Flowers and showers

THERE ARE PROS AND CONS TO HAVING A SPRING WEDDING. EMBRACE THE GOOD!

Spring is traditionally thought of as the most romantic time of year. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping. So who wouldn’t want to get married in such a perfect season? Before you go thinking that spring will work its magic and solve all your wedding mishaps, be prepared for the issues that spring can throw at you.

Weather is fickle, at best

Welcome to Canada! Yesterday you were in flip flops and today it is snowing! Did you bring your winter coat when you left the house this morning? Good, because in the late afternoon a scorching heatwave is coming through. You never know what will happen. Nothing is prettier than an outdoor wedding on a lovely spring day, but it’s a risk.

✱ Book a venue with flexible outdoor/indoor options, so weather won’t ruin the day.

✱ Come prepared with cooler-weather accessories: a jacket or shawl, pantyhose, close-toed shoes.

The power of flowers

✱ Assume it will be windy and style your hair accordingly.

✱ Take your guest’s comfort into consideration, providing umbrellas, fans, bug spray, sunscreen, etc.

Getting married in spring means you have the opportunity to choose from a wide array of blooms. So, take advantage! Lilacs and lily of the valley are some faves, but are very strong in scent. Placing them on your reception table can take the focus from your food, so choose your flower placement wisely. And some guests with sensitive noses may not enjoy the décor as much as you. Keep in mind that springtime is also allergy season! Stock up on meds, accordingly.

Vendors book quickly

Some highly fragrant flowers that do not aggravate allergies can still be irritants with their potent scents. It may be best to enjoy the following flowers outdoors: gardenia, hyacinth, jasmine, and lilacs. Many French hybrid lilacs and the white or yellow varieties are not as highly scented.

Spring is a popular time to exchange vows, which means vendors book up pretty quickly. Don’t expect to hire the photographer you love four months out from your wedding date. Great vendors fill their schedules a year (sometimes more) in advance. Understand that because of timing, you may not get the vendors you want.

Things can get pricier

Many venues will cost more in the spring than in the fall or winter. If budget is an issue (because it most likely will be) a spring wedding date might break the bank. Spoiler alert: fall and winter weddings are pretty amazing, too.