The season you marry often provides a good starting point for choosing your decorations, flowers and overall wedding theme. For example, the rich hues of fall work well for rustic weddings, whereas lighter pastel tones are more fitting for a beach wedding during summer. Below are some suggestions to guide you on what works well for each time of year. We've included popular flowers and decor by season as well as over 50 inspirational photos and how you can incorporate them into your wedding day.
SPRING
In spring it's best to avoid colors that are too dark and heavy and instead try to keep things light, bright and fresh. Delicate pastels and blush-toned colors rule this season such as pinks, purples, whites, baby blues. There are plenty of floral choices and edible items in season as well so take advantage of that when planning centerpieces, bouquets, menus, etc. We also tend associate the spring season with new beginnings like tree blossoms, garden-inspired details, and newborn wildlife. These types of details translate perfectly to springtime wedding décor, themes and motifs.
FLOWERS/PLANTS: Wildflowers make gorgeous spring bouquets and fresh herbs such as rosemary, lavender and lamb’s ears can be incorporated into centerpieces. Popular floral choices include:
Lily of the Valley Roses Anemone Sweet Peas Ranunculus Tulips |
Freesia Carnation Lavender Phlox Juniper Gerber Daisy |
Anromeda Lilac Calla Lily Hydrangea Peony Gardenia |
Hypericum Berries Poppy Daffodil Scabiosa Pods Veronica |
Lily Dusty Miller Celmatis Cymbidium Orchid Succulent Jasmine |
Grape Hyacinth Larkspur Lamb's Ears Iris Magnolia Hellebores |
PHOTO INSPIRATION:
SUMMER
Summer is by far the most favorite season to marry, and for good reason! The days are long and the evenings perfect for warm summer nights with romantic lighting such as bistro lights, paper lanterns, candles or twinkle lights. Design your summer centerpieces with lots of clean, bright colors and add unexpected fillers or accents. Summer weddings typically call for lots of white, ivory, or cream paired with a more dominant color such as navy, red or turquoise but as long as you avoid having all dark, heavy-toned colors, the sky is the limit on your summer color choices! Also try to minimize time without shade and plan your wedding to start at the cooler point of the day, If you do plan to start early, be sure to have shaded lounge areas where guests can escape the heat. Also consider giving your guests fun activities or games to do besides dancing such as such as corn hole and croquet, etc. Games are especially fun for backyard weddings!
Keep beverages such as cocktails, wine and non alcoholic drinks light and refreshing and include simple dishes like chicken or grilled seafood, a fresh salad, citrus fruits and seasonal vegetables, etc. Guests will prefer something bite-size so have lots of finger foods and appetizers available during the event. More ideas: Beach & Nautical Wedding Decorating Gallery
FLOWERS/PLANTS: You'll want to talk to your florist about heat-resistant foliage or flowers that won't wilt in high temps. As a rule of thumb, hydrangeas will wither in heat, while tropical blooms like calla lilies, orchids, or fluffy flowers like garden roses or sunflowers can handle warmer weather. Succulents are an ideal option that can tolerate even the hottest of wedding days and citrus fruits are great alternatives to flowers. Summer floral options include:
Peonies Sweet William Delphinium Freesia Roses Baby's Breath Lilac Veronica |
Ranunculus Gardenia Clematis Cymbidium Orchid Fern Fronds Jasmine Camellia Pincushion Protea |
Asiatic Lily Carnation Bells of Ireland Craspedia Gerber Daisy Succulent Magnolia Dusty Miller |
Gladiolus Hypericum Berries Larkspur Lisianthus Phlox Poppy Eucalyptus Tuberose |
Scabiosa Pods Snapdragon Sunflower Zinnia Iris Allium Red Valerian Verbena |
Cosmos Chrysanthemum Lily Lavender Lupine Marigold Aster Astilbe |
PHOTO INSPIRATION:
AUTUMN
There’s something so warm and comforting about fall, which makes it a wonderful time of year for weddings. Try to incorporate the outdoors by arranging centerpieces with autumn leaves, tree branches, pine cones, berries, pumpkins, gourds, etc. Fall colors typically include earth tones such as oranges, golds, reds, browns, deep greens and even deep purple tones. Emphasize natural elements such rustic farm tables, twigs, leaves, barn settings, etc. The menu should include warm and comforting food items like pumpkin soup, hardy main dishes, apple, pecan, and sweet potato pies, etc. More fall wedding decoration ideas.
FLOWERS/PLANTS: Popular autumn flowers include favorites like roses and orchids, but also look to flowers that will compliment your particular wedding colors. Popular floral choices include:
Dahlia Gladioli Gerber Daisy Hypericum Berry Delphinums Sunflowers |
Poppies Garden Rose Calla Lily Ranunculus Cymbidium Orchid Pincushion Protea |
Anemone Fern Fronds Scabiosa Pods Carnations Lisianthus Succulent |
Aster Silver Brunia Verbena Marigold Gomphrena Astilbe |
Cosmos Chrysanthemum Agertum Iris Zinnia Snapdragons |
Dusty Miller Camellia Jasmine Pepperberries Nerine Veronica |
PHOTO INSPIRATION:
WINTER
Rich seasonal colors like reds, purples, silver and greens make winter a magical season for weddings, Up the cozy factor by using plenty of heavier fabrics such as velvet, chenille, and tweeds in your decor. Consider garlands of greenery, evergreen branches, or hanging icicle crystals to highlight certain areas of your wedding, and incorporate plenty of candles, pine cones, and glittery details into your centerpieces. With the sun setting early, candles will add a romantic glow and warm your reception space. Winter wedding catering ideas can include tasty soups, hearty farm-to-table comfort foods, desserts, spiced apple ciders, and warm cocktails like bourbon-based hot toddies. Other great options include a coffee and/or hot cocoa bar with extras like whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Don't forget the gourmet marshmallows and peppermint-stick stirrers. Yum!
There are a couple of important things you need to keep in mind for winter weddings. Obviously, US winter weddings typically occur during chilly temperatures. You absolutely must take this into consideration when choosing clothing for your wedding party and yourselves! Also, if you’re marrying in a place where your guests will be bundled up, offering a coat check at your ceremony and reception entrances is highly recommended and much appreciated by your guests. More winter wedding decoration ideas.
FLOWERS/PLANTS:
Berried Ivy Hyacinth Pussy Willow Amaryllis Christmas Rose Calla Lily Hellebores |
Stephanotis Anemone Fern Fronds Succulent Eucalyptus Dendrobium Orchid Veronica |
Holly Juniper Dusty miller Camellia Jasmine Snowberry Pepperberries |
PHOTO INSPIRATION: