Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Spring Wedding

closeup of a bride holding a bouquet for her spring wedding

Who doesn’t love spring? The weather gets warmer, the flowers bloom, and everything becomes more vibrant. The world seems to be waking up from a month’s long slumber, reinvigorating everyone and getting them excited for the season to come. As such, it’s no wonder this is such a popular season to get married. Much like the budding flowers, nuptials represent an optimistic start to a beautiful part of life. So how can you really set the tone for your spring wedding? Our wedding planning guide will hopefully help some ideas bloom.

Choosing the Perfect Date

We often equate spring with flowers and showers, but the reality is that the beginning of the season looks much different than the end. That’s why your wedding date is important. Depending on the kind of mood you’re looking for, you’ll want to have your big day during the right part of the season.

  • March: Though the first signs of warm weather begin to show, this is still the coolest month of the season.
  • April: Want your big day to be enhanced with the beauty of blooming flowers all around? This is the month for you.
  • May: This is the perfect month for those looking for consistent sunshine.

Regardless of the month, one thing that stays the same throughout the season is its unpredictability. Sudden showers or chilly breezes are common but hard to anticipate, so having a backup plan for inclement weather is a must.

It’s important to keep spring holidays and other occasions that could cause conflicts top of mind. Easter, Mother’s Day (as well as the days leading up to and following them) could impact guest availability.

Venue Selection

When you’re searching for the perfect venue, keep in mind the importance of indoor versus outdoor spaces. A park or farm offers plenty of great scenery, but could be tough to contend with if the weather isn’t agreeable. On the flip side of that coin are fully indoor venues. They don’t offer the fresh air and scenery you’re likely looking for in a spring wedding. You’ve spent all winter inside; why coop yourself up longer than necessary?

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, keep an eye out for venues that offer both indoor and outdoor space (with quick access from one to the other). Wherever venue you decide on, however, should offer a great springtime vibe. Union Mills Public House is located right on Carroll Creek in Frederick, MD, which is a gorgeous mix of city and nature and lends itself to the season perfectly (you should see the beautiful lilies on the water)!

Spring-Themed Décor and Color Palettes

It’s time to get into the decorations. For great spring wedding colors, embrace a soft, romantic palette. Pastels such as blush pink, lavender, and mint green will give that feeling of a blooming field, and you can add a bit of whimsy with floral patterns on the signage and tablecloths.

Flowers are a staple of both traditional and contemporary weddings alike, but if you want to strike that spring feeling, we suggest tulips, daffodils, and peonies. Don’t limit them to the bouquet, either! They’ll look great as table centerpieces (complete with vintage vases or birdcages) or even on the wedding cake itself.

Spring Wedding Attire

And speaking of wedding staples, we can’t discuss the subject without bringing up attire. The fresh air and feeling of newness the weather brings present the perfect chance to play with light fabrics and colors. For the bride, a dress made of chiffon, tulle, or lace is a fantastic choice. They breathe well in warmer weather, and look great with a bit of floral embroidery to suit the season! The groom can use the occasion to embrace a lighter shade like gray, tan, or even pale blue.

Care to enhance your attire just a little bit more? Shawls and wraps offer a bit of warmth during cooler moments, and exquisite umbrellas can offer style and practicality if there’s a chance of showers.

Seasonal Menu and Refreshment Ideas

We got through winter with hearty soups and heavy entrees. It’s time to make way for meals that reflect the freshness of the season. Since there are plenty of spring vegetables becoming available, ingredients like asparagus, artichokes, and strawberries will be welcome. Lighter options like salads or citrus, infused desserts will hit the spot for you and your guests. You can even include edible flowers.

Of course, it isn’t all about the food. Drinks are just as important. Signature cocktails such as lavender lemonade or mint juleps are sure to please guests with their refreshing qualities. Light wines and fruit garnishes in mixed drinks can bring the drink menu together.

At Union Mills, your food and drink options are flexible! We’re always excited to create a menu that’s customized to your tastes; this day is about you, after all.

Managing Logistics

Spring weddings require careful planning to make sure any potential challenges are addressed and anticipated. Nobody wants their wedding day ruined by rain or allergies. Providing umbrellas is a great precaution to take, as are covered walkways and tables with umbrellas for the outdoor areas. Hypoallergenic flowers and even allergy medication stations will go a long way towards making even the most allergy-prone guests comfortable.

Maybe the biggest hurdle, however, is booking a venue. Since this is such a popular season, you may have difficulty finding availability for the venue you want if you don’t plan in advance. Additionally, florists, photographers, and DJs may be in high demand during this time. We can’t stress enough how important it is to secure your vendors well in advance. Finally, remember that this is a travel-heavy season. Booking hotels before they’re all taken is vital to the satisfaction of your guests.

Spring Wedding Entertainment Ideas

Now let’s talk about all the truly fun ways to embrace the season! For starters, no wedding is complete without music, and light tunes and upbeat tracks are a perfect way to set the stage for those fresh vibes. Remember, people are probably done with dark, somber pieces for the time being, so bring out the joy to celebrate! Here’s a great playlist to get you started!

Fun activities like patio games will always keep plenty of your guests enthralled in the celebration, as will a photo booth with spring-themed props. Everyone loves getting photo strips of them striking poses, smiling gleefully, and making silly faces. 

For wedding favors, potted plants and seed packets are a shoe-in for worthwhile treats. To satisfy the sweet tooths (or is it sweet teeth?) among you, homemade jams will be right at home in a bag of springtime goodies.

Here’s to Blossoming Love

Spring is the perfect time to celebrate the love between you and your soon-to-be spouse. By choosing the right venue, planning your food and activities to match the season, and selecting spring wedding colors that complement it all, you’ll feel like all those flowers are blooming just for you.

Saying “I do” in the warming air, surrounded by vibrance provides a great start to this exciting new chapter in your lives, and we would love to make it wonderful for you. For the perfect spring wedding, Union Mills Public House has the space, food, and staff you need for it to be exquisite. Get in touch with us for more wedding planning tips, and let’s plan a wedding!