What Blooms Are in Season for My Wedding Day? | May Edition

There’s something utterly magical about a May wedding. The gardens are beginning to brim with life, hedgerows are in flower, and the landscape takes on that fresh, untamed beauty that only late spring can offer. For couples getting married in May, the floral possibilities are full of charm, elegance and the quiet confidence of the season’s first true abundance.

At Rutland Florals, May is one of our favourite months to design for. Here’s what makes this time of year so special—and what’s naturally in bloom to inspire your wedding flowers.

Why May is a Beautiful Month for Seasonal Flowers

May offers the best of both worlds: the delicacy of spring and the first signs of summer’s richness. Flowers at this time of year are fresh, soft, and full of movement—ideal for that relaxed yet refined garden style we’re known for.

It’s also a key month in the British flower calendar, with many blooms grown right here in the UK coming into season. That means we can use local varieties that haven’t travelled far, often cut fresh just days before your wedding—resulting in flowers that look more natural, last longer, and feel right at home in your venue.

Seasonal Stars of May

Whether you’re dreaming of a soft, romantic palette or something crisp and classic, May offers a beautiful array of seasonal flowers to work with:

Peonies (Early Varieties)

One of the most requested wedding flowers, and for good reason. While their season is short, some early peony varieties start blooming in mid to late May. Fluffy, fragrant and full of movement—when they’re ready, they absolutely steal the show.

Ranunculus

Delicate, ruffled and almost rose-like in appearance, ranunculus are ideal for romantic, garden-style bouquets. Available in whites, blush, peach, and deeper jewel tones, they pair beautifully with spring textures.

Tulips (Specialty Varieties)

Forget supermarket tulips—May is the time for British-grown parrot, double and fringed varieties that look more like peonies than anything else. Elegant and sculptural, they add a dynamic touch to wedding florals.

Sweet Peas

A May favourite for their scent alone. Sweet peas bring a softness and airiness to designs that’s hard to replicate. They’re ideal in bridal bouquets and for adding a little scent to buttonholes and centrepieces.

Icelandic Poppies

If you’re after something whimsical, these luminous, tissue-paper blooms are a May delight. They add a playful pop of colour and movement, perfect for couples who want something a little different.

Solomon’s Seal, Hellebores & Lily of the Valley

The quiet heroes of the late spring palette. Solomon’s Seal adds graceful arches of foliage; hellebores bring moody, dusky tones; and Lily of the Valley is a classic wedding bloom with an unforgettable scent.

Colour Palettes We Love in May

May’s flowers tend to be soft, romantic, and perfectly suited to more delicate palettes, though there are some bold spring options too. Here are a few we love designing with:

• Blush, Ivory & Pale Green: The classic spring wedding palette—elegant, light, and effortlessly romantic.

• Soft Peach & Cream: Warm and welcoming, with a golden undertone that looks beautiful in afternoon light.

• Mauve, Dusty Rose & Plum: For something moodier, these tones are beautifully suited to the dusky quality of hellebores and late tulips.

• Pure White & Green: Always timeless. We love using fresh May foliage and white blooms for a crisp, garden-inspired look.

Planning Tips for May Weddings

• Check the peony timing: Peonies are short-seasoned and weather-dependent, so if they’re a must-have, we’ll advise on variety and availability as the date approaches.

• Embrace what’s local: British growers are in full swing come May, so there are beautiful home-grown options available. Using locally grown flowers helps us design with the freshest, most naturally beautiful blooms.

• Mix structure with softness: May flowers offer the perfect balance of shape and movement—so we often combine strong silhouettes like tulips or ranunculus with light, airy elements like sweet peas, blossom or foraged greens.

Fresh, Romantic, and in Bloom

There’s a lightness to May weddings that’s hard to describe but easy to feel. The flowers, like the season, are full of promise—delicate yet confident, fresh but deeply romantic.

If you’re planning a wedding in May, let’s create something that reflects this unique moment in the year—a design that feels thoughtful, beautiful and completely you.

Getting married next May?

We’d love to design your wedding flowers. Get in touch to start planning your floral story with Rutland Florals.