Spring is when things start to get exciting in the wedding flower world. The busy wedding season is beginning, wedding suppliers are waking up from their winter hibernation, and the scent of spring is in the air.
May weddings bring an abundance of choice when it comes to florals, especially if you want to achieve that quintessential English country garden style. Here are the flowers I would consider as a florist if I was planning my own May wedding.
Butterfly Ranunculus
I am absolutely obsessed with these dainty flowers at the moment. I just can't get enough of their natural movement and delicate, shiny petals. They are available in a range of peachy and buttery tones, making them the perfect flower for pastel or pink colour palettes.
The thing I love most about these flowers is how they bounce gently in a bridal bouquet and have a beautiful natural curve in table arrangements. If you want to recreate the feeling of a flower meadow or country garden in spring, then butterfly ranunculus is a must.
Peonies
This list would have an obvious gap if we failed to mention peonies. These ruffled giants get all of the hype in May, and for good reason. Many commercially grown flowers lack scent, but peonies generally retain their soft, nostalgic perfume.
They also pack a big punch. Although they are a premium bloom, you do not need many stems to make a statement. If you are not planning a pink theme, then do not fret; there are still peonies for you. I personally adore the single-petal flowers with striking yellow centres. Jan van Leeuwen, Krinkled White, and Miss America are good examples of these.
The darker-toned peonies often get overlooked, but there are plenty of options for the more moody bride. Black Swan and Red Charm both pack a punch when it comes to deep, velvet-red tones. Whether you are looking for a light and airy style or a bold punch of colour, there is a peony for everyone.
Lilac
Another flower that brings incredible scent as well as colour. I love stems that are actually a collection of tiny flowers because they give so much visual interest in an arrangement. This is a true staple for English garden wedding flowers and is only available for a short window.
It is also a rare opportunity to include purple, a surprisingly challenging colour to source naturally. Lilac might be too bulky for petite posies, but if you are going for an oversized and wild look, then it is a fabulous way to add structure. It also works wonderfully in table arrangements where the stems can stay fully hydrated.
Sweet Peas
I love the ruffles of a sweet pea and their scent is fantastic. These are perfect for smaller bouquets and buttonholes as they are incredibly dainty. You do need quite a few stems to create an impact, and they are on the more expensive side, so be prepared to invest a little more if you would like a bouquet stuffed with fragrant sweet peas.
Some varieties have bi-coloured petals, which makes for a really fascinating arrangement.
Icelandic Poppies
These are a very trendy option at the moment, perfect for adding bright pops of colour. They can be quite tricky to source, which makes them a true star of the show. These are especially handy if you are looking for a vibrant orange colour scheme.
Their papery petals manage to look both delicate and striking simultaneously. Many people obsess over peonies at this time of year but, personally, my favourite of the moment is the butterfly ranunculus. Unlike the standard ranunculus, the flower heads are open, allowing you to appreciate the shine of the petals and the varying colours in the centre. I could not imagine an English country garden-style wedding in May without them.