What says sunny weather more than tropical wedding decor? King protea bouquets, dripping centerpieces of orchids, and boutonnieres of birds of paradise will all lend a South Pacific feel to your wedding, so it’s no wonder that a tropical theme is hot for spring nuptials.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should create a full-on luau, so you can leave the faux flower leis, tiki torches, and palm trees to the pool parties. Erica Taylor Haskins, the founding partner of Tinsel Experiential Design, recommends accenting

time-honored decor with tropical touches so it doesn’t feel like a Hawaiian party pack. “Incorporate smart and sophisticated accents of palm fonds, blushing bride protea, and orchids into more traditional floral installations,” Haskins says. 

It allows you to balance the venue and location where you are, even if it is an island beach, along with the tropical flair.

If April showers bring May flowers, then spring is all about budding foliage. Planner and event designer Jove Meyer recommends exploring this idea of new growth as you plant the seeds for the next step in your relationship. 

Think seed paper for stationery, potted planters of herbs as centerpieces, and a menu full of seasonal and local produce. “Spring is when all the flowers begin coming up and to design a wedding that showed this growth would be so beautiful,” he says.

Just because spring calls to mind pastel colors, it doesn’t mean that black is off the table. In fact, it’s very much on the table. Black hues—charcoal, onyx, obsidian, raven, and ink—add a moody vibe to a spring affair. 

Black taper candles, smoky black wine glasses, and matte black flatware all bring a handsome tone to a tabletop otherwise filled with more typical spring hues of ivory, blush, and pink.

While we’re all for breaking a rule every now and then, we do love that couples are harking back to wedding traditions for their big days. Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events explains that “everything that is old is new again,” and he is seeing more and more

couples including classic elements like black-tie dress codes, engraving on wedding invitations, and formal send-offs at the end of the night. (That also means fewer after-parties.) One small time-honored detail we love? Those tiny couple figurines that topthe tiered  wedding cake.

Why do weddings have to be so serious? Of course, we want to be reverent when it comes to vows, but for the post-ceremony party, it can be all fun and games. Childhood nostalgia is taking over spring weddings with playful details, such as balloon installations

and wistful venues like campsites. Take this idea to the next level by serving upgraded childhood favorites like mac 'n' cheese and rice crispy treats as late-night snacks and theming your photo booth after Marvel superheroes. 

You can even shoot off confetti cannons. As Rafanelli says, “Everyone loves confetti!”

While plenty of couples look to the past for inspiration, many more are gazing toward the future and incorporating neon lights and 3D projections into their celebration. You can go all out with a neon lighting installation and pearlescent fabrics or just add touches,

like a custom neon sign above your bar or iridescent glassware on the tabletops.

Spring is full of whimsy, says planner Jacqueline Hill, which explains the enchanted garden trend dominating weddings. Whether outdoors in a manicured botanical garden or inside a ballroom full of floral chandeliers, this trend brings the celebration into a verdant space. 

Overflowing greenery, romantic blooms, potted trees, flower walls, and hanging floral installations all bring this idea to fruition. And it doesn’t stop with the plants. You can take this idea to the tabletops, your confections, and

your dress too. “The use of patterned linens creates a beautiful base for your place setting and brings depth in design,” Hill says. Plus, 3-D appliqués on bridal gowns, floral-print tuxedo jackets, and rose-infused cakes all complete the vibe.

Thanks to April’s famed Coachella festival, couples are taking a cue from desert landscapes for their spring wedding themes. Use pampas grass to frame your ceremony space or hang pampas grass chandeliers from the ceiling for an airy, natural feel. 

Succulents and wildflowers can top tables while guests can sip on prickly pear cocktails. Of course, agave spirits must be included.

Purple in all of its glory has its moment in spring, and we’re crushing on all the shades—from lovely lavender hues to royal purple touches. Couples are dressing spring celebrations in purple-hued flowers, purple linens, and even purple-tinged outfits.