Spring weddings in Missouri can be absolutely beautiful.
Everything starts turning green again, flowers are blooming, temperatures are usually more comfortable, and after a long winter, being outside just feels good.
It's one of our favorite times for weddings at Samuel Cedars.
But if you're planning a spring wedding in Missouri, there are a couple of things you should know ahead of time.
Starting with the fact that Missouri does not care what the weather is supposed to do in April or May.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Spring Wedding?
Many wedding venues book popular dates anywhere from 6 to 18 months in advance, especially if you're hoping for a Saturday.
If you're dreaming about a spring wedding, we'd recommend starting your venue search by the summer before whenever possible.
For example, if you're hoping to get married in April or May, beginning your search the previous summer gives you a much better chance of finding the date and venue you want.
That doesn't mean you can't plan a spring wedding on a shorter timeline.
We've seen plenty of beautiful weddings planned in six months or less.
But if you have a specific Saturday in mind, or you're particular about which venue you want, giving yourself more time will give you more options.
Don't Choose Your Date Based on the Weather You Expect
We've hosted weddings in Missouri for a long time, and if there's one thing we know...
The weather is going to do whatever it wants.
You might assume March will be chilly, April will be rainy, and May will be perfectly warm and sunny.
You might be right.
You also might have an 80-degree day in March and a cold, rainy wedding in May.
The whole "April showers bring May flowers" thing rarely works quite that neatly around here.
Instead of trying to predict exactly which spring weekend will have perfect weather, choose the date that works best for you and make sure you have a plan for whatever Missouri gives you.
Always Know Your Rain Plan
If you're choosing an outdoor ceremony venue, this should be one of the questions you ask before you book.
What happens if it rains?
At Samuel Cedars, we usually only have a small number of weddings each year that have to be completely moved indoors because of rain.
More often, we're dealing with spotty Missouri weather.
It rains for a little while, stops, we dry off the chairs, adjust the ceremony time slightly, and everyone still gets married outside.
But occasionally, the forecast really does give us an all-day downpour.
That's when having an indoor backup plan matters.
Knowing ahead of time what that plan looks like means you're not trying to figure it out while watching the radar on your wedding morning.
Remember That "Spring" Can Mean a Lot of Different Things
A March wedding and a late-May wedding may both technically be spring weddings, but they can look and feel completely different.
Earlier spring may mean cooler temperatures and less greenery.
By later spring, the property is usually much fuller and greener, but temperatures can also start feeling a lot more like summer.
Think about which version of spring appeals to you.
Do you love those first signs of everything coming back to life?
Or do you want the property to be completely green and full?
There's no wrong answer. Just know that spring changes quickly.
Plan for Temperature Changes Too
Rain isn't the only thing to think about.
Spring temperatures can change pretty dramatically, sometimes even within the same day.
A beautiful warm afternoon can turn into a chilly evening once the sun goes down.
If your ceremony is outside, you may want to have water available on warmer days or consider blankets for guests if the forecast turns cool.
The good news at Samuel Cedars is that your reception is indoors, so everyone can head inside afterward and get comfortable regardless of what the temperature decides to do.
Don't Let the Forecast Take Over Your Wedding Week
This one is easier said than done.
We know.
But checking the weather every 20 minutes for two weeks before your wedding isn't going to change it.
Have a backup plan.
Talk with your venue.
Make whatever adjustments actually need to be made.
Then let the day happen.
Some of our favorite wedding days have happened with forecasts that looked less than ideal earlier in the week.
And even if it does rain?
You're still getting married.
Spring Is Worth a Little Weather Uncertainty
There's a reason couples love spring weddings.
The property is coming back to life, the temperatures can be beautiful, and there's something about an outdoor ceremony after winter that just feels especially good.
You can't guarantee sunshine.
Honestly, you can't really guarantee anything with Missouri weather.
But if you choose a venue with a solid backup plan and go into the day prepared to be flexible, spring can be an absolutely beautiful time to get married.