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year of weddings guide month may

May Weddings

Advantages
Disadvantages
  • May flowers! Blooms are more reliable.
  • The weather is finally starting to warm up, but without the full heat and humidity of summer.
  • Less busy than June and July, which means less competition for vendors and guests.
  • Rain is still a definite possibility.
  • Venue and vendor prices are starting to creep up as peak season comes back into swing.
  • Allergy season is in full bloom.

Spring is hitting its stride, and what better way to celebrate than by tying the knot?

Decor

Outdoor weddings are back on the table! Celebrate the warmer temperatures and play up the picnic vibe with strings of paper lanterns, long tables and bench seating , or use mismatched chairs  for an indoor event.

One of the biggest advantages to hosting a May wedding is the annual profusion of blooms. Opt for seasonal florals, such as:

  • Baby’s breath
  • Wildflowers

Photography by Rob Dodsworth
  • Daisies
  • Peonies
  • Hydrangeas

Bright, fun decor like gingham tablecloths  and DIY mason jar centerpieces wrapped in burlap or twine complete the cozy picnic aesthetic.

A post shared by Lydia Bailey (@charmedplaces) on


Colors

A blend of bold accent colors alongside muted pastels and neutral shades is perfect for a May wedding.

  • Bright Yellow: Pair a bright pop of yellow with pastels like pale blue or pink for an extra springy punch.
  • Coral Pink: This happy and bright hue is a great compliment for darker shades like navy blue, and it also pairs perfectly with muted pastels.

All images used with permission.
  • Amethyst Purple: This jewel tone is dark and dramatic, but not so dark that it’s inappropriate for May. Try pairing it with a cool light green, or as a base for a sleek but warm monochromatic palette.
  • Gray: Gray is the perfect neutral shade for a May wedding. Use a shade with brown undertones to add warmth to cooler pairings, or opt for blue or purple undertones to cool down warmer accents.

Paper and Stationery

You’ll likely be sending invitations for a May wedding around February, so ultra-springy motifs may seem out of place. Instead, opt for:

Floral Motifs:  They’re universally popular and will signal “spring” while staying seasonal. Greenery motifs work well as well.

Neutral Spring Imagery: Wheelbarrows, watering cans, and birds are great graphic motifs that won’t seem incongruous if your invites are sent out in the winter.

Kraft Paper:  Kraft paper is rustic and always seasonally appropriate. It’s casual, but also easy to dress up for more elegant affairs, and it pairs well with gray and pale pastels—perfect for spring!

All images used with permission.

Ensembles: These colorful ensembles are on-season for a May wedding:


Keep Reading

Get our decor, color palette, and paper suggestions for every month of the year! Keep reading our month-by-month guide:

Visit our Wedding Shop to find the perfect paper for your wedding stationery suite.


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