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While not quite as popular as summer or trendy as fall, spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year to get married, insists Kristine King, president and lead event director at Kristine King Events. This is particularly true for lovers of flora. With flowers and trees beginning to blossom, says King, "We always envision lots of beautiful blooms—in the hair, lining the aisle, even fresh flowers on the wedding cake.” But there's more to think about than just the abundance of fresh flowers. Here, King and Laura Weatherly, a wedding planner at Engaging Affairs share more factors to think about for a springtime celebration.
April Showers
There's a reason that saying exists. While spring can be a delightful time for outdoor vows—"It's typically not too hot and no longer freezing cold," says King—there's always a rush of rain. If you choose an outdoor venue, make sure you have a plan B. "There are rental companies that allow you to tentatively reserve their tents," says King, "and if the day before your wedding, you decided you don't need it, you can cancel the reservation, just foregoing the small deposit." Even if you're only planning to pop outside for photos, keep an eye on the forecast. You may want to order umbrellas or pack your rain boots for portraits.
Unexpected Weather
Although couples choose spring wedding dates because of the milder temps, know that there is a chance of unseasonably cold or warm weather. Sure, rain is your biggest weather concern, but snow storms and heat waves aren't unheard of at this time of year. With temps not quite reaching summertime heights, it's a good idea to invest in heat lamps for chilly evenings, or to have a plan in place for renting fans should it be unusually warm that day.
Not So Solid Ground
While diligently checking the weather for signs of rain (don't worry, every bride does it), keep a look out for any wet conditions in the days preceding you vows. "Grassy areas can require a week or more to dry out and get firm, which is a problem if you are trying to host a reception in the grass,” notes King. To work around the issue, she says, "I always recommend installing a floor in the tents. Create a solid foundation in the event of wet and muddy ground, so you can prepare for any challenges that may arise."
Bugs
Wet weather can attract mosquitos, so if any part of your nuptials will be outdoors, says Weatherly, "be sure to have lawns sprayed for bugs before the big day." Providing insect repellent for your guests is also a nice touch, suggests King. "You can place it in a cute basket with a fun DIY sign such as, 'Be Smitten, Not Bitten.'"
All of the Flowers
Rejoice—it's not all bad news. Many popular wedding stems are in-season during the springtime months, notes King, which means you'll get more bang for your buck. For a spring wedding, King suggests these flowers: the ever-popular peonies, calla lilies ("Beautiful wrapped in a soft, satin ribbon"), ranunculus ("They really pop when added to floral arrangements"), and tulips, which "are so fresh looking when placed in twos or threes in tall glass vases." Weatherly adds that since flowers are more affordable, a spring wedding date is a good excuse to go bold with a handing installation.
-Sarah Grossbart, Martha Stewart Weddings https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/630396/spring-wedding-planning-factors-to-consider