How to Host the Perfect May Wedding!
A May wedding combines the beauty of spring with the anticipation of summer, making it one of the most enchanting times of the year to celebrate love.
With gardens in full bloom, mild temperatures, and abundant seasonal elements, May offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable wedding!
This guide provides fresh, elegant ideas that play to May’s strengths, from pastel florals to charming outdoor receptions.
These 12 unique ideas capture the essence of May, ensuring your celebration is both timeless and seasonally inspired.
Whether you’re drawn to garden ceremonies, pastel color palettes, or fresh seasonal cocktails, these ideas can transform your wedding into a magical experience that feels as vibrant as the season itself!
1. Garden-Inspired Ceremony
In May, nature is in full bloom, making a garden-inspired ceremony one of the most beautiful ways to tie the knot. Set up your ceremony in an open garden or create a garden-like setting in an outdoor space.
Surround the altar with a floral arch made of peonies, hydrangeas, roses, and other spring blooms, and line the aisle with delicate petals. The organic beauty of the flowers paired with the serene outdoor environment creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
Make It Yours:
- Floral Arbor – A beautiful arch adorned with lush flowers like roses and hydrangeas, perfect for a May garden wedding.
- Petal-Lined Aisle Runner – Soft, pastel petals along the aisle for an ethereal feel.
- Vintage Garden Chairs – Elegant seating to complement the garden theme.
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2. Go Big on Florals!
May’s abundance of seasonal flowers is a major asset for creating lush, romantic floral arrangements. Use peonies, lilacs, and ranunculus in bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony decor.
Their full blooms and soft colors make them ideal for a spring wedding and can create an effortlessly luxurious feel throughout your celebration.
Arrange them in loose, organic styles to mimic a wildflower garden’s charm and appeal.
Make It Yours:
- Bouquet of Peonies and Lilacs – Seasonal florals with lush petals and a delicate fragrance. Go faux if you’d like your bouquet to last well beyond the big day!
- Tabletop Floral Centerpieces – Low, garden-inspired arrangements that complement any tablescape.
- Hanging Floral Garlands – Strands of flowers draped from ceilings or pergolas for added elegance.
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3. Pastel Color Palette
Embrace the delicate beauty of May with a pastel color palette that feels fresh, romantic, and timeless.
Soft shades of blush, mint, lavender, and sky blue are perfect for the season, adding a gentle warmth to the decor.
Use these colors in bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements, linens, and even accent pieces like glassware to create a cohesive, dreamy look.
Make It Yours:
- Pastel Bridesmaid Dresses – Dresses in blush, mint, and lilac for an elegant spring aesthetic.
- Soft-Colored Table Linens – Pastel linens to brighten tables without overwhelming the space.
- Colored Glassware – Add pastel glassware for a subtle yet charming pop of color.
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4. Outdoor Cocktail Hour with Lawn Games
Mild May evenings provide an ideal setting for an outdoor cocktail hour. Set up an area with comfortable seating and vintage-inspired lawn games like bocce ball, croquet, or cornhole to entertain guests.
Offer refreshing, spring-inspired cocktails like elderflower spritzers and lavender lemonade, allowing guests to sip and play while enjoying the beautiful weather.
Make It Yours:
- Vintage Lawn Games – Cornhole and croquet with custom designs that match your wedding colors.
- Mason Jar Cocktail Dispensers – Self-serve dispensers with spring cocktails for easy access.
- Outdoor Lounge Seating – Arrange cozy, stylish outdoor furniture for guests to relax.
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5. Whimsical Bridal Accessories
May’s floral abundance inspires whimsical bridal accessories, allowing brides to bring a touch of nature into their attire.
Opt for flower crowns, delicate floral earrings, or a subtle touch of color with pastel shoes. These details create a soft, bohemian feel while celebrating the season’s natural beauty.
Make It Yours:
- Floral Hair Comb – A nature-inspired accessory for a fairy-tale look.
- Pastel Bridal Heels – A touch of color with shoes in blush, sage, or lavender.
- Floral Drop Earrings – Elegant earrings that add a springtime touch to the bridal look.
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6. Light and Airy Tablescapes
Create a tablescape that feels light, fresh, and open by using airy linens, pastel tones, and seasonal blooms.
Consider using delicate, translucent table runners and votive candles to enhance the ethereal vibe. Incorporate soft-colored napkins and minimalist dinnerware to maintain a sense of effortless elegance.
Make It Yours:
- Sheer Table Runners – Lightweight runners in neutral tones for a refined look.
- Small Votive Candles – Candles scattered across the table for a soft glow.
- Clear Charger Plates – Add sophistication without overwhelming.
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7. Al Fresco Reception with Twinkling Lights
An al fresco reception under twinkling lights is a timeless May wedding idea.
String lights create a magical, intimate atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting.
Pair them with lanterns on tables and candle-lit pathways for a glowing, romantic setting as day turns to evening.
Make It Yours:
- String Lights and Lanterns – Add a soft glow for an enchanting outdoor ambiance.
- Rustic Wooden Tables – For a natural look that blends with the outdoor setting.
- Lantern Centerpieces – Combine lanterns with flowers for a warm, candle-lit effect.
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8. Lemon and Lavender Dessert Bar
Create a seasonal dessert bar that showcases spring flavors like lemon and lavender.
Lemon bars, lavender macarons, and mini lemon tarts are refreshing options that add a sophisticated touch to your dessert offerings.
These light, floral-infused flavors make for perfect palate-cleansers and unique treats.
Make It Yours:
- Lemon Tarts – Bite-sized lemon treats with a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Lavender Shortbread Cookies – Light, floral cookies that guests will adore.
- Mini Cheesecakes with Lemon Zest – A chic addition to any dessert table.
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9. Lightweight Wedding Attire
For a May wedding, lightweight attire ensures comfort without compromising style. Brides can opt for gowns made of airy fabrics like tulle or lace (see the stunning range of bridal dresses HERE over at AW Bridal), and grooms can wear linen or light wool suits in soft, neutral colors. This ensures everyone feels comfortable and elegant, even in warmer spring weather.
Make It Yours:
- Tulle and Lace Wedding Dress – Light fabrics perfect for a spring wedding.
- Light Gray Linen Suit – A breathable, stylish option for the groom.
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10. Signature Spring Cocktails
Elevate your wedding bar with signature spring cocktails that highlight refreshing, seasonal flavors.
Elderflower spritzers, lavender lemonades, and rosemary gin fizzes are perfect for May weddings.
These light, herb-infused drinks are not only beautiful but provide a unique tasting experience.
Make It Yours:
- Elderflower – A key ingredient for seasonal cocktails.
- Rose – A subtle, floral taste that elevates a G&T or mojito to the next level!
- Hibiscus Flowers – Edible floral details for a showstopping drink!
- Cocktail and Mocktail Recipe Books – A list of tasty concoctions sure to wow your guests!
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11. Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors
For May weddings, eco-friendly wedding favors are both thoughtful and in tune with the season. Opt for sustainable gifts like plantable seed paper, mini herb pots, or reusable tote bags.
These favors not only delight guests but also encourage environmental stewardship, making them a beautiful addition to your wedding theme.
Make It Yours:
- Plantable Seed Paper – Guests can take home paper embedded with seeds to grow their own flowers.
- Mini Herb Pots – Small potted herbs like basil or mint that guests can plant at home.
- Reusable Tote Bags – Personalized bags that guests can use daily, reminding them of your special day.
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12. Seasonal Fruit Centerpieces
Celebrate the beauty of May with centerpieces that highlight seasonal fruits.
Lemons, limes, oranges, and berries add vibrant colors and textures to table settings.
Arrange fruits in decorative bowls or mix them with flowers to create fresh, eye-catching centerpieces that complement the season’s natural abundance.
Make It Yours:
- Citrus Fruit Display – Vibrant lemons and oranges arranged in decorative bowls.
- Berry Bowls – Bowls of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for added color.
- Mixed Fruit and Floral Centerpiece – A blend of flowers and fruits for a unique touch.
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13. Maypole Dance Reception Activity
Bring a touch of tradition and whimsy to your reception with a Maypole dance.
This age-old celebration is a nod to springtime festivity and brings guests together in a joyous, interactive activity.
Decorate the Maypole with colorful ribbons and flowers, and encourage guests of all ages to participate in this unique, lively celebration.
Make It Yours:
- Decorated Maypole – A beautifully adorned pole with pastel ribbons and spring blooms.
- Floral Crowns for Guests – Give guests the option to wear crowns for a whimsical touch.
- Traditional Folk Band – Live folk music to accompany the Maypole dance for an authentic feel.
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14. Charming Farm-to-Table Menu
A May wedding is perfect for incorporating fresh, seasonal produce in a farm-to-table menu.
Work with a caterer to design a menu that includes local ingredients, such as fresh greens, seasonal vegetables, and fruit-inspired desserts.
This approach adds a personal, sustainable touch while showcasing the best flavors of spring.
Make It Yours:
- Seasonal Salad with Edible Flowers – A fresh salad with greens, vegetables, and edible blooms.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken – Locally sourced poultry with fresh herb seasoning.
- Berry Tartlets – Miniature berry desserts for a sweet ending to the meal.
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15. Vintage-Inspired Photo Booth with Spring Props
Set up a vintage-inspired photo booth with props that reflect the charm of spring.
Include items like floral garlands, oversized picture frames, vintage parasols, and pastel-colored backdrops.
A photo booth adds fun and spontaneity to your wedding, creating moments that guests will love to capture and share.
Make It Yours:
- Pastel Backdrops – Soft-colored backdrops for a charming vintage vibe with added whimsy.
- Floral Garlands and Picture Frames – Props for guests to hold or pose with in photos.
- Instant Camera – Give guests the option to take home instant memories.
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The Takeaway
Planning a May wedding allows you to capture the enchanting beauty of springtime in every detail.
With these ideas, you can create a celebration that reflects the freshness of the season, from whimsical floral arrangements to eco-friendly favors and fresh, seasonal menus.
Whether you’re embracing the soft pastels of May or incorporating interactive elements like a Maypole dance, your wedding will be a joyful, memorable event filled with warmth and charm.
What to Read Next
If you enjoyed these May wedding ideas, don’t miss our other wedding articles HERE – all the wedding inspiration you need in one handy place!
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Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
