Tip: When decorating with lots of gourds, let it be known that your guests can take them on their way out. That way you don’t end up with a heaping mountain of them after the event!

1) J. Fiereck  2) Emilie Inc & Pencil Events  3) Elisa Bricker & Barb Wired Event Management  4) Jenny Cookies  5) Aster & Olive  6) Love by Serena & Jessica Adams Design  7) Hetler Photography  8) B. Schwartz Photography  9) Pinterest  10) Amanda Dumouchelle Photography & Take a Seat Events  11) Dogwood Events  12) Simply Rosie Photography 13) Birds of a Feather 14) Amanda Dumouchelle Photography & Take a Seat Events

1) Jeannemarie Photography  2) Jemma Keech  3) Matt + Lena Photography  4) Arna Bee Photography  5) EH Floral (Violet Vendor)  6) Heather Hester Photography and Lindsay Rae  7)  Melissa Tuck  8) Erich McVey  9) Jayson Munn Design (Violet Vendor)  10) Simply Bloom Photography  11) Alea Lovely and Victorian Gardens  12) Lisa Warninger  13) Lane Dittoe and The Vine’s Leaf

Shiny Copper Centerpiece Vase: White Loft Studio / Copper Fern Headpiece:  This Love of Yours / Copper Band Wedding Cake: Karen Buckle Photography / Copper Succulent Planters: Leo Patrone / Copper Envelopes: Kim Roach Design/ Copper Birch Ring: The Lift Jewelry Shop / Copper Dress: Totokaelo / Copper Tray + Drinks: Katelyn James Photography

1) Anthropologie  2) Boden  3) Penny Pardy (via Etsy)  4) Free People  5) DIYcenter  6) BB Dakota via Ruche  7) Candela (via Free People)  8) Queen of Heartz via Ruche  9) Timeless Couture  10) Pinterest  11) 100 Layer Cake with Modcloth  12) Modcloth  13) Kate Spade  14) Stewart Leishman Photography

1) Katelyn James Photography & David LaVoy Floral Design  2) Jane Packer via Design My Way  3) Kindred Event Studio  4) Flowers by Janie & Sergei Belski Photography  5) Pinterest  6) Marin Kristine  7) Sinnen Rausch  8) Studio Impressions  9) Zac Wolf   10) Pinterest  11) Noted Occasions on Etsy  12) Urania Art on Etsy  13) Alixann Loosle  14) Hazel Faire on Etsy  15) Blest Photography

1) Laura Izumikawa Photography  2) BHLDN  3) Pinterest  4) Jenny Jimenez  5) Christina Kiffney Photography  6) Chelsea Dvorak and Simply Put Vintage  7) Lang Thomas  8) Oh So Classy Events  9) Milk Photography  10) Weddingomania  11) Untamed Heart  12) Jerry Yoon Photographers  13) Frenzel Studios & Historic Cedarwood (Violet Vendor)  14) The Nichols  15) Oh So Classy Events  16) Spain Wedbook

One of the most joyful sights of spring is finding a cluster of crocuses blooming happily in a patch of snow. It’s no wonder, then, that these flowers symbolize cheerfulness and make a wonderful wedding day addition. Found in various habitats around the globe and grown in some climates to produce saffron, crocuses start from bulb-like corms and are hearty whether potted or cut. Include them in boutonnieres and bouquets, or adorn cakes and tables. Celebrate your new life together by giving crocus corms (bulbs) as wedding favors: your guests will think of you and your love as their gift grows and blossoms.

Crocuses grow in vibrant colors perfect for spring nuptials. Whether you prefer a soft palette of white and pale purple, bright hues of yellow and orange, or dramatic shades of blue and dark indigo, there’s a crocus to match your taste. Even better, they can be used to create living centerpieces that will bloom long after your big day.

Here in New England, we’re on the lookout for spring, and can’t wait to spot these lovely flowers as the snow begins to melt.  

1) Pics to Pin  2) In Full Bloom by MJL  3) Juniper & Dash  4) A Guy and A Girl Photography  5)  Edible Crafts  6) Pinterest  7) Noon on the Moon  8) Orchard Cove Photography  9) Tiny Dot Photography  10) Spare Tire Design  11) Paddle Attachment  12) Florence Finds  13) Pinterest

Despite all this, there’s a good chance you’ll set foot in a “mom-and-pop” bridal boutique in your quest for a wedding dress. There are numerous reasons to buy local. While corporate chains often stop you at the door with a desk-load of paperwork, independently owned bridal shops generally have a more relaxed atmosphere, with knowledgeable staff eager to help you start your search. Unlike reality shows where a sales associate chooses gowns from a back room, you’ll get to browse the shop and try on the dresses you want. Smaller boutiques often know their designers personally (and how and where the gowns are made), making it easier to answer questions, customize, or troubleshoot if issues arise.  

In my own wedding gown search, I visited a variety of places: national chains, local chains, and small boutiques, and had both good and bad experiences at each type of store. In general, though, I found the most welcoming environment and best-maintained gowns at the independent shops in my area. Ready to visit the boutique next door? Here are a few ways to make it a fun and worthwhile experience. 

1.      Call Ahead and Ask Questions.

It might seem obvious to make an appointment, but this quick phone call can also yield useful information for planning your visit. If you’re on a budget, make sure they have dresses in your price range. If they offer mostly made-to-order gowns, how far in advance would you need to purchase? Find out the format and length of an appointment, and ask whether you will receive one-on-one attention. Is there anything you should bring (or leave at home) for your appointment? Some shops don’t allow shoes until the gown is yours, and while most provide strapless bras, you might feel more comfortable bringing your own.

2.      Know Your Budget.

If you learn from your initial phone call that a shop is out of your price range, it might not be worth visiting. There’s nothing more disheartening than falling in love with a dress you can’t afford. Unlike TV shows where gown prices are negotiated like a car sale, most small boutiques use a pretty standard retail price and won’t be interested (or able) to bargain. Ask about designer trunk shows and special events which often offer significant savings.

3.      Determine The Kind of Experience You Want.

Before you head to the store, take a moment to consider your shopping style. Is this an important part of the wedding process for you, or are you just ready to pick a gown and be done? Do you want one-on-one attention? How much attention? Some shops give you a brief tour and then leave you to explore, others require a sales associate to handle the dresses and to help you in and out of each gown. Would you simply want someone nearby in case you have a question, or do you want staff members who will guide you through the process and share expertise and opinions? Be sure to choose a shop where you’ll feel comfortable.  

4.      Show Up With An Open Mind.

Shopping at an independent boutique can be a painless (and even fun!) way to find your wedding gown, whether you have pin-boards full of inspiration, or no idea what you’re looking for. If you have an idea of what you want, definitely share these at your appointment. If this is your first time putting on a wedding dress, be willing to try something different: sometimes “The Dress” turns out to be a very different gown from the one you thought you wanted. If something catches your eye (or your staff helper makes an interesting selection), go ahead and put it on.

Not sure what you want? Take some time to explore the shop and give the staff information about your wedding venue, time of year, and personal taste to help them make recommendations. Most gown consultants have lots of experience and have developed a superpower for finding the right dress for your style, body type, and budget. If a gown strikes your fancy, give it a try, and use your gut reaction to narrow down your favorites.

5.      Utilize The Staff’s Expertise.

A small bridal shop provides the perfect setting for getting expert advice. Not only will they help you find the right gown (and dresses for your bridesmaids), but they can also help complete your look with ideas for shoes, headpieces, and jewelry. Still hunting for a photographer, caterer, or venue? Ask your shop consultant: she has probably heard the horror stories and rave reviews and can be a great resource for insider information about vendors.

Take the appointment seriously, and approach yourself and your bridal consultant with patience and respect. With a little self-awareness and lots of communication, shopping at an independent bridal boutique can be the most enjoyable, low-stress way to find your gown.   

1) Lovely Bride, photo by Elizabeth Messina  2) Michele Hart Photography  3) Engaged and Inspired  4) Claire Pettibone Flagship Salon, photo by Michele Barr  5) Michele: A Bridal Boutique

Of course, you don’t have to decide between boots or heels: you may want to come prepared with both, for what adventures the day sends your way.

1) Carly Mitchell  2) Anthropologie  3) Donald J. Pliner  4) Hunter for J. Mendel  5) Annika Erickson Photography  6) Pinterest  7) Splendid  8) Ryan Ray  9) Taylor Lord (shoes by Badgley Mischka)  10) Bellagala  11) Diana Whyte Photography  12) L.L. Bean  13) Spool 72

1.      Prepare for weather

I was married in Vermont, where rapid barometric changes are the stuff of legend. Wherever the location, it’s useful to consider what curveballs the elements might throw your way. If you’re planning a destination wedding, the internet can give you a little weather background and timetables for tides, sunset, etc. Chance of rain? You’ll likely want to have shelter available. Keep a pretty umbrella handy, and perhaps a stylish pair of wellies. You’re likely to encounter wind wherever you get hitched, so be sure to secure table settings, décor, and of course – your hair, so nothing will blow away! Will it be cold? Have a jacket or wrap for yourself, and perhaps blankets or shawls and hot chocolate available for your guests. Will it be hot and sunny? Make sure your makeup is sweat-proof, and consider parasols, fans, sunglasses, or even sunscreen for yourself and your guests. Think about your menu and how weather could impact what you want to serve. (You may want to skip the ice cream cake if the temperature is going to be 90 degrees). Make sure you have good lighting in place so you’ll be able to see when the sun goes down.

2.      Have a back-up plan

We all swoon over photo shoots of seaside ceremonies and rustic tables set in flower-decked meadows, but the romance factor drops significantly if a storm has your guests running for shelter. Tents are most common for outdoor weddings, and there are endless options available, from classic canopy, frame, or century designs to giant yurts or even cool teepees. Not planning to rent a tent? If you’re in a public park or garden, check the vicinity for structures like picnic shelters. If you’ll be in the woods, look for a trailside hut (or build a really big fort!). Planning a small backyard affair? Keep the ceremony short and sweet, and be ready for the party to move indoors if inclement weather strikes.

3.      Keep guests in the loop

You have a beautiful venue picked out and you can’t wait for your friends and family to see it. Now make sure they know what to expect when they show up for the big celebration. Use your invitations and/or wedding website to provide as much information as possible, from forecasts to suggested footwear. Give guests accessibility and facilities information, and of course, directions and transportation tips (will they need to hop on a ski lift or hike into camp?). Even your most spontaneous, good-humored guest will appreciate being prepared.  

4.      Choose the right venue (and check permits)

Is there a spot you’ve always fantasized about getting married? Don’t rule out a venue just because it seems too quirky. Check with the appropriate municipality or organization to see if a wedding would be allowed on-site. Make sure you have proper permits for the location, and if you plan to serve alcohol, be sure you’re in compliance with applicable regulations (you don’t want your reception shut down because you didn’t have the right license!).  

5.      Consider ways to use ceremony items at the reception

This isn’t strictly necessary, but it could be a useful money-saving idea if your ceremony and reception are in the same vicinity. For instance, you can enlist friends to move chairs from one site to the other. This might sound like a recipe for chaos, but I’ve seen this done a couple times and it has always been a smooth transition. Floral arrangements and décor can be transferred in a similar way. One bride hung mason jars of flowers on hooks along the aisle so they could be moved quickly to serve as centerpieces. Depending on your budget and how many helpers you have available, similar ideas could be handy.

6.      Be ready for song and dance

Mother Nature doesn’t always provide the best acoustics, so you may want to consider a microphone and sound system if you’re worried the wind might drown out those beautiful vows you wrote or the ipod cranking out your first dance. What about a dance floor? Some tent companies provide portable units that can be installed on the ground, or perhaps you and your friends would rather dance barefoot on grass or sand.

7.      Pick and prep your vendors

While you’re on the hunt for the perfect florist, caterer, cake-maker, and other vendors, be sure to choose people who have experience with outdoor events and who are excited about making sure your bouquet remains intact and that your food stays hot (or cold). Check for positive reviews online, and look at portfolios before signing any contracts.

Pulling off an outdoor wedding comes with a few unique challenges, but with a little inspiration and some help from your friends, it’s sure to be a beautiful (and memorable) celebration. 

1) Christina Bernales Photography, DK Studio, Ariel Renae Photography  2) Carla Ten Eyck  3) Ryan Ray, Martha Stewart Weddings  4) Monsieur + Madame  5) Caroline + Ben  6) Rebecca Hollis, Katch Silva Photography  7) Chelsey Boatwright, Cat Mayer and Toast Events