Scenic City Weddings

How to plan a modern spring wedding

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Spring is a season that’s all about new beginnings, which makes it the perfect time to tie the knot and start your new beginning as a married couple.

“Spring is such a cheerful time of year. After a long winter, it's a welcome breath of fresh air and I love to see all of the new plants and flowers blooming,” says Christina Millikin, founder and CEO of Glow Events in San Francisco. “It's a great time for a wedding because the weather is starting to warm up without getting too hot, and springtime flowers are some of the most beautiful blooms all year.”

Just because spring is a traditional time for weddings, though, doesn’t mean you have to stick to old-fashioned seasonal décor. Here are six ideas for creating a spring wedding with a modern twist. 

1. Rethink the pastels

“If you're going for a modern look, avoid delicate flourishes or pastel colors as those can feel more traditional in style,” says Millikin.

Instead, consider pairing muted pastels or neutrals with less conventional springtime tones, such as rich plums, bright emeralds or even black for an updated seasonal color palette.

2. Go beyond bouquets

While flowers for a spring wedding may not be groundbreaking, that doesn’t mean you need to nix them altogether. Instead, think outside the bouquet about how you use them.

For instance, consider swapping out floral centerpieces for a hanging installation of seasonal blooms above the reception tables. Or, you can upgrade the bar with a trellis façade covered in climbing ivy to create a garden-like effect. If you’re looking for something a bit bolder, you could go all in with a wall of flowers for the perfect spring photo-op.

3. Unexpected florals

Another way to modernize spring florals: find ways to incorporate them that don’t involve actual blooms.

That could mean utilizing floral-patterned dishware for your tablescapes, lining your invitation envelopes with illustrated flowers or building a custom floral dance floor. You could even bring flower power to your menu by having your baker print a delicate petal motif onto your wedding cake instead of decorating with traditional sugar flowers.

4. Serve up seasonal tastes

Spring isn’t just about sights. It’s also about smells, sounds – and tastes. Give your guests the full springtime experience by adding dishes using seasonal ingredients to your wedding menu.

For appetizers, that could mean a fruit and charcuterie board or bite-sized shrimp salad rolls. For entrees, you could pair asparagus with an herb-roasted chicken or spring veggie risotto. You could even add a sprinkle of spring to your cocktail bar with classic mint juleps or thyme-infused vodka lemonades. 

5. Lounge in patio furniture

Even if you aren’t tying the knot in a backyard, you can still capture that springtime aesthetic by bringing outdoor furniture into your indoor venue. Think woven wicker baskets, white phoenix chairs, topiary plants and other patio-style pieces to give that garden vibe – minus the garden. 

6. Have a backup plan

If you are trying to take advantage of the mild spring temperatures with an open-air ceremony, be sure to have a solid plan B in place.

“Remember that weather in the spring can still be unpredictable, so you'll want to have a rain backup just in case. One should remember the old adage of ‘April showers bring May flowers,’ ” advises Millikin.

You might also want to have plenty of umbrellas and rain boots at the ready to help your wedding party stay dry while moving between venues. You might also want to make the best of bad weather and get a cute rainy-day photo op in the process!

Tags: Brides365, wedding, spring, outdoor wedding, modern, florals, pastels, patio