These Spring Wedding Ideas Are Chic—And Undeniably Romantic
From royal-inspired florals to fresh fashion, here’s what to consider for your upcoming spring wedding
With engagement season in full swing, it's time to start thinking about all the details, ideas, and inspiration that go into making an otherworldly–and original–celebration. From the season's newest prints to new takes on blooms, table settings, and guest experiences, BAZAAR Bride is here to give you more inspiration than ever before at your fingertips.
It seems all things natural, unique takes on customization—and focusing on planning a great party, not just a pretty event—is what’s in store for spring. Here, our favorite ideas for spring 2020 wedding celebrations.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.
Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.
We'll never tire of speaking to fashionable florals, but when done in soft, pastel, springtime patterns, like this Monique Lhuillier Fall 2020 bridal gown inspired by the Tuileries gardens, it feels effortlessly fashion-forward and innovative. Face it, we're not getting over floral prints anytime soon—but we do suggest you keep your choice seasonally-focused. When it comes to a summer soiree, opt for bolder and brighter blooms. For fall or winter, choose jewel-toned florals for a moody feel.
Photo: KT Merry
All things blush have become far too common in the world of weddings. There, we said it. Skip styling your bridal party, decor, and more in basic blush, and reinvent the standard shade with shades of lilac, sky, pistachio, buttercup, and more. Add organic elements, greenery, and florals of the same tones for a palette that suits both the fashion-girl, the romantic, and the globe-trotting bohemienne. Photo: Jose Villa
As nature comes back into its own, it's hard not to embrace all things outdoors. But rather than rustic or floral feels, we're thinking about the creatures and specimens that come out of hiding come spring. Try escort cards of printed or rehydrated butterflies; or, opt for bugs, birds, and bees hand-painted on your paper suite and place settings. If you're looking for a more feminine and classic version, we love these stunning Christian Lacroix Butterfly Collection plates from Maison de Carine. No matter your particular aesthetic, channel the natural world to give your florals, tables, and overall theme an in-season element.
Photo: Courtesy
Related article: Bring The Beauty Of Nature Into Your Home With The Help Of A Floral Expert
This is one of the best times of year for stunning specialty flowers, and it can be tempting to ask your florist to deliver walls, arches, aisles, and more with your favorite blooms. Instead of going opulently over-the-top, try an abundant look inspired by an English Garden, a la The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding at Windsor Castle.
Trust us, celebrating the season and letting your florals shine is far more chic than living design elements looking unnatural. Skip the geometric contortions and spherical floral shapes; this season, let your blooms live in their natural state.
For royal wedding florists Shane Connolly (who designed the wedding of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) and Philippa Craddock (who designed Harry & Meghan's wedding, pictured here), garden-inspired grandeur is at its most regal when produced sustainably. Ask whether your vendors use floral foam, which is harmful to the environment; take efforts a step further and ensure installations are composted, whenever possible, once broken down.
Photo: Courtesy
Don't forget the ceremony when designing your epic event—it's the reason we're all here, after all.
As such, don't leave the decor to simple urns, aisle runners, or chair-backs. Get inspired by some of Hollywood and fashion's biggest events; aisles are, if nothing, personal versions of runways and red carpets. Focus on an epic view, and place yourselves at the perfect place against it. Whether you choose a look that complements the reception to come, or design a look all its own for your vow exchange, kick your ceremony decor up a notch. We love this aisle and chuppah, set atop a cliff in Capri, inspired by Tory Burch's Fall 2018 runway show, designed by Jung Lee of Fete NY.
Photo: Shawn Connel
Calligraphy and beautifully designed place cards are elegant and chic, but getting the good vibes going from the moment your guests arrive sends the message that they should prepare for an epic party.
Try news your guests can use, like an 'escort drink' that tells you where to find your seat. Make sure the drink in question is quick to consume, and suits the tone of your event. The whiskey shots, pictured here, kicked off a Burning Man-inspired night of dancing at Aynhoe Park—but a petite Aperol Spritz, glass of champagne, taste of tequila, or your favorite cocktail as a couple could be simply subbed in. Add a note or a name to each, like these labeled by equally-cheeky tables dubbed 'You Are the Ultimate,' 'You Are a Legend,' 'You Are La Creme de la Creme,' You Are the Greatest,' and 'You Are Unbeatable,' which showed guests to their seats.
Photo: Roberta Facchini
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Skip the mason jars and over-the-top embellishments and trade all over-used Pinterest faux pas for fresh fruit.
Stick to soft greenery and seasonal produce for centerpieces that feel fresh, not try-hard. Think lemons and lavender for spring, and bold citrus and berries in the summer; persimmon and apples work for fall, and cracked-open pomegranate, concord grapes, and figs feel rich come winter. Incorporate any fruits or flavors highlighted in the tablescape into a (preferably) locally-sourced menu for a multi-sensory, seasonal experience. If you're seated at a table like the one pictured here, think lemon brick chicken as a main course, or lemon cake or limoncello served at dessert.
Photo: Duke Van Deusen
For at least one of your events, ditch the dress. Don a wow-factor suit—but make it bridal—for a welcome event, pool party, or the after-after party. Brazen bridal looks sizzle when done right, so keep it classy with a white one-piece that's styled under a sheer lace topper, or just don a suit for a waterfront photo session with your photographer. Our favorite example of this look done right? Devin Windsor. The bride, pictured here, designed two custom swimsuits for her pre-wedding beach party, and completed the look with bespoke cover-ups and overskirts.
Photo: Melissa Marshall
The truth about dessert at a wedding is that if you're going to do cake, it should feel like an extension of you as a couple and the event itself—not an afterthought. The taste—and the decor—should be seasonally appropriate. Better yet? All of it, down to the decor, should be edible. While fondant looks beautiful, it's not always the most tasty; use it wisely. This cake by Loria Stern for a recent wedding planned by Mindy Weiss is case in point.
Photo: Norman & Blake
All your guests will thank us for telling you this: Skip the recovery brunch. They came to celebrate with you, but not even you will want to worry about setting an alarm the next morning. Nobody likes waking up early, hungover, most-likely in last night's makeup and have to get themselves together for a meal they'd rather sleep through. Instead, plan a late-night party with delicious food served in the early morning hours so that everyone can let loose, sleep in, and wake up that much more refreshed, with amazing memories of last night.
If you insist on a recovery brunch, make it convenient. Provide transportation, make it optional, or consider leaving a note in guestrooms offering them room service with your complements, instead.
Photo: Bruno Rezza
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