DO: Embrace pops of color

Spring is all about the blooms. Be sure to use floral inspiration and embrace pops of color. Both in your ceremony and reception space, let spring be colorful and bright! 

DONT: Forget to map out a color pallet

Ethereal pinks and creams, vibrant jewel tones, or earthy greens? A mistake I see is that a couple throws a lot of colors in the mix. While I'm all for a maximalist wedding vibe, create a mood board to be sure your colors are going to work well together. There's so many pallets to embrace for spring, it can be hard to narrow it down. 

Do: Lead With Your Space

Begin with your unique venue. Should you have a blank canvas like a rental space or parent's backyard, it can require more decor strategy. But whenever possible allow the features of the venue to truly be celebrated. Focus decor in your ceremony area, and reception tables but otherwise embrace natural beauty and spaces. 

DONT: OVERDECORATE

Too much spring can feel cluttered. Allow small spaces to have the biggest impact (your decor, your bouquet, ceremony arch, and reception spaces). 

DO: Be Unique

Live your fantasy! This can be especially true with what you choose to wear. Have a gameplan to have some photos in a gorgeous flower crown or other unique accessory and then some without. Choose outfits that you feel stunning in. Embrace your unique taste. 

DONT: FOLLOW TRENDS UNLESS YOU LOVE THEM

Not a vintage girlie? Not a fan of butter yellow for a bridesmaid? Hate the "naked cake" - then ditch it! There's so much room to niche down and take a thread of the spring aesthetic without the whole internet overload. Elevate the aesthetic to be more classic, make it more foresty fantastic, or even 70s retro with vibrant color pops. There's so many directions you can go. Make it work for you. 

DO: Choose Floral Print Wisely

Florals... in spring... groundbreaking. - We know right? Florals have been done... and often get overdone. Maybe you LOVE floral print bridesmaids dresses. If so, I recommend you could opt for simpler pastel flowers to match. OR ditch the flowers for bridesmaids and give them an alternative bouquet option altogether. Be careful to not have FLORALS EVERYWHERE. In the drinks, on the cake, flower crowns, floral printed tablecloths, vintage floral print plates... it could be too much. Map out where flowers are going to add, and where they will clash. 

DONT: Become a Swedish Cult Movie

It's giving... get out while you still can. You may want to lean more into prairie romantic, then ring around the maypole. Lean more May March if you can, not Midsommar. 

DO: Upgrade When You Can 

Adding a tent can have amazing visual impact. As can elevating the event with some higher end rentals like chairs or furniture rentals. But when budget won't allow, know that the guest experience is enhanced by some romantic lighting and great music. That, plus a festive drink and a hearty meal makes a wedding a hit with your guests. So if you are looking to maximize for vibes, string some lighting, light some candles (or use battery operated ones), and focus on a menu you can nail in both taste and service. And if you've got cash to spare, head to a rental showroom and see what rented items can bring your dreams to life. 

DONT: Do your own food and florals

Your budget is yours to prioritize but the mistake I see again and again is budget brides overcommitting to food prep and florals. These are the two elements of a wedding that must be fresh. If you are thinking of doing your own flowers to save money, I recommend starting with doing florals for your upcoming bridal shower to be sure you are up for it. And If there is any way to skip another expense (ditch the photo booth or shop around for a photographer in budget) and hire at least a friend or friend of a friend to do the flowers at a buddy rate. And for food, I would potluck before you sign your fiance to man the grill, buying, prepping, cooking and serving food for large parties will take you away from your guests and from your ability to enjoy the day. In-N-Out does catering... I'm not kidding. Hire the In-N-Out truck before you do say "we'll just get everything from Costco."