Spring weddings can come with fickle weather. Plan ahead!
When it comes to weddings, we all have dreams. Many of these dreams include perfect weather (70 and sunny, sound about right?), Pinterest-worthy decor, the “dream dress” (or tux, or suit or whatever it is you want to wear) … essentially, the perfect day includes everything being exactly as you imagine in in your head, with not a hiccup to be seen. In reality, not all weddings go as planned. It might rain, or be cold, or the food might be late, or you or your soon-to-be spouse gets the flu … well, you get the picture.
Let’s think about the seasons. Spring, to be exact. Spring is a beautiful season, but it’s also the most volatile. Depending on the region you live in, spring can be a pretty crazy time. One day it might be 80 degrees with not a cloud in the sky, and the next day it could be snowing. (I live in Minnesota, and I can honestly say that I’ve experienced a blizzard consisting of 8 inches of snow the day after it was 75 and sunny.) So, what if you want to get married in the spring? It’s possible, don’t worry. You just need to plan for it.
Planning for the Weather
I’m a huge fan of outdoor weddings. I think that a lot of people are. There’s just something about being outside, at one with the fresh air and the landscape, saying your vows to the one you love under the wide-open sky. If you’re thinking of having a spring wedding and you want to have it outdoors, you’re going to want to consider investing in a tent. Many wedding planners will help you with this, and talk to your venue about “alternative options” in case of rain or nasty weather.
Staying Warm
Okay, so you’ve planned your wedding for mid-April. Usually it’s reasonably warm by this time, but you’re also risking overnight temperature drops that definitely don’t warrant a sleeveless dress or a light shirt. For brides, consider bringing a shawl for backup. Not only will it look great in pictures (especially if you’re doing them outdoors), but it’ll keep you warm when you walk down the aisle. The fur shawl in the Game of Thrones-inspired wedding shoot (above) looks amazing and is functional. For grooms and brooms, consider a heavier jacket to layer over your shirt. You can always ditch it once the dancing starts!
Toasty Food and Beverages
If you’re going to be getting married when it’s potentially going to be more on the chilly side, you can ensure that your guests stay cozy by offering warm beverages like coffee, tea and hot cider. A fun option for food could be to set up a “roast your own” s’more pit and provide a table with marshmallows and graham crackers for your guests.
Warm Outdoor Activities
During the spring season, the days can be pleasantly warm, but oftentimes it can become a bit chilly at night. If you’re having an outdoor spring wedding, consider renting portable firepits to place around the reception grounds. Alternatively, consider working with a venue that’s built for outdoor receptions, regardless of the weather. They might already have firepits in place!
Photos: Kristin Newman Designs, Mindy Weiss, BG Productions, Rinse Repeat, Brandon Rodkewitz Photography
