20 Tips for Throwing the Ultimate Spring Wedding

By Emily Platt
July 27, 2011
Justin + Mary

Part practical, part inspirational, this checklist will help you celebrate the season and your union at once.

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Credit: Justin + Mary

You've chosen your wedding date, and it falls somewhere in March, April, May, or June. Now it's time to plan the best celebration for you and your partner. Before you start prepping for your event, it helps to read through wedding-planning tips that specifically apply to the season that you're marrying in. That's where we come in.

To help you put together the ultimate spring wedding, we've compiled a guide of inspiration for you to reference. Some checklist items are practical and (in our opinion) must-haves; the rest aren't required, but will help your seasonal affair stand out from the other parties that are on your guests' calendars. A few examples? Preparing for bad weather is basically a given considering the fact that these months can have unpredictable forecasts. Choosing a spring wedding theme is less crucial, but it's definitely beneficial when it comes to throwing a memorable fête.

Here, we walk you through everything that you might need for your seasonal soirée, including flowers and other decorations. We also provide our best advice for making sure your celebration goes off without a hitch, and pleases all of your attendees in the process. Essentially, if you're wondering how to plan a spring wedding that knocks the socks off of everyone involved, we've got you covered.

Reference the following slides for spring wedding ideas, as well as for logistical pointers that you may not have even considered. Spring is a beautiful season, and we're so glad that you picked it—now, make the most of it.

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Choose Your Date Carefully

Credit: Abby Jiu Photography
How to Choose the Right Wedding Date

Between various holidays (like Passover and Easter) and other seasonal events (like Mother's Day and college graduations), your guest's spring calendars might fill up with commitments fast. Choose the date of your wedding carefully to avoid major conflicts, and send out save-the-dates (like this one, from MLC Designs) as soon as you can.

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Commit to Your Theme

Credit: Jenna McElroy Photography
Your Ultimate Garden Wedding Checklist

Are you throwing a garden wedding? Go all out with thematic details, like a stone path in lieu of a traditional aisle. No matter what seasonal theme you choose, get creative to best achieve it.

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Select a Seasonal Venue

Credit: Justin + Mary

Embrace the beauty of the month that you're marrying in with a venue that showcases some of what it has to offer. We love a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms, for example.

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Pick the Right Palette

Credit: Sandra Åberg Photography
See More Spring Color Palettes

Certain shades lend themselves to spring—in fact, that might be why you chose the season! We're suckers for hues like this pink, but the possibilities go far beyond. 

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Consider Guest Attire

Credit: Ryan Ray
Learn More About Wedding Guest Attire

Some fabrics and patterns (including seersucker and gingham) scream spring, but don't necessarily fit into an ultra-formal dress code. Keep this in mind when deciding what look you'd like your attendees to adhere to. These springy accessories were from High Cotton.

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Send Out Stationery

Credit: Elizabeth Messina
Get More Ideas for Spring Wedding Invitations

Set the scene for a springtime affair with stationery that reflects the season, whether that's through colors (like this green, orange, and blue palette by The Idea Emporium) or motifs (like that garden-tool print).

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Find the Perfect Outfit

Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking (sorry, Miranda Priestley of The Devil Wears Prada) but they sure are pretty in the form of embroidery or appliqués, which are both featured frequently in wedding dresses, including this Rime Arodaky one.

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Accessorize Accordingly

Credit: Carrie Patterson
See More Shoes Worn by Real Brides

Don't want a floral dress? Try shoes instead! This eyelet-like pair is oh-so lovely (though not the best for muddy weather—do think ahead if your wedding's outdoors).  

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Dress the Wedding Party

Everyone from your maid of honor to your flower girl(s) can don something springy if that's the look that you're going for. On a practical note, keep your wedding party comfortable by dressing them in materials that are suitable for seasonal forecasts. (Linen is a lightweight option for warmer days, for example). 

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Select Spring Flowers

Credit: Paige Jones Photography
Get More Ideas for Your Spring Wedding Bouquet

One of the biggest perks of having a spring wedding is that there are so many blooms to choose from. Work with in-season flowers for fresh, lush bouquets, centerpieces, and floral décor. This clutch was created by Moon Canyon Design.

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And Use Them Creatively

Credit: Kristin Sweeting
See More Unique Ways to Use Flowers in Your Wedding

With so much flora at your fingertips, there's no excuse not to get imaginative. How sweet (and unique) do these buds look pinned to this bride's veil?   

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Decorate Your Ceremony

Credit: AL Weddings
59 Wedding Arches That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Ceremony

You don't have to go overboard, but you can definitely honor the season at your ceremony. Flower arches—or more modern installments like this mega wreath by Becky's Brides and Hothouse Design Studio—are good places to start.   

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And Your Reception

Credit: Bret Cole Photography

Airy linens speak to the season perfectly, and its little touches like these that your celebrants will remember. MAP Events planned this tablescape.

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Keep Guests Comfortable

Credit: Amy & Stuart Photography

Spring comes with plenty of joys, but unfortunately, it comes with a few annoyances, too. Keep symptoms of seasonal allergies at bay with souvenir handkerchiefs. Other thoughtful supplies for guests include bug spray, sunscreen, or anything else specific to your event that'll help them celebrate worry-free.

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Have a Rain Plan

Credit: Leslee Mitchell
Learn More About Wedding Rain Plans

We highly recommend arranging a backup location, or, at the very least providing everyone with a form of cover if the sky opens up.

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Bring the Outdoors In

Credit: Kaoverii Silva
20 Fresh Ideas for Bringing the Outdoors in at Your Wedding

In the event that you can't (or don't want) to wed outside, take spring's natural décor indoors (like Celsia Floral and Spread Love Events did here) so that you don't miss out on the season's organic appeal.

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Offer Activites

Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography
Fun Wedding Games That'll Keep Guests Laughing

On a sunny day, lawn games will make an entertaining addition to your cocktail hour. Consider erecting a maypole, seen here, for the kids.

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Serve Thematic Drinks

Credit: Erich McVey
Get Recipes for Floral Cocktails

Your menu deserves some spring inspiration, too. May we suggest floral cocktails (like these ones at a Bill Hansen Catering event), or other refreshing signature drinks?  

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Don't Forget the Food

Credit: Carrie Patterson
See More Spring Wedding Cakes

Additionally, ask your caterer to infuse your food with seasonal flavor. You could also see if they can present it in a spring-appropriate way, like with floral garnishes similar to those on this Jackson Cake Company dessert.   

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Gift Springy Favors

Credit: Kate Headley
Get More Ideas for Wedding Favors

Wrap up your wedding with spring-themed favors. DIY bouquets (which can be arranged at a flower bar—this one was provided by Amaryllis) are a favorite takeaway of ours.

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