It's spring ... the tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising — what a perfect
time for a wedding!
For most of us, spring means the start of new life. Flowers bloom,
and the earth wakes up from a long hibernation. If you live in a warmish climate, the perfect place for your spring wedding
might be outdoors in a garden that's bursting with fresh flowers.
As the weather begins to heat up and gardens start to bloom, many brides find the perfect
setting for their special day among the greenery and budding flowers. There
are so many ways to set off an outdoor wedding in springtime! Here
are a few, with an eye towards elegance:
Props
Make use of formal props such as candelabras and urns,
and drape containers and tables with vintage linens and lace. Arbors look their best when
decorated with simpler, unfussy garden materials — as opposed to over-the-top heaps of greens and garlands, a heavy look that's less popular now.
Centerpieces

Try clean-looking centerpieces with one
consistent bloom. For example, pots filled with tulips or urns holding only
anemones are really making the scene for spring.
Color
Vibrant color is hot! Try cool greens mixed with
eye-popping hues like coral or hot
pink. Garden herbs also
look (and smell) wonderful for weddings in spring. Try potting combinations of rosemary, thyme,
and other herbs for
green centerpieces that also make great take-home gifts.
Bouquets
Many spring brides are choosing bouquets filled
with color – structurally simple, but daring! Brides are callling for stunning
bouquet made up of tulips, or anemones: a Dutch flower with dark
black centers, and vibrant petals of red,
purple, or fuchsia. Lilacs
or nosegays filled with sweet peas, miniature grape hyacinths, and ranunculus
are popular, too.
Shabby Chic
A big trend right now is to mix and match contemporary
with vintage – in other words, pure Shabby Chic. Dried lavender
bound with dried grasses and tied to the pews lends a uniquely pleasing Shabby
Chic feel. Dress windowsills with wreaths and candles in colored mason jars.
Later on, reuse these same decorations to brighten up the reception tables.
Spring Wedding Gowns
Wedding gowns with a touch of color are in!
Try a dress with sophisticated tan, beige or pink
overtones —
champagne tones are especially popular.
Nostalgia
rears its head here as well — many brides are choosing gowns reminiscent of the 40s, 50s or 60s, while others are opting to wear the gown their mother or
grandmother wore (either literally the same — or a loving copy).
Outdoor Candles
Candles lend a soft and
romantic aura to any event. But to make the most of them, marry a bit later in the day, or have the reception run into
the evening and light your candles then. To add a touch of spring to your candles,
wrap bright satin ribbons around clear votive cups. (Multiple layes and colors lend an especially contemporary look.) These
can double as guest wedding favors.
Don't Forget the Backup Plan
Spring weather can be unpredictable. Have your Plan B worked out in case of rain, fog or strong winds. Look for a nearby
elegant indoor hall nearby to serve as a backup. Alternatively, line up an event tent for the morning of the wedding, just in case (guests enjoy tents even in perfect weather, too — they help soften the sun's strong rays).
Having a backup plan for any outdoor wedding, anytime of the year,
is a wise move.
A wedding in spring can be romantic, elegant, and fun! Knowing what you want —
and lining up great planning and event staff — are the keys to a successful
spring wedding.
January 27th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hi all my wedding is planned 6/09 we’ve been receiving alot of difficulties with regards to reception halls that it’s too early. Colors chosen teal and gold with a splash of coral. Having a beach weding trying to secure venue near the beach. This is a great site received plenty ideas.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Kendra
I’m getting married in May of 2009 as well and it is not too early to start planning. I know alot of woman who start planning eight of ten months ahead and lose thier minds the last month because of all of the last minute planning. As far as colors go, I thought over every combination and couild not decide, so I think I’m going to go with a bright multicolored wildflower theme.(Think poppys, black eyed susans, cosmos, foxglove etc…) That way I just have to choose a base color.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I am getting married in May of 2009. When should i start planning? What colors should i do since it is in spring time? I was thinking of pink and yellow or pink and orange. Please help me!!!! Thanks Kendra
September 14th, 2007 at 11:40 am
my wedding color are red and white i just start my planning help
September 4th, 2007 at 11:53 am
My color for my wedding is green (kelley). Would hot pink and light pink flowers look nice? What would you recommend?
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:52 am
My wedding is in the spring of next year. April 26, 2008. I can’t seem to think of idea color scemes to go with my wedding. It’s really hard so anyone would like to help my e-mail me please at volschic8933 (put the ‘AT’ sign here) aol.com thanks so much .
Love nickie
August 6th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Hi,
I’m planning on getting marry on March 2008 and need some ideas for the bridesmades color not sure for what color to go for…I was thinking of an apple green or orange not sure….
July 26th, 2007 at 11:23 am
My wedding is July 25 2008. When should I start getting things together.
April 18th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
My wedding is in August, my bridesmades have chosen their dresses in a nice apple green…i am not sure of wha other color to put in my decorations…i am a unique person that would like something different ..What could i do???
March 11th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Jessica, a few ideas:
- Take a look at this article on choosing hot wedding colors.
- As you’re hearing, coral and apple green are really big right now. Daring indie-type brides are also doing a lot of coral + turquoise or teal combinations, with the ethnic vibe. Coral + a bluish, iris-style purple is indie hot. Coral and pinks have been big for a while and still look great.
- Create a free account at color schemer. Then use their “search schemes” tool and start entering terms like “coral”,”orange”, or other words that relate to your wedding theme.
March 10th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
My wedding is Spring of next year. I want to have orange (more of a coral color) for one of my colors. But for the other, I am stuck. A couple people have said that a soft green would go nicely with it but I can’t see it. If anybody has any help for me that would be great. Or even a website I can go to that I can go to for more color help. Thanks