By
Cori Russell
The tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising - what a perfect time for a wedding! Get started planning your spring themed wedding now with these inspiring ideas for spring weddings...
Spring Theme Weddings - Things to Consider
Daylight saving time - In 2008, daylight saving time begins on Sunday March 9th, after which the sun will set an hour later. Keep this date in mind if you envision a sunset outdoor ceremony.
Prom factor - May and June are prime prom months, so be sure to book your transportation and locations early.
Variable weather - spring weather can be unpredictable. An unseasonably warm and sunny Friday can give way to a miserably cold and rainy Saturday. Be prepared for both extremes.
All in the Details - Spring Wedding Ideas
Invitations & Stationery
* Add a spring motif - such as a tulip or butterfly - to your stationery suite
* Consider color - use paper or inks in a spring color palette - pastels, greens, etc.
* Get whimsical - find a fun, flirty font to evoke a festive spring feeling
* An added touch - insert a sprinkling of silk flowers into each envelope
Location
* Garden settings abound - take advantage of budding leaves and flowers with botanical gardens, mansions with lush grounds, or another venue with a pristine garden or courtyard.
* Take it indoors - if an outdoor setting isn't possible - find an indoor venue with panoramic picture windows affording lots of sunlight and a bright airy ambiance.
Décor Elements
* Color palette - 1) green and white - an elegant accompaniment to a garden setting. 2) yellow and green -another fresh, natural color pairing. 3) preppy - combine hot pink with green or mango (think polka dots and gingham). 4) chocolate brown - this trendy hue works well for spring - pair with pale blue or pink.
* Go wild with patterns - create a playful effect - think gingham, polka dots, eyelet lace, swiss dots and stripes.
* Add some greens - grasses and greenery are a natural for outdoor garden settings. Drape over arbors and incorporate in arrangements
Flowers
* Seasonal blooms - classics include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially calla lilies and easter lilies), magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, apple or cherry blossoms. View our complete list of spring wedding flowers
* Creative containers - put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like wicker baskets, watering cans, teapots, or urns.
* Potted plants - potted arrangements create a natural, organic look. Best of all -you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding
Menu
* In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb
* Fresh produce - round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes
* Elegant sides - serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat
* Bar favorites - a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.
Wedding Cake
* Coconut Confection - coconut frosting and fillings make a quintessential spring treat
* Crazy for carrot - carrot cake with cream cheese icing is another springtime fave.
* Light and fluffy - go with angel food cake and fresh strawberries or strawberry cream
* Whimsical adornments - decorate with bright, fanciful details like ribbon, swiss dots or swirl patterns.
Attire
* Loosen up - feel free to relax the dress code a bit, especially if the wedding will take place outside
* Lighten up - lighter fabrics like lace or cotton create a perfect springtime look
* Wedding gown - Add some color with a sash or detailed embroidery
* Bridesmaids dresses - Pastels are a springtime classic. Keep yours fresh by choosing a color and allowing each of your maids to select a different hue. Or go in another direction with a bolder turquoise, fuschia or mango.
* Avoid satin shoes - they don't hold up well under springtime showers
* The guys - They'll look seasonably appropriate in tan suits, colored shirts and ties. For a formal evening affair, a basic tux always works.
Favors
* Keep love blooming - with packs of flower seeds
* Plant it - give miniature potted plants or herbs
Getaway
* Horse-drawn carriage - this Cinderella-like getaway make a fitting finale to an ethereal springtime wedding.
♥ For more great wedding advice please follow us on Merry Brides Twitters and Merry Brides Tumbles for daily fun wedding tips.
