Spring Weddings Downunder

Spring has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere and it's no wonder it's a popular choice for weddings.  There's something magical about saying your wedding vows in a springtime garden setting and charging your sparkling champagne glass in the golden sunlight.  As the weather warms up, the florals go into bloom I cant help but think that Spring is the best time of year to exchange vows - a lovely representation of new life, renewal, beauty and love.

Colours:
The colours available are exhaustive, so you can create a rainbow effect or simply choose one design so you have a flood of consistent colour to match your wedding theme. Springtime parasols can now be found adorned with silk blossoms such as gardenias and daisies.

Styling:
Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and host your ceremony and reception outdoors in a beautiful, bloom-filled garden setting.  Pick fresh flowers for table decorations, have your bridesmaids wear blossoms from the garden in their hair and tie bows with fresh flowers into each table napkin.  Decorate your venue with bunches of mismatched blooms, paper lanterns in a rainbow of sherbert colours and paper flowers.

Favours:
Favor ideas for a springtime wedding are as plentiful as the season itself.  Miniature tin pails can be given with wheatgrass cheekily peeking from the top.  Give a packet of springtime bulbs ready to burst into life in a beautiful paper bag adorned with personalised ribbon or, simply place a card on each of the floral centrepieces letting your guests know that they are free to take home the flowers at the end of the reception as your gift to their home.  Give each of your guests a parasol to protect them from the spring sunshine. 

Flowers:
The delights of spring can be found in the range of flowers in season, including Alstromeria, Baby's Breath, Blue Bells, Carnations, Camellia, Cornflowers, Daffodils, Forget me not, Freesia, Gardenia, Roses, Iris, Jasmine, Lavender, Lilac, Australian Natives, Tropical Orchids, Peony Rose, Poppy, Queen Annes Lace, Snapdragon, Stephanotis, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Lily of the Valley, Oriental Lily and Tiger Lily.  Choose your favourite flower as your main wedding theme, whether it is a peony or a daffodil, flowers can be some of the most beautiful inspirations for your big day.

Wedding attire:
Spring weddings are the perfect time to showcase your dream bridal gown, whatever it may be. Strapless, short skirts, structured princess gowns, floral embroidery, a splash of colour in a sash or corsage, and light fabrics such as chiffon and organza all work for Spring events.  Sherbet colours in all different designs can look incredibly modern and happy for your ceremony.

Food and beverages:
An Australian springtime wedding menu could include lgrilled polenta with goat's cheese, prawn cutlets with lime, seasonal vegetable stacks, rack of spring lamb, and fresh strawberries steeped in your favourite liquor with shortbread for dessert.  Chilled soups and salads make perfect appetisers, and fish, chicken and lamb are all suitable for the main course when paired with seasonal vegetables. 

Continue your spring theme with your cake both inside and out. White chocolate, raspberry, lemon, orange and carrot are all great wedding cake flavours for Spring weddings.  Decorate your cake with blossoms, colourful polka dots, or pastel ribbons.

Drinks for spring weddings should be fresh and fruity, with citrus elements playing a key role. A lemonade bar with different flavours and colours of lemonade served from large glass jars can make an attractive feature as well as providing refreshment. For your signature cocktail choose something refreshing like white wine sangria, or Long Island Ice Tea. White, rose and sparkling wine is more popular than red during the spring season.

Invitations for spring weddings:
Your invitation sets the tone of your wedding, and what better way to announce spring weddings than with a fun, fresh design.  Look for floral designs and motifs, natural colours such as green, yellow and pink and relaxed informal fonts.

Colour schemes and patterns for spring weddings:
The traditional pastels such as lavender, pink, blue and lemon are still popular, but these can be combined with stronger colours to achieve a contemporary look.  Pale pinks and blues look wonderful with chocolate brown and lemons and deep purple compliment each other really well.  Patterns that work well at spring weddings include stripes, polka dots, gingham and plaid.  If you opt to mix patterns keep your colours simple.  Use your chosen patterns on your invitations, your cake and favours.

Decorations for spring weddings:
There are so many beautiful flowers in season in spring including gerberas, roses, lilies and tulips.  Suspended bird cages decorated with flowers, as well as brightly coloured Chinese lanterns can make a real impact.  Tall indoor trees are a very fashionable option and can be accessorised with ornamental birds and brightly coloured butterflies.