May weddings are basically the sweet spot: fresh blooms, soft sunlight, and that “everything feels romantic” energy. If you want your flowers to look expensive in photos (without needing a celebrity budget), it comes down to texture, movement, and how blooms read on camera.
Below are five May-friendly flowers that photograph like a dream—think editorial, polished, and timeless—with notes on how to style them for maximum luxe.
Top 5
1) Peonies
Peonies are the ultimate “rich-looking” bloom because they’re full, layered, and naturally oversized in photos. They instantly add softness and volume to bouquets and centerpieces without needing a ton of extra filler. For a luxe look, stick to one color family (white, blush, or soft coral) and let the bloom do the talking. Ask your florist for tight-to-mid open peonies so they hold shape through portraits and ceremony.
2) Garden Roses
Garden roses give you that old-world, editorial vibe—like a classic rose, but fluffier and more textured on camera. They photograph beautifully in close-ups because you can actually see the petal spirals and ruffles. Use them as your “hero” bloom in bouquets and bud vases, then pair with smaller supporting flowers to keep the look elevated, not crowded. Cream, toffee, blush, and soft white are the tones that tend to read most luxe in photos.
3) Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is tiny but wildly high-end looking—think royal wedding energy. It photographs best in tight, delicate arrangements (mini bouquets, posies, or woven into a bridal bouquet) where its little bell blooms can be seen up close. Because it’s petite, it’s perfect if you want your look to feel refined and minimalist, not oversized. Bonus: it plays beautifully with pearls, satin ribbons, and classic silhouettes.
4) Ranunculus
Ranunculus has crisp, layered petals that read super detailed in photos—especially in bouquet shots and flat lays. It’s also a great luxe “budget stretch” because it gives that peony/rose fullness without always costing as much. For May, ask for ranunculus in whites, blush, apricot, or soft yellow to keep the palette bright and expensive-looking. Style tip: mix a few sizes together for that naturally gathered, editorial shape.
5) Delphinium
Delphinium is the secret weapon for height and drama, and it photographs like a statement—especially in ceremony arrangements and tall reception centerpieces. The vertical shape instantly makes designs look intentional and upscale (and it frames portraits so well). May is ideal for those airy blues, soft lavenders, and creamy whites that look amazing against greenery and neutral linens. If you want the luxe look without things feeling stiff, have your florist keep the lines a little loose and gardeny.
FAQ
What May wedding flowers look the most expensive in photos?
Peonies and garden roses are the top “luxe on camera” picks because they’re full, textured, and read clearly from a distance. Lily of the valley also looks very high-end in close-up shots, especially for classic, minimal styling.
How do I make my bouquet look luxe without using only premium blooms?
Choose one “hero” flower (like peonies or garden roses), then use supportive blooms (like ranunculus) to build volume. Keep your color palette tight—one or two main tones—and ask for intentional negative space so the bouquet looks curated, not crowded.
What colors photograph best for a luxury May wedding aesthetic?
Soft whites, creams, blush, and gentle pastels tend to look the most timeless and elevated, especially in natural light. If you want color, dusty blue (delphinium) or buttery yellow (ranunculus) can still feel luxe when paired with neutrals and clean styling.
Which of these flowers hold up best for an outdoor May wedding?
Ranunculus and garden roses generally hold up well, especially with proper hydration and storage. Peonies can be more temperature-sensitive once fully open, so your florist may time the bloom stage carefully and keep bouquets cool until photos.
How can I keep my florals looking photo-ready all day?
Ask your florist about hydration methods (water source bouquets, sealed stems, or quick refresh techniques) and keep arrangements out of direct sun when possible. Also plan a “floral reset” moment before the ceremony and again before golden-hour portraits—just a quick fluff, rotate, and remove any bruised petals.