In spite of their beauty, dressing for a spring wedding is all about hedging your bets. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for anything. If you’re stuck on what to wear, don’t worry. We’re here to help! Read on for 5 top tips to help you plan your spring guest wedding attire, including 9 examples of our favourite spring wedding outfits!

What is a spring wedding?

A spring wedding can either be a wedding thrown in the spring or a wedding with a spring theme. Any weddings thrown between the months of March and May are considered a spring wedding, with the fresh spring blooms and longer evenings putting everyone in a celebratory mood.

While spring is beautiful, it does bring its share of logistical challenges. For example, do you dress for the unseasonable chill, anticipate sun, or land somewhere in between? And let’s not forget the possibility of those surprise spring showers!

The key is to plan your outfits with flexibility in mind. Think layers, wraps or shawls, and maybe even a stylish umbrella or two just in case.

How to pick what to wear in 5 easy steps

Read on to learn our 5 sure-fire tips for how to choose what to wear to a spring wedding.

1. Think about the weather

Spring can be pretty unpredictable, and the formidable British weather will be one of your biggest considerations when trying to pick what to wear.

The best thing to do is hedge your bets. While you should definitely look at the weather forecast, don’t take it as gospel, and be ready for anything. We recommend you layer up, bring sensible shoes, wear versatile fabrics, and carry an umbrella just in case. You can always shed layers if the sun makes an appearance, but equally, you’ll still have the opportunity to wrap up in case of April showers.

It’s the best way to ensure you can enjoy the whole day, without the stress of worrying about being too hot, too cold, or caught in the rain.

2. Think about the venue

Another key consideration is the venue. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, city or rural, all these factors will impact your outfit choice. If it’s an outdoor garden wedding, think about practical footwear. Avoid heels and opt for wedges or flats to avoid that awkward sinking feeling. For a chic city venue, you might want to go a bit more formal with your attire, but still, keep those layers handy.

It’s also important to consider all aspects of the wedding. For example, if the ceremony is indoors but there’s an outdoor reception, aim for something that strikes a balance — stylish yet comfortable enough to handle both environments. Rural locations might mean navigating uneven terrain, so be sure to pick footwear that can handle it, and maybe bring a wrap or jacket for those breezy country evenings.

Considering the venue will not only help you look the part but also keep you comfortable throughout the day.

3. Consider the dress code

Guest dress codes are becoming increasingly common in modern weddings. If the happy couple have a specific vibe or theme that they’re trying to curate, it’s good practice to respect their vision.

Whether the invitation calls for black tie, cocktail attire, or something more laid-back, sticking to the dress code ensures you’ll fit right in with the celebration’s overall style. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of deciding what to wear! If you’re unsure about the specifics, don’t hesitate to ask the couple for some clarification.

4. Think about yourself

When we say think about yourself, we mean think about what you’re most comfortable in. There’s no point weathering a flashy, frilly jumpsuit when you’re more at home in comfy trousers and a nice shirt. While it’s important to dress up and respect the importance of the day, it’s also important that you’re true to yourself and feel confident in what you’re wearing. After all, you’ll enjoy the day so much more if you’re comfortable in your own skin (and outfit!).

If you’re not a fan of high heels, go for stylish flats or low wedges. If bold prints aren’t your thing, opt for classic, timeless colours that make you feel good.

The trick is to strike a balance between respecting the occasion and being yourself. Remember, confidence is the best accessory you can wear, so be yourself!

5. Consider what you already have

Sustainability is king, and there’s no point buying a whole new outfit when there’s something lovely hanging in your wardrobe. Take a moment to check out what you already own — you might be surprised at how many gems you’ve forgotten about!

A well-loved dress or sharp suit that makes you feel amazing may well be a better choice than something brand new. You can always freshen up an old favourite with different accessories or a new pair of shoes to give it a fresh look.

Not only is reusing what you already have great for the environment, but it also takes the pressure off finding something new and spending extra cash. Plus, wearing an outfit you already know and love means you’ll feel even more comfortable and confident on the big day. It’s a win-win!

So, before you rush out to shop, take a peek in your wardrobe. Sometimes the best option is already right there waiting for you.

9 Spring Wedding Outfit Ideas

Still stuck on what to wear? No problem. We’ve rounded up 9 of our favourite ideas for spring wedding outfits and accessories to help inspire you.

For brides

1. Flower crown

Ditch the classic veil and opt for a big, blooming flower crown that matches your bouquet and table flowers. Not only will it add a sense of cohesion to your outfit, but it will also give you that fresh, ethereal vibe that’s perfect for a spring wedding.

If you’re dead set on wearing a veil, you can easily combine the two. Simply clip your veil onto the back of your flower crown and style your hair around this statement piece.

2. Sheer lace sleeves

Stave off the spring chill by incorporating delicate sheer lace sleeves into your gown. They’ll add a touch of elegance while still feeling light and airy — perfect for that unpredictable spring weather. Plus, lace sleeves can really enhance the romantic, whimsical feel of your look.

If sleeves aren’t really your thing, you can achieve the same look with a bolero or sheer lace shrug. This will give you all the benefits of sheer lace sleeves, with the added flexibility of being able to take it off.

3. Tons of tulle

Nothing says spring like tulle! Tulle is the perfect fabric to create a whimsical, fairytale feel that’s perfect for spring.

Whether it’s a full tulle skirt or delicate layers cascading down the train of your dress, tulle adds a sense of lightness and movement that’s perfect for a spring wedding. Plus, it’s oh-so-photogenic!

If you want to go all out, consider a multi-layered tulle gown for extra drama, or keep it subtle with a tulle veil for that delicate, airy effect.

For grooms

4. A coloured suit

We don’t mean bright orange or yellow (unless, of course, that’s your vibe!). Instead, we’re talking pastel pink, muted green, or navy blue to embrace the fresh feel of spring without going overboard.

A pastel pink or muted green suit is a great way to make a subtle statement, while navy blue offers a more traditional option with a seasonal twist. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a floral tie or pocket square, and you’re all set to stand out in a stylish yet understated way.

5. Floral waistcoat, pocket square, or tie

Adding a floral pop to an otherwise classic suit is a fun and creative way to bring in the spirit of spring without going over the top. Whether it’s soft pastel blooms or a bold floral pattern, these small touches will make your outfit feel fresh and in tune with the season.

Try to match the colours of the waistcoat, pocket square, or tie to that of the bride’s bouquet or the overall wedding theme. This will offer a cohesive look while showing attention to detail, making you look effortlessly coordinated. It’s the little things that matter, after all!

6. Bright boutonniere

It’s a classic for a reason — you can’t go wrong with a classic boutonniere. But, have you considered adding a pop of colour to your boutonniere? Choose a bright, bold bloom that ties into the wedding’s spring palette.

Think vibrant yellows, soft pinks, or even a striking blue to stand out. Alternatively, match your boutonniere to the bride’s flowers, the bridesmaids’ flowers, or the other groomsmen. Whether you contrast or complement, nothing says spring like flowers!

For guests

7. Floral wrap dress

“Florals? For spring? …Groundbreaking”

A floral wrap dress is the blueprint for spring wedding guest attire. But, sometimes things are a classic for a reason. A wrap dress is simple, flattering, and looks great on people of all shapes, sizes, and heights. Pair it with strappy sandals or wedges, and you’ve got an effortless, elegant look that’s perfect for a spring wedding.

What’s more, the wrap style ensures comfort all day. Whether you’re sitting through the ceremony or boogie-ing down at the reception, a wrap dress brings versatility to your look.

8. Bold blazers

A bold blazer can add a pop of colour or a touch of personality to any outfit. If you’re going to opt for this style, we recommend wearing a simple outfit and letting the blazer do the talking. For example, a plain dress in a neutral colour (except for white, obviously), trousers and a nice shirt, or a sleek jumpsuit can be instantly elevated with a bold blazer.

Think bright colours like coral, mustard, or even a pastel green to embrace that spring vibe. It’s an easy way to add a statement piece to your look while staying chic and wedding-appropriate. Plus, a blazer can also come in handy when the evening gets a bit cooler — practical and stylish!

9. Pastel everything

Pastels are another spring staple, and you really can’t go wrong by incorporating them into your outfit. Whether it’s a soft blush dress, a light lavender jumpsuit, or mint green accessories, pastels bring that fresh, breezy spring vibe that’s perfect for a wedding. Pair pastel shades with neutral tones or mix and match different pastel colours for a playful yet elegant look.

Plan your perfect spring fling with Bridebook

Spring weddings are all about fresh starts, vibrant blooms, and celebrating love in full bloom. Whether you’re a bride, groom, or guest, dressing for a spring wedding means embracing the season’s unpredictability while looking fabulous. The key is to strike a balance between style and practicality. Think layers, versatile fabrics, and, of course, a fun pop of colour!

If you’re stuck for ideas, our free and easy-to-use app is the place to start. With user-friendly tools and a ton of inspiration, sign up to Bridebook to plan the perfect spring wedding without the stress.

From finding the best venues and vendors to organising your guest list and managing your budget, Bridebook has everything you need at your fingertips. Plus, you’ll get access to expert advice and tons of inspiration to help bring your spring wedding vision to life. Sign up today and plan your dream spring fling!

Happy Planning!

Sophia Shafiee

Sophia is a passionate writer and editor and expert on all things wedding content related, with a First Class degree from the University of Oxford. She frequently shares her wedding advice and tips with leading UK publications on behalf of Bridebook.com, including Harper’s Bazaar, SheerLuxe and Porter Magazine.

Last updated: 16th Oct 2024