nature and can be represented by flowers that are in season.

Neutrals and Metallics

Neutral shades like white and beige, as well as metallics like brass, gold, and silver, are a great choice for May weddings as they let the spring landscape speak for itself.

Blush, Ivory, Sage, and Gold

This classic colour palette is perfect for a romantic and elegant wedding. Blush and ivory create a soft and feminine base, while sage adds a touch of greenery. Gold accents add a touch of glamour and sophistication.

Lilac, Plum, Grey, and Silver

For a modern and dramatic look, shades of purple and grey are a great choice. Lilac and plum add a pop of colour, while grey and silver create a sleek and sophisticated backdrop.

Peach, Coral, Mint, and Champagne

This sweet and playful colour palette is perfect for a springtime wedding. Peach and coral add a warm and cheerful touch, while mint adds a fresh and cool vibe. Champagne accents create a touch of elegance.

Coral, Yellow, and Orange

Pairing coral with yellow and orange adds a touch of fun and playfulness to your May wedding. This combination creates a bright and cheerful feel, perfect for a summer or outdoor wedding.

Lavender and Yellow

The combination of lavender and yellow creates a different and desirable feeling—something unusual but just right! This unusual pairing will create a dreamy May wedding.

Cornflower Blue and Orange

Cornflower blue and orange is a unique combination, perfect for a May wedding, with its elegance and coolness.

Copper, Mint, and Peach

Mint is a timeless and fresh choice for springtime and summertime weddings. Pairing it with peach creates a soft and fresh feel. Copper and sage accents complement this palette well.

Sage Green and Blush Pink

Sage and blush strike the perfect balance between natural and contemporary, keeping things fresh and modern while ticking all the traditional boxes.

Mint Green and Hot Pink

Mint green and hot pink are a very sweet colour combination, great for spring and summer weddings if you're looking to create a fun, celebratory vibe.

Dusty Rose, Lilac, and Blue

The dusty rose colour palette is soft and elegant, and can double as a tinted neutral colour. Pairing it with lilac and blue creates a beautiful, romantic combination.

White and Green

This versatile combination works for any time of year, but is especially fitting for a May wedding. It works with almost any aesthetic, especially those who prefer a more classic style.

Frequently asked questions