Springtime Nuptials: May Wedding Blessings

May is one of the most popular months to get married. Named after the Greek goddess Maia, the month of May symbolises fertility and the birth of new life together as newlyweds. It is also the start of the summer season, which means you're less likely to clash with other weddings.

However, May weddings were once considered bad luck. An old superstition claims that Marry in May, rue the day. This belief dates back to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lemuria, which paid tribute to the dead, was held throughout most of May.

Today, May is the second most popular month for weddings, with many couples taking advantage of the mild temperatures and the abundance of flowers in bloom.

May wedding pros and cons

Pros

• The weather is usually beautiful, with the perfect balance of spring breeze and summer sun.
• Everything is in bloom, and the greenery is in its best spirits, making it ideal for outdoor weddings.
• The long weekend might provide more days to celebrate and allow you to pack in additional festivities.
• May 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.
• May is the second most popular month for weddings, so wedding venues and vendors will be ready to work with you and provide the best deals.
• There are so many choices for food and flowers.
• The May weekend also means an extended vacation and more time to prepare for the wedding.
• May is the month of love, perfect for a wedding.
• The first rays of the spring sun will wonderfully decorate many wedding celebrations.
• May is a great month for an English-style wedding in the rose garden.
• May is a great month for a rustic wedding, with nature providing natural wedding decorations.
• May is a great month for a wedding if you're planning a movie-based theme.
• May is a great month for a wedding if you want to keep things modern and minimalist.
• May wedding dress codes are among the most creative, with flouncy cotton wedding dresses and elegant suede suits.
• May color palettes are all about embracing the best of both worlds. Mix rich colors with bright pastels for the perfect balance.

Cons

• There is still a chance of rain, so you need to have a plan B ready.
• Given the busy season, venues and vendors might be difficult to find on certain dates, so wedding planning for all scenarios is prudent, especially for destination weddings.
• Outdoor spaces may be hard to come by, as most couples will be aiming for an outdoor venue.
• Invites will need to be sent out earlier than usual.
• May used to be considered an unlucky month to wed, with superstitions like "Marry in May, rue the day".
• In Catholicism, there are two contradictory beliefs regarding weddings in May.
• May is the start of the "hot" season in the wedding industry, so prices are higher.
• May is a popular month for communions, so it may be difficult to book a venue.

May wedding superstitions

May has historically been considered an unlucky month to get married. The rhyme "Marry in May, rue the day" is a superstition that has existed since ancient Rome. While the exact reason why Romans avoided May weddings is unknown, it could be due to the festival of Lemuria, which paid tribute to the dead. Another theory is that May was often associated with the pagan festival of Beltane, which celebrated fertility and was seen as an inauspicious time to wed.

In pagan times, May was dedicated to fertility rituals, and it is said that Queen Victoria even forbade her children from marrying in May. The rhyme "Marry when the year is new, and he'll be loving, kind, and true. If you wed when March winds blow, joy, and sorrow, you'll both know. Marry in April when you can, and joy for maiden and for man" also sheds light on the months that were deemed lucky.

Despite the superstition surrounding May weddings, it is important to note that wedding superstitions vary widely across different cultures and often contradict one another. For example, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck in some cultures, while it is seen as a bad omen in others. Similarly, while wearing pearls on your wedding day is frowned upon in some cultures, believing that they represent tears, other cultures consider pearls to be a symbol of preventing tears during the marriage. Ultimately, many modern couples base their wedding planning on personal preferences or practical considerations rather than superstitions.

May wedding photography

May is a popular month for weddings, and for good reason. The month is named after Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility, making it a great month for the birth of a new life together as newlyweds.

May is a great time for a wedding because of the temperate weather and the abundance of flowers in bloom. The "rainy" season in Temecula, for example, generally runs from October to April, so it's a safe bet that a May wedding will be rain-free. The weather is also warm but not too hot, making it perfect for outdoor celebrations.

For photographers, May weddings offer beautiful natural backdrops with all the flowers in bloom. The longer days and milder climate also mean that you can take advantage of the "golden hour" for stunning portraits of the happy couple.

• Sunset times in May range from 7:30 to 8:00 PM. If you're having a ceremony around 5:00 or 6:00 PM, this means you'll have some extra time after the reception starts to get additional married couple portraits.
• Consider a "first look" photo session, where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. This is a personal choice, but it can be a great way to ensure you have enough portrait time, especially if your wedding day runs behind schedule.
• If your wedding will involve travel to multiple locations, add plenty of extra time to your timeline. Coordinating multiple people in multiple vehicles can take longer than expected.
• For a traditional wedding with around 100 guests, a baseline of 8 hours of photography coverage is recommended. However, if your wedding has multiple locations, you may need 9-10 hours of coverage.
• Don't forget to capture all the important moments, from the getting-ready photos to the first dance, family portraits, and bouquet toss.
• Make use of the spring flowers in your photos. Flowers like ranunculus, peonies, poppies, and bluebells can add a beautiful pop of colour to your images.
• If your wedding is outdoors, be mindful of the changing light throughout the day. The bright midday sun can create harsh shadows, so you may want to schedule portrait sessions for the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more flattering.
• Take advantage of the longer days and milder weather by scheduling some night-time photos. Sparkler exits and fairy light backdrops can add a magical touch to your images.

May wedding costs

May is the start of wedding season and the second most popular month for couples to tie the knot. The month 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.

The cost of a wedding depends on many factors, including the number of guests, the number of vendors hired, the style, and location. The national average cost of a wedding in 2023 was $35,000, a $5,000 increase from 2022. This increase was largely due to inflation, which led to a rise in the cost of goods and services in the wedding industry.

The biggest chunk of the wedding budget will likely go to the venue, which takes up about 37% of the overall budget. Catering is another big-ticket item, taking up about 29% of the average wedding budget. Live entertainment is also a significant expense, with couples who choose to have a live band allocating about 12% of their budget to performers. Other major expenses include wedding bands (9%), photography (8%), alcohol (8%), flowers (8%), videography (7%), and couples' attire (7%).

To save money, couples can opt for a smaller guest list, choose a less expensive venue, or cut down on decorations and favours. It is also important to prioritize must-haves and be flexible with other aspects of the wedding.

May wedding guest considerations

May is a popular month for weddings, and for good reason. The weather is usually pleasant, and there's an abundance of flowers and food choices. However, there are some things to keep in mind if you're attending a May wedding.

Weather

While May generally has mild temperatures, it's not uncommon for there to be surprise rainstorms, especially in more southern and tropical regions. So, it's always a good idea to have a plan B in case of unexpected weather changes.

Travel

If the wedding you're attending involves travelling to multiple locations, it's essential to allow for extra time. Coordinating multiple people in different vehicles can be challenging, and you'll need to account for potential delays.

Timing

May is considered the start of the wedding season, so it's essential to send out invites earlier than usual to ensure guests don't plan other activities or travels during that time.

Gifts

In the United States, it is customary to spend at least $100 on a wedding gift. In the United Kingdom, the average minimum spend is £24.70, while the maximum is £111.46. It's worth noting that guests are more likely to spend more if they have a better relationship with the couple.

Dress Code

May weddings offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to attire. From flouncy cotton dresses to elegant suede suits, you can choose to be as refined or relaxed as you like. Cocktail attire is also a popular choice for May weddings.

Themes

May weddings often embrace retro or movie-based themes, creating a unique and memorable experience for guests.

Dates to Avoid

When planning your attendance at a May wedding, it's important to be mindful of certain dates. For example, Mother's Day and Memorial Day are usually avoided as they may impact the guest list. Additionally, dates like Cinco de Mayo on May 5th could be considered when planning any wedding events or activities.

In conclusion, attending a May wedding can be a delightful experience with the right considerations. By planning ahead, being mindful of potential weather changes, and choosing appropriate attire, you can ensure you thoroughly enjoy the celebration of the happy couple's special day.

Frequently asked questions