Pull Off the Perfect Spring Wedding
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.
spring weddings
I am planning my wedding for June 1,2013 and really having a hard time picking colors and flowers to fit my theme. My wedding is outside at sunset on a ranch. I wanted to go with a country type theme tho the colors I love our more modern. Im wanting a fushia,tan, and ivory wedding. Does anyone have any suggestions to colors or flowers to match?
Ashley,
Your colors will work fine, just think of country touches. For instance fuschia florals in pitchers, lots of natural greenery, with ribbons.
This would be nice and love the beige linens….
Use assorted flowers in your colors with burlap runners, white linens, fuchsia florals…
See this too …
… and this ….
This is so pretty just use your fuchsia florals….
fuschia and taupe
my wedding is in may of 2011 ive been working on it so that it wont become so stressful by that time. my question is how in the world can i get some weight off starting like right now. lol.
I have been keeping off the sweets and carbs! ive lost 15 pounds so far.
HEY GUYZ IM IN SERIUOS NEED OF FAVOR IDEAS I ALSO WANT MY TABLES TO LOOK FULL ANY IDEAS OUT THERE
Ivette,
What is your wedding details like date, colors, theme?
hey stacey,
the details of my wedding are base upon the colors ivory and champagne it is set for may 2011 the theme is moving forward and its a formal christian wedding
Ivette,
A way other than the centerpieces would be using lots of stemware, place settings, etc. Since it sounds liek you are having traditional wedding then I would go for the classics like jordan almond favors.
* meaning
* more tips
weddingwire.com )click photos then the category and color for loads of table ideas!!)
Ivette,
Oh yes! since your theme is moving forward jordan almonds fit perfectly with this due to the meaning behind them.
I am having a wedding in June 2011. our colors we have picked are purple, green, and white. we are having an outside wedding under a big oak tree, on a deck. I am trying to find somethings that I could maybe put in the tree or on the deck to decorate it a little more. Any ideas?
melissa,
* you could do several things, hang paper lanterns or ribbons, chandeliers,
Melissa,
* see how gorgeous ribbons are
* paper lanterns
melissa,
* here they used both
melissa,
* more pics
* even more from style me pretty
I WOULD DEFINANTLY PUT VOTIVES SURROUNDING THE DECK TO GIVE IT A INTIMATE SETTING. UPON UR DISCRETION VOTIVES CAN ALSO BE UR CHOICE OF COLORS AS FAR AS THE OAK TREE IT COMES WITH ITS OWN BEAUTY IF UR LOOKING TO ENHANCE THAT BEAUTY HANGING DOVES ARE ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL WHICH REPRESENT HOLINESS AND PURITY. I WOULD ALSO DECORATE THE TREE WITH SOLID COLOR LIGHTS OF CHOICE. CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK
im getting married in August of 2011 and am ready to start planning. The problem is I cant find a color that im pleased with to go with Clover Green My FH doesnt want brown and I thought maybe a burgundy color would go with it. We are getting married next to a lake. Please help!
Amanda,
Could you tell me some of the colors he does like? You could pick the clover and he could pick one. That way it is meaningful to you both. Also what about the background? what colors will be in the leaves etc.? Most guys like blue. And when combined with clover it is gorgeous.
* like in this picture
Blue is his favorite color. its at a point at a lake, so there arent really any trees, just the rocks and the huge blue lake. im just not sure of what color of blue to add to the clover. I also like mint green to.
Amanda,
I think going with a blue and green color scheme would work very well. I wasnt sure what color you wanted the bm’s in. I would look for a complimenting color to their skintone.
* example 1
* this is beautiful and from the trees in background it is turning fall
Amanda,
* something like this would work, if it dont show then 3rd row-1st pic.
Amanda,
If the girls could wear this shade of green it would be stunning with a little blue thrown in.
* real wedding
Amanda,
* just beautiful
* so is this
Amanda,
* another beauty, look at that bouquet
GIRL IF UR GETTING MARRIED IN AUGUST WHERE THE FLOWERS ARE BLOSSOMING AND THE SUN IS SHINING DO NOT GO WITH BROWN ITS WAY OUT OF THE SEASON GO WITH A BEAUTIFIED COLOR THAT WILL BRING THE SUNSHINE INTO UR WEDDING I WOULD DEFINANTLY GO TO LIKE A HOME DEPOT STORE AND START MATCHING COLORS WITH THAT GREEN UR CHOOSING GREEN AND PINK A BEAUTY GREEN AND BEIGE FANTASTIC .
I’m getting married August 21, 2010 and need some ideas for centerpieces. The colors I chose are blue, white, silver and maybe add black. I want them to look nice without breaking the bank. Can anyone please help?
Rebecca,
* look at this, it is gorgeous! it is for a winter party but put votives in middle ( which is inexpensive and small silver vases with blue and white flowers)
I am getting married May 14, 2011. our colors are coral and clover green. Are these colors okay??? someone please help!!
Marlene,
Yes any shade of ornage and green is beautiful!
* like in this example
* more pics
* this will give all shade combinations of green or orange
Marlene,
* wedding board
* wedding board 2
I went to davids bridal and they are discontiuing the coral!
so we were thinking either orange or yellow? which one and what other colors would go with it?
Marlene,
I would first try on the colors to see which looks better with their skintone. If you went with clover green dresses then you could pair coral bouquets with it.
okay!!! i also found a blue i like! what colors are good for spring wedding?
Marlene,
What about using blue white green? it is great for anytime.
* pics
* navy and green
* aqua and green
Marlene,
can i see the shade of blue you like?
a cobalt blue or royal blue. they are the same.
marlene,
* this is beautiful
Marlene,
* real wedding
* pretty
Marlene,
* you might like this, it is very, very beautiful( girls are in royal blue) be sure to look at the other pics to this wedding at bottom of page
Hello, my wedding date is May 26th of 2012. i’ve just started planning and i think i want a mint green color for my bridesmaid dresses. also im thinking about Stargazer lilys for the flowers. do you have any input on maybe what flowers would go with the stargazers or what i should do with coloe for the vests for the guys? also i have no idea who i want in my wedding party and who to make my maid of honor i have so many close family members, any ideas on maybe how i should go about on picking?
Ashley,
Generallly you pick the absolute closest to you. The one you pretty much share more of your time with. I love what you have for ideas. I think the Star Gazer lilies should stand out as the only flower. They are so beautiful and paired against mint green would be a stunner. If you want another flower, then consider roses.
* bouquet ideas
* more pics
* beautiful ideas and pics
* stargazer wedding
im getting married 4.09.11..i know its a long way from now..my colors r lavander, white, and silver. i have no ideals about my BM dresses..and i dnt have a theme for my wedding…i really need some help
SJBM,
A simple garden theme would be beautiful. Or look to what you both love, a place, era, item, movie, etc.
have your bm try on both silver and lavender to see which suits their skintone.
* real wedding
* pics
SJBM,
*Here are shades of purple with silver
I’m getting married May 15, 2010. I have my colors picked out: green, ivory, pink, and lavender. I have my dress picked out, but picking the maid of honor dress, bridesmaid dresses, and the vests for the men’s tuxedos is a bit complicated. I really need help. It’s gonna be an outdoor wedding. Two flowers that I really like are gerber daisies and white lilies..any suggestions on more? I’ve never been so great trying to put flowers together.
Kayla S,
* real wedding
* pretty
* love this.
* the knot
Kayla,
* more
* wedding
* OMG! this is so pretty. I love the touches of lavender added to centerpieces
* looks so romantic and enchanted
* wedding
* simple and sweet
* brides cafe
Kayla,
I didn’t know what your formality was casual, semi formal? informal? i wasn’t sure if you were using 2 main colors with a third as an accent. I think a khaki or grey would look really good for the guys( if more simple) and black if more semi formal. For the girls they could pick a color from your color scheme that would go well with their skintones. Don’t rule out grey for them though. Another great color would be navy blue. It it used just like black except it is softer. And navy goes with everything too. It would be perfect with your floral colors.
* here is a guide
I am getting married also on May 15, 2010…My bridesmaids dresses are persimmon orange and postachio green….my tuxs will be black with persimmon vests under them and ties…it will also be outside….i wanted all of my bridesmaids to wear the smae dress but in order to be able to tell the maid and maitron of honor their bouquets will be a little different…i am having trouble with my centerpieces for the reception and my decorations for the outside ceremony since we are going to be on a patio overlooking the lake…any ideas?!?!?
Lindsey,
Can I get a pic of your venue?
Lindsey,
I would go with simple shades of either whites and greens and maybe add a touch of pale orange to the flowers anywhere from light to slightly darker shades.
* kinda like this( flower colors)
* more pics
* more ideas
Lindsey,
*Stunning example!
Ok I need serious help. I am having a garden wedding in May of 201. Yeah I said May and its December and i haven’t picked my color. Partially because I don’t have a clue what to use. I like the bolder colors but its in May. The wedding is outside and the reception is in an open air pavilion. Its a small wedding with 75 people. I am struggling with what the theme and feel should be. My fiance says its elegant but a bit rustic and garden. We want to do a weddin in the round and I love peonies. I love the color bright raspberry but think it looks overwhelming for the girls dresses. What color could i pair it with besides baby pink. And I love the bright raspberry colored peonies but feel like there are not many other colors that work with it. I don’t want to use black or brown for the dresses because it doesn’t feel very garden-esc. I also like bright sapphire but don’t have a clue where to begin with that. It feels like it should be softer tones. Help please.
kristy,
what about raspberry and green? it is best to look at the colors blooming in the garden that time of year.
* raspberry wedding boards
* pink and green
*rustic garden wedding
* this is perfect!
* okay my jaw is wide open! this is sooooooo gorgeous!
* part 1
* i am speechless
* check out all garden wedding entry
* photo galleries