The most interesting idea I have seen utilized at a Spring wedding was a fruit bar. It consisted of fresh fruits including peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, grapes and oranges. The knife used to cut them was first dipped into lemon juice so that the fruits would not brown. As well as fresh fruit, there were simple shortcakes and a choice of fruit toppings. Some of the toppings were strawberry, blueberry, peach and cherry. Most of the toppings were homemade and were a simple solution of the berries (or fruit) boiled in sugar and water until thickened. Finally, there were fruit salads and simple deserts. The simplest of deserts were strawberries and slices. They had set up a fondue pot for dipping the small fruits in chocolate. Another simple dessert was dried apricot slices that had been dipped halfway in chocolate.

In the past, I also mentioned other types of food bars that can be used at a wedding. A vegetarian wedding can easily be had by choosing a salad bar. You can include both traditional salad fixings with dressings or you can include fruit salads…or even potato salads. It's actually a very versatile choice. Baked potato bars are one of my personal favorites, and there are a number of possibilities here as well. You can include whole potatoes, potato halves, potato skins, twice-baked potatoes or any other potato dish as a base. Toppings can include; shredded cheese, various (sour cream and chive, onion, etc.) dips, chili, shredded meat bbqs, fresh chopped chives, crumbled bacon, vegetable toppings, cream sauces and parmesan cheese. In this case, you will need a way to keep things warm. The last idea is a sundae bar. It's a simple idea with various ice-cream flavors and toppings. You can include toppings such as: fruit or berry syrups, sprinkles, various nuts, whipped topping, various (caramel, chocolate, etc.) toppings and syrups, mini marshmallows, various (chocolate, butterscotch, etc.) chips or pieces, and smashed up cookies. In this case, you will need to keep the ice cream cold so that it does not melt. You can include various types of ice-cream cones (waffle, sugar, cinnamon, etc.) if you wish.

Using Flowers for the Ceremony

There are many flowers that generally bloom in Spring. Most of these can be used for a fresh look at a wedding. While these will be different for each area, I will list some of the most common Spring flowers here. In most areas, you can choose from; daffodils, irises, hyacinth, lilac, crocuses, and tulips among others. Some lilies also bloom in the Spring. The Virtual Garden is a wonderful resource that will help you to find your zone, and will also allow you to search for specific flowers and plants.

You can use these flowers…or flowers that grow in your area during Spring…to decorate your ceremony. One way to do this is to replace the traditional rose petals in the flower girl basket to a different flower, or even a mixture of flowers. A spring flower can be placed in your pew bows to add a fresh Spring look, and you can include such flowers in altar displays, bouquets, boutonnieres, and candle displays. A coordinating Spring fabric could easily tie together colors if you choose a mixture of flowers.

Spring Decorating

Tablecloths covered with inexpensive lace is a wonderful way to add charm and elegance to a Spring wedding. You can use different colored tablecloths for even more charm. Adding lace looks more formal than a plain tablecloth, and you can find lace very cheaply at your local crafts store. The last time I purchased it, it cost me under a dollar a yard. Even using a small amount of lace in the form of a table runner will dress up a table. A similar idea is to use doilies under your centerpieces or place settings. Place settings (china, porcelain, etc.) can be purchased inexpensively at a thrift shop, and using a variety of patterns adds a charming touch. You can also use fancy plates and platters as a base for your centerpieces. Centerpieces can range from flowering potted plants to baskets or vases filled with fresh-cut flowers. One elegant idea is to use teacups and saucers as your centerpieces. Simply insert a tea candle into the teacup, and place it on the saucer. The addition of a doily adds a cute touch as well. Sprinkling your tables with colorful flower petals will also add a Spring look to your wedding.

Wedding favors are only limited by your imagination. A favor appropriate to the theme would be terra-cotta pots holding a packet. Tie a simple bow around the pot, and you are done. Use a glue-gun to cover the hole, and you can place potpourri in it or you can place a candle in the pot. If you prefer, you can use a circle of fabric/tulle and gather it around the pot with a fancy ribbon. Your local crafts store should sell miniature watering cans. These too can be used in the above manner. Miniature garden tools can be glued or tied (with ribbon) to any traditional favor for a new look. The miniature plastic umbrellas would also be a wonderful favor for a Spring wedding. You can also use miniature baskets or miniature Flower Favor Boxes with a spring pattern on them. Favors are a wonderful way to continue your theme.

Now, for a few final ideas. You can use Sheer Favor Ribbon to decorate your cake or to decorate a flowering topiary. Some couples choose to include Charms in their cake, and various ribbon colors could be used for this idea. Large flowering plants can be placed as decorations. You can use them in doorways or next to tables. Flowers can be used on your cake instead of icing decorations, and you can ask your caterer/baker if they know of edible flowers that can be used. Finally, a Glowing Rose Centerpiece would look lovely in pastel shades.