After what seems like an eternity of gloomy skies and rain-soaked streets, the arrival of spring brings with it a burst of joyful optimism. Bright sunny days, birds chirping in the trees and an explosion of colour from the flowers in bloom set the scene for a gorgeous wedding day.

As long as you plan ahead and keep a few key points in mind, spring is a great time of the year to get married. So, throw those curtains wide and look alive. Here’s our guide to making the best of the season and throwing the perfect spring wedding.

Cross your fingers for a sunshine wedding and always have a backup plan

Spring weather in the UK is predictably unpredictable, so be prepared! An outdoor element to your wedding can make for a glorious day, but don’t get caught out by the rain – have a contingency plan in place just encase the heavens should open. Have a beautifully decorated indoor area waiting in the wings, in case things get soggy. Also, think about a cloakroom and a space to store your guests’ umbrellas, and consider how you’re going to keep your guests warm should the temperature plummet.

In spring, you’ve got the pick of the bunch

By opting for a spring wedding, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your wedding flowers. Not only do you have the perennial favourites (roses, lilies, orchids, hydrangeas) but also the coveted springtime blooms (peonies, tulips, lilacs and hyacinths). Decide on a colour scheme, (collaborate with your photographer on this) and choose flowers that complement one another. A good wedding florist will know how to help you create the perfect arrangement to bring the best out of the kaleidoscope of colour.

Make use of seasonal wedding catering

With an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables coming into season, a springtime wedding can provide a delicious menu. From asparagus and rhubarb to kale and kohlrabi, there’s so much locally grown, fresh, flavoursome produce you can serve up at your spring wedding. And why not keep your guests refreshed with some sumptuous spring cocktails? A tray full of mint juleps, with fresh local mint, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Select a beautiful wedding venue with natural decor

If luck is on your side and the rain stays away, there’s nothing quite like the stunning natural beauty of spring. Select a venue with outdoor areas that take full advantage of this special time of year, to create the perfect picturesque backdrop to your big day. A vineyard, a botanic garden, a luxury barn or a country house can be idyllic venues for a springtime wedding. If you’re planning well in advance, visiting a year before – to get a feel for the venue’s springtime atmosphere – is a great idea.

Hire a wedding photographer who can shoot in spring

Speaking of picturesque, your choice of photographer will be a very important decision. Do your research and find someone with a knack for nature and an eye for colour. It’s a good idea to get them involved in your choice of venue. Having a collaborative relationship with your photographer can lead to invaluable inspiration and blossoming ideas – in terms of colours, themes and locations – and help bring some vibrancy to your spring wedding!