Spring Wedding

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal - a perfect time for the new adventure that a marriage brings. Yet in the race for most popular time of year to get married, spring is a distant third place behind summer and autumn. This is good news if you're planning a spring wedding, as more top-notch vendors will be available, and you may be able to get discounted rates, especially on sites and travel.

Spring Wedding Flowers

Flowers in season include roses, tulips, hyacinth, lilies and Gerber daisies. Multi-colored calla lilies are very popular and look beautiful in a spring arrangement. Combine a dozen with lemon leaf or maiden hair, or create a simple hand tied nosegay.

For centerpieces, subtly evoke the Easter season by using white baskets filled with oasis floral form and an abundance of spring flowers. An inexpensive centerpiece for a garden wedding is a terracotta pot with a spring-moss or ivy covered Styrofoam ball affixed to it. Add small candles around it and/or some rose petals.

Consider tying your bouquet with polka-dot or striped ribbon in a bright or pastel color, adding a bit of unexpected pattern and freshness.

Decorations

The preppy pink and green color combination couldn't be more spring-like, and is perfect for a beautiful, fresh spring wedding. Accent your tables with polka-dot or gingham fabrics and ribbons, and use alternating pink and green chair colors. For a more elegant look, combine celadon green with white, using silver as an accent color. If you're having an outdoor wedding and a fair amount of children, a may pole does double duty as entertainment and elegant decoration. Instead of rice, consider asking your guests to throw rose petals, or release butterflies.

Spring Wedding Dresses

Most wedding dresses seem made for a spring wedding. Wedding magazines are full of large skirts that may be too warm for the summer, and sleeveless tops that may be too cold for winter. Look for a versatile dress that can be paired with a wrap if you're chilly, yet is still light and airy.

Many more brides these days are opting for a hint of color in their wedding dresses ? be it a baby blue sash, an allover hint of pink, or light colorful embroidery. These touches will look perfect at a spring wedding.

Attire for the Spring Wedding Party

When dressing for a spring wedding, keep in mind that the weather can be dodgy. You may have 70 degrees and sunshine, or you may end up with a damp, chilly day. Choose dresses with sleeves on them, give your bridesmaids wraps to wear as their bridesmaid gift, or go for a vintage look with cardigan sweaters.

Spring weddings are full of the classic (and sometimes dreaded) pastel bridesmaid dress. Make things easier on your bridesmaids by allowing them to choose the color or cut of their dress, and you'll hear far fewer complaints. Or go in a different direction with turquoise or lime green dresses, accompanied by pink bouquets. For a daytime wedding, men look dapper in tan suits, a colored shirts and coordinating ties.

Because of April showers, avoid putting your wedding party in satin shoes, and consider buying them matching large umbrellas, just in case. Don't worry if it rains; there's something so romantic about a bride and groom under a big black umbrella, shining and smiling in love.