5 Tips for Planning a Spring Wedding

Outdoor weddings can be absolutely gorgeous, especially in Maine, where we are blessed to experience the four seasons, each with their own charm and beauty. Spring weddings, combined with the smell of fresh flowers and signs of new life, set the perfect stage to begin a new chapter of your life. Spring is considered “off-season” in Maine and is the perfect time for those who want to avoid the crowded summer wedding season. An off-season wedding sometimes means you’ll have your choice of the best of the best wedding vendors Maine has to offer. With the right planning and the following planning tips, you can set the foundation for a comfortable and charming wedding experience for your guests to talk about for years to come!

1. Be prepared to experience 4 seasons on your wedding day

Regardless of the season and location of your Maine wedding, you should always have a backup plan in the event of inclement weather. Maine weather can change with the blink of an eye and will inevitably change many times on your wedding day. In spring in Maine, it may be cool and breezy during the ceremony and a light rain might roll in before the sky opens up for a sunny, warm evening. Be prepared to work with your hairstylist for options that will brave the breeze, and offer your guests lap blankets or umbrellas for unexpected weather. Incorporate layers or fun cool weather accessories like shawls or capelets for your wedding party to keep them comfortable during your vows. You can also add patio heaters to the ceremony and cocktail hour locations for added comfort. Expect and plan for the changes and it will make for an incredibly memorable and magical day.

Be prepared to work with your hair stylist for options that will brave the breeze.

2. Ceremony Location

Even on the best spring day, the ground will still be soft from the melting of snow and the spring rain that brings the flowers we love so much. We always encourage couples getting married at French’s Point in the spring season to use the gazebo or the oceanfront cobblestone terrace for their wedding ceremony to avoid high heels sinking into the grass. Of course, if your heart is set on having your ceremony on the waterfront lawn, many bridal and shoe shops carry the small clear discs that attach to your high heels, which allow you to walk in the shoes you love without worrying about sinking. Or have your bridesmaids stand on fabric runners or tile, which creates a very cool look for your ceremony and protects them from sinking during your vows. Another option is to ditch the heels altogether and opt for personalized rain boots or sneakers for your wedding party. In addition to comfort, you will give them a great memory of your big day to enjoy for years to come.

Ditch the heels altogether and opt for personalized rain boots or sneakers for your wedding party!

3. Seasonal Everything

From flowers and food to favors, spring is a great season in which to be married. Be sure to take advantage of locally sourced flowers – think lilies, tulips and lilacs – for your big day. Have bouquets of locally sourced, seasonal flowers adorn the dinner tables; pair seasonal vegetables with grilled chicken for dinner; and offer mini lemon tarts for dessert for a truly inspired spring wedding. Or have a Garden Party-themed reception and decorate with planters and wagons and allow your guests to take them home as favors. You can also use seed packets for seating assignments for guests to plant in their gardens at home as a way to remember your special day. Keep in mind the natural beauty that abounds in spring and just add personal touches to your décor to enhance what’s already there.

4. Bold Colors

Spring is the perfect time to get out of the dreariness of winter and add some color to your celebration. Be bold and deck your bridesmaids out in the brightest yellows, greens and blues with matching ties and socks on the groomsmen or use a traditional palette of pastels, with each special bridesmaid in a different hue. Either way, you cannot go wrong incorporating some color into your day.

5. Lighting

While the days are warm, the night will fall fast. If you want your guests to enjoy the outdoors as long as possible, be sure your location has adequate lighting on an outside terrace with seating or create an area yourself with lounge furniture and bring in lighting specialists to set up some twinkle lights to brighten up the area. Guests will love the chance to mingle outside under the glow of warm light. You could also provide a fire pit that will double as warmth and ambiance and throw in some s’mores supplies for your guests to enjoy!

Couples who embrace the season and the unpredictable weather will benefit from creating a truly unique wedding. Contact us for a tour or to reserve French’s Point for your spring Maine wedding.

Featured photo by Cuppa Photography