May is a popular month for weddings due to the warmer weather and abundance of spring flowers and greenery. Choosing the right colors for a May wedding is key to setting the aesthetic and mood. When selecting wedding colors, brides and grooms should consider the season, venue, and overall vision for the big day. Some popular color palette options for May weddings include pastels, bright spring hues, and elegant neutrals. The colors you choose will be reflected in the bridal party attire, flowers, decorations, and stationery suite.
Popular Color Palettes for May Weddings
Here are some of the most popular color palette options for May weddings:
Pastel Colors
Pastels like soft pink, lavender, mint, light peach, and pale blue capture the delicate feeling of spring. These romantic hues pair beautifully with May flowers like peonies, roses, and hydrangea. Pastels look gorgeous when used in bridal party attire and accents. Suggested pastel color combinations include:
- Pink and mint green
- Lavender and peach
- Blue and pink
- Mint and peach
Bright Spring Colors
Vibrant spring shades like coral, yellow, light green and sky blue exude the energy of the season. These fun colors can be mixed and matched for bold wedding palettes. Suggested bright spring color combos include:
- Coral and yellow
- Coral and light green
- Yellow and light blue
- Green and light blue
Bright colors are perfect for outdoor spring weddings and can be balanced with neutral shades.
Elegant Neutrals
Timeless neutrals like creamy white, dove gray, nudes, and soft metallics have an elegant and romantic look for May weddings. Pair soft neutrals with pastel hues and greenery for a sophisticated style. Suggested elegant neutral combinations include:
- White and pale pink
- Ivory and sage green
- Nude and lavender
- Gold and light blue
Neutrals allow the natural beauty of spring to shine as the focal point.
Factors to Consider
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your May wedding color palette:
Venue
Take inspiration from your wedding venue when selecting colors. For example, pastels suit barn venues and vineyard weddings beautifully. Meanwhile, brighter colors give a tropical flair for beachside ceremonies. If having a more modern wedding, sleek neutrals would complement an industrial loft space.
Flowers
In May, popular wedding flowers include garden roses, ranunculus, tulips, peonies, hydrangea, lilacs, and freesia. Choose colors that will complement your floral arrangements. Soft pastels and bright pinks pair wonderfully with many spring blooms.
Wedding Style
Formal black tie weddings may call for more elegant neutrals, while casual garden weddings can include brighter spring hues. Rustic and boho weddings are perfect for soft floral pastels. Your wedding’s overall aesthetic should guide the mood conveyed through color choices.
Bridesmaid Dresses
Think about what hues would be flattering for your bridesmaid dress selection. Lighter pastels and bright colors tend to suit a range of skin tones. Have swatches or fabric samples on hand when finalizing your palette.
Couple’s Color Preferences
While trends can help guide your selection, it’s most important to choose colors reflective of your and your partner’s personal preferences. The color palette should represent your relationship and personalities. Your favorite hues will help shape a cohesive theme.
Best Colors for Key Wedding Elements
Let’s explore how some of the best May wedding color options can be incorporated across different elements:
Wedding Stationery
| Color | Pairings |
|---|---|
| Pastel pink | Mint, peach, sage green |
| Lavender | Seafoam, light peach |
| Pale Yellow | Light blue, blush pink |
| Navy | Blush pink, gold |
Stationery sets the tone for a wedding through save the dates, invitations, welcome cards, menus, and signage. Pastels, bright colors, metallics, and neutrals all make great stationery shades.
Bridesmaid Dresses
| Color | Pairings |
|---|---|
| Mint | Coral, sage green, lavender |
| Peach | Seafoam, sky blue, pink |
| Coral | Mint, yellow, navy |
| Lilac | Pink, peach, light blue |
Bridesmaids dresses can utilize any of the top palette options for May. Pastels, brights, and metallics all work beautifully. Having different hues for each dress creates a lovely springtime palette.
Groom and Groomsmen Attire
| Color | Pairings |
|---|---|
| Light Grey | Pink, yellow, blue |
| Navy | Coral, pink, peach |
| Light Blue | Yellow, pink, lavender |
| Khaki | Light blue, coral, sage green |
For groomsmen, lighter grey and blue suits pair nicely with May wedding colors. The groom could opt for a neutral suit or pastel accent, like a pink tie or pocket square.
Flowers
| Color | Best Flowers |
|---|---|
| Pink | Roses, ranunculus, peonies, tulips |
| Purple | Lilacs, hydrangea, iris, tulips |
| Yellow | Sunflowers, tulips, daisies, snapdragons |
| White | Garden roses, baby’s breath, hydrangea, lilies |
Spring and summer blooms are perfect for May weddings. Pastels, bright colors, and creams pair beautifully with bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony decor.
Table Decor
| Color | Pairings |
|---|---|
| Gold | Blush pink, cream |
| Silver | Pale blue, sage green, lavender |
| Navy | Blush pink, gold |
| Mint | Coral, pink, gold |
Tablecloths, napkins, charger plates, cutlery, and glassware provide plenty of opportunities to integrate metallic touches. Navy and blush pink also make a glam tablescape combination.
Wedding Cake
| Color | Icing Options |
|---|---|
| White | White buttercream, pale pink, light blue, lavender |
| Champagne | Gold leaf, edible flowers, fruit accents |
| Naked Cake | Fresh flowers, fruit filling and topping |
| Metallic | Gold, rose gold, silver, copper |
Wedding cakes provide the perfect canvas for incorporating your colors. Pastel icings, fresh flowers, fruit, or metallic touches add springtime beauty.
Conclusion
May weddings allow for gorgeous spring color palettes. When selecting your scheme, consider the seasonal inspiration, wedding style, and personal preferences that will make your colors distinctly you. Pastels capture springtime romance, bright hues bring fun energy, and elegant neutrals provide timeless sophistication. Work with your florist, stationer, attire designers, and baker to implement your color palette beautifully across all elements for a visually stunning spring celebration. Most importantly, choose colors that make you and your partner happy to start this joyous new chapter of marriage together.
