The Ultimate Spring Wedding Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Spring is one of the most magical times of year to get married. The countryside is waking up, the light is soft and golden, and nature does half the decorating for you. If you've just got engaged and you're starting to think about a spring wedding, this guide will walk you through everything - from choosing your date to the details that make the season truly special.

Why Choose a Spring Wedding?

There's a reason spring weddings are so beloved. After the grey stillness of winter, everything is alive again - blossom on the trees, wildflowers in the hedgerows, and that particular quality of light that photographers dream about. Practically speaking, spring also sits in a sweet spot: the weather is warming up but rarely uncomfortably hot, venues and suppliers tend to have more availability than the peak summer months, and your wedding photos will have a natural, luminous beauty that's hard to replicate at any other time of year.

At Burningfold Manor, spring is one of our favourite seasons on the estate. The rose-walled gardens begin to bloom, the 300 acres of Surrey countryside turn a vivid green, and the lily pond reflects the pale blue skies in a way that simply takes your breath away.

Choosing Your Spring Wedding Date

Spring officially runs from March through May, but for wedding planning purposes each month has its own distinct character.

March weddings are for the bold - the weather can be crisp and unpredictable, but you'll likely secure better venue availability and pricing, and there's something wonderfully dramatic about getting married as the season turns. Cherry blossom, if you're lucky with timing, makes for extraordinary photography.

April is the classic spring month. Mild temperatures, longer days, and the countryside in full awakening. Easter weekend can be a wonderful anchor for a long celebration - though bear in mind that popular venues book up quickly around bank holidays.

May is arguably the jewel of the season. The grounds are lush, the evenings are light until well past 8pm, and the weather is reliably mild. May half-term, if your guest list includes families, is worth factoring in.

The Spring Wedding Aesthetic: Colours, Florals & Styling

Colour Palettes

Spring lends itself to palettes that feel fresh, romantic, and rooted in the natural world. Some of the most beautiful spring wedding colour combinations include:

• Soft blush and ivory - timeless and endlessly flattering against spring greenery

• Sage green and warm white - earthy, elegant, and very much of the moment

• Lilac and dusty rose - romantic and distinctly spring-like without feeling overly sweet

• Butter yellow and cream - sunny, joyful, and luminous in natural light

• Deep botanical green and antique gold - for couples who want something richer and more dramatic

  
  

Florals

Spring is perhaps the most generous season for flowers. Work with your florist early - the best florists book up quickly, especially for peak spring dates. Seasonal flowers to consider include:

• Peonies (late spring, May onwards) - lush, full, and romantic

• Ranunculus - available from early spring; layered petals with a painterly quality

• Sweet peas - delicate, fragrant, and quintessentially English

• Tulips - architectural and striking, perfect for modern arrangements

• Blossom branches - for ceremony arches and statement installations

• Hellebores - early spring, unusual, and beautifully moody

• Anemones - bold centres and papery petals that photograph beautifully

At Burningfold, our rose-walled gardens provide a natural floral backdrop that reduces the pressure on your florist budget - the setting does much of the work for you.

Styling Details

Spring styling at its best feels effortless rather than overdone. Think:

• Linen tablecloths in natural tones rather than stark white

• Terracotta pots and bud vases over formal centrepieces

• Trailing greenery and wildflower elements woven through arrangements

• Candles and lanterns for the evening, when spring light fades gently

• Mismatched vintage glassware for a relaxed, garden-party feel

Spring Wedding Dresses & Attire

For the Bride

Spring is wonderfully versatile for bridal fashion. The season suits everything from flowing chiffon gowns that catch the breeze to structured lace with a botanical motif. A few things worth considering:

• Fabric: Lighter fabrics - chiffon, organza, silk crepe - feel season-appropriate and photograph beautifully in natural spring light. If you're marrying in March or early April, a lace or long-sleeved gown will keep you comfortable in cooler temperatures.

• Cover-ups: A silk blazer, embroidered jacket, or delicate wrap gives you flexibility if the weather turns. It also gives you a different look for the evening.

• Colour: While white and ivory are timeless, spring is a wonderful time to consider blush, or champagne.

For the Wedding Party

Spring palettes translate beautifully into bridesmaid and groomswear. Sage, dusty rose, lavender, and warm terracotta all work exceptionally well. For groomsmen, linen suits in stone or light grey feel right for the season - relaxed but elegant.

Spring Wedding Food & Drink

Seasonal Menus

One of the great joys of a spring wedding is the food. Work with your caterer to build a menu around what's actually in season - not only does this taste better, it often costs less and feels more personal.

Spring seasonal highlights include:

• Starters: Asparagus (at its absolute peak in April and May), Jersey Royals, pea and mint, wild garlic, spring lamb

• Mains: Lamb shoulder, roasted salmon, herb-crusted chicken

• Desserts: Rhubarb, strawberries (from late May), elderflower, lemon

Drinks

A spring wedding calls for drinks that feel celebratory without being heavy. Consider:

• Elderflower spritz or rhubarb Bellinis for the arrival reception

• A curated English sparkling wine selection - Surrey is surrounded by excellent vineyards

• Pimm's station for an outdoor drinks reception that guests will love

• Light, floral cocktails - think St. Germain, gin, and seasonal fruit

At Burningfold, we don't charge corkage, and your caterers manage the full drinks service throughout the day. We're also happy to recommend bar companies who specialise in seasonal, crafted drinks experiences.

Outdoor Ceremonies in Spring: What to Consider

An outdoor ceremony in spring is beautiful - and one of the most weather-dependent. Here's how to plan for it:

Have a wet weather plan. This is non-negotiable in the UK. At Burningfold, we have a fixed marquee as well as the option to add a stretch tent across the estate, providing shade on warm days and shelter if it rains - without losing the beauty of the setting.

Consider the wind. A light breeze is romantic; a stiff wind scatters confetti into faces and plays havoc with veils. Position your ceremony space with some natural shelter if possible.

Time your ceremony well. Late morning or early afternoon ceremonies in spring make the most of the light, give guests time to settle in, and leave a long, luxurious afternoon ahead of you.

Brief your photographer. Spring light changes quickly. A photographer who knows the estate and understands how the light moves through the day will capture something extraordinary.

Why Burningfold Manor is Perfect for a Spring Wedding

Nestled on the Surrey-Sussex border, Burningfold Manor is a 15th-century country estate set within 300 acres of countryside - and in spring, it is quite simply breathtaking.

The rose-walled gardens come into bloom, the lily pond shimmers, and the estate's ancient architecture takes on a warmth that no purpose-built venue can replicate. As an exclusively yours venue, you and your guests have the run of the entire estate - the manor, the barn, the courtyard, the gardens, and the grounds - with no other weddings or events taking place alongside yours.

On-site accommodation for up to 32 guests means you can make your spring wedding a proper weekend celebration. Arrive on Friday, take in the countryside, enjoy the swimming pool and tennis court, watch the polo if the season has begun, and wake up on Sunday morning with your closest people around you - all on one beautiful estate.

Our in-house wedding coordinator will be with you every step of the way, backed by the personal care of a family-run estate that genuinely loves what it does.