The 9 Best Color Palettes for a May Wedding

White and Green

While white and green is a versatile choice for any time of the year, wedding planner Eva Clark says this color combination is especially fitting for a May wedding. What's more, it works with just about any aesthetic, especially those who prefer a more classic style. Whether you're getting married indoors in a ballroom or you're planning an outdoor garden wedding, you can bring this combination to life with seasonal blooms and greenery down your aisle and across your reception tables.

If you've been dreaming of a more bohemian-style celebration, build off the color palette with rattan lanterns and pampas grass during the ceremony and reception. And if a glamorous event is what you've always imagined, know that metallic flatware and gold-rimmed chargers play nicely with the color combination, too. 

White and Blue

Looking for another classic color palette possibility that's perfect for your May nuptials? Consider white and blue. Fusing these shades together will create a look that's just as timeless and elegant as the aforementioned option. Since blending these tints generates a visual that's reminiscent of the ocean, this color scheme idea is best for beachside or coastal bashes with a nautical or preppy theme. From navy to sky blue, there are many shades of blue to choose from, but each will accomplish this vision when paired with white. According to wedding planner Amy Abbott, you can also incorporate a medley of blue tones like periwinkle, baby blue, and indigo.

For décor ideas, Abbott advises adorning your aisle, altar, and reception tables with textured white florals featuring pops of blue. On top of a crisp white tablecloth at your post-ceremony party, she suggests setting each place with white China, white napkins with a blue monogram, hand-painted white menus with blue illustrations, and blue goblets. You can also integrate silver or gold accents for a glitzy flair.

Pops of Pink

For a more playful color palette idea, consider pairing pops of bright, punchy pink with your favorite neutrals. “A prelude to summer, varied shades of pink are just plain fun,” Clark says.

You can be as bold or as subtle with the hue as you'd like: We love ideas like sealing your invitations in a pink envelope or with a pink wax seal, exchanging vows in front of a pink floral arch, or dining at tables where clouds of pink baby’s breath, orchids, and roses tower above you. While white, acrylic, and metallic elements help this hue stand out the most, Clark suggests enlisting a Pantone color chart if you’re thinking about including additional tones into your event.

Pink and Green

If the color pink is on your radar but you're not ready to commit to the hue alone, consider pairing it with a complementary color like green, whether it's a dark shade like forest green or a lighter one like mint. This dual palette is striking and animated yet natural, just like the season. Plus, these hues are found in many flowers that are available during this time of year.

The most seamless way to enact these hues is through pink blooms with greenery for your bouquet, boutonnière, floral arch, floral centerpieces, and more—with the optional addition of other neutrals. While you can always add a touch of pink and green to your celebration, wedding planner Lauren Grafer Schweibold of Madison Events says these tones give you the leeway to go all out if you want. "This color palette is softer, so it can be used in more places without seeming overdone," she notes. Deck out other pivotal details, such as your table linens, chairs, and even your drinks, per Grafer Schweibold, in these hues. To top it off, the planner says acrylic and silver are beautiful complements.

Pink and Orange

Another hue that pairs well with pink—and that complements the dazzling month of May—is orange. This colorful aesthetic is a befitting backdrop for ceremonies or receptions on a farm, vineyard, or beach. “Mix these beautiful colors with an abundance of candles and votives on the table, an elegant charger and a napkin with a muted tone to match the florals, and a hand-painted menu,” Abbott recommends. You can also integrate palm and monstera leaves for a tropical theme or incorporate a checkered tablecloth for a picnic-style party.

Pink, Orange, Peach, and Blue

Your May wedding color palette can have as many hues as you'd like—there's no rule that prohibits you from choosing more than one or two. If you like the idea of the pink and orange combination, build on it by adding peach and blue. With their bright, eye-catching tint, these shades will provide the perfect backdrop to your garden fête.

Since these colors are bold, Grafer Schweibold encourages you to use them sparingly for a touch of drama. "You don't need much of this color palette to make a big impression," she mentions. For instance, she advises adding a splash of color through smaller décor details like your place cards or votive candle holders. If you want to make more of a splash, line your aisle and tables with a variety of in-season blooms in these designated colors.

Pink, Peach, Coral, and Lavender

If you'd rather have pink and peach as the basis of your May wedding color palette, another iteration is adding coral and lavender to the mix, which will introduce a dynamic, energizing flair. “Pops of color add interest and whimsy to a wedding design,” Clark notes. “These tones are divine in the spring as a nod to the natural flora growing during this season.”

Since you’ll want these hues to be the focal point of your big day, the planner suggests throwing down at a garden or art museum, which will match this color scheme rather than overshadow it. Since these shades are attention-grabbing, select ghost chairs to face a multicolored altar, or choose neutral table runners against a patterned tablecloth for balance.

Peach, Orange, Yellow, and Green

Draw from the influence of seasonal citrus for your May wedding color palette. Peach, orange, yellow, and green will mirror vivacious lemons, limes, and oranges, which will incorporate vitality and freshness into your celebration.

To bring this color scheme to life for your May nuptials, decorate with actual citrus fruits, whether they're arranged in bowls on your reception tables or added to your wedding cake for decoration. Of course, planting seasonal blossoms found in these shades throughout your event, from your ceremony altar to your bar design, is always a no-fail option. You can get as detailed as possible with this, such as choosing citrus-themed seating card holders, per Grafer Schweibold.

Neutral Tones

You can never go wrong with neutral shades, and May weddings are no exception. “While simple, it lends itself to almost any location and venue,” wedding planner Erica Estrada explains. White and beige are colors that probably come to mind, but you can also embrace brass, gold, wood, and black accents, Estrada says. To decorate your event, consider pampas grass centerpieces arranged on white and champagne linens and place settings that feature gold flatware and crystal glassware.