March, April, and May wedding pricing guide with complete budget breakdown
Spring weddings hold a special place in the wedding industry, ranking alongside fall as peak wedding season. From late March through May, couples are drawn to blooming gardens, cherry blossoms, and the promise of fresh beginnings that perfectly symbolize new marriages. But this romantic appeal comes with a price tag—spring weddings average about 6% more than the national average.
The appeal is understandable. Spring offers mild temperatures in most regions, stunning natural backdrops without the scorching heat of summer, and a palette of soft pastels that photograph beautifully. Tulips, peonies, ranunculus, and cherry blossoms reach their peak, creating organic beauty that would cost a fortune to replicate artificially in other seasons.
However, that natural beauty drives competition. Every couple with a Pinterest board full of garden wedding inspiration is competing for the same May Saturday at the same venues. Photographers book their spring weekends 12-18 months in advance. Florists charge premium rates when everyone wants the same seasonal blooms. The economics are simple: high demand equals high prices.
Weather adds another variable. "April showers" isn't just an expression—spring precipitation is a real planning concern. Temperature swings between morning and evening can exceed 20 degrees, making attire choices tricky. Smart couples budget for weather contingencies like tent rentals or indoor backup options, adding $2,000-5,000 to the total cost.
Not all spring months are created equal. Understanding the pricing differences between March, April, and May can help you find savings while still enjoying a spring wedding.
Early spring transition month. First two weeks still carry winter pricing. Weather unpredictable but savings significant. Spring break timing varies by region—check local school calendars.
True spring arrives with demand to match. Peak bloom times for many flowers. Easter weekend premium applies. Rain probability highest of the three months.
Most expensive spring month. Memorial Day weekend commands highest premiums. Perfect weather in most regions. College graduations compete for venues and hotels. Mother's Day weekend also pricey.
| Category | Spring Average | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | $12,500 | +8% |
| Catering | $8,500 | +5% |
| Photography | $3,500 | +3% |
| Flowers & Decor | $3,000 | +15% |
| Music/DJ | $2,000 | +5% |
| Attire | $2,500 | Even |
| Cake | $600 | Even |
| Invitations | $400 | Even |
| Total | $33,000 | +6% |
Spring wedding premiums aren't arbitrary—they reflect real market dynamics that affect every vendor category. Understanding these factors helps you negotiate better and find savings opportunities others miss.
Flowers show the biggest spring premium at 15% above national average. The irony? Spring is when flowers are most abundant. The premium comes from demand concentration—everyone wants peonies, tulips, and ranunculus during their brief peak seasons. Florists must secure inventory months ahead, often paying premium rates for guaranteed supply. Choosing abundant seasonal varieties over trendy imports can reduce floral costs by 20-30%.
Garden venues, estates with spring blooms, and outdoor spaces command their highest rates from April through May. An outdoor venue that rents for $5,000 in January might charge $8,000-10,000 for a May Saturday. Indoor venues see smaller increases but still capitalize on overall demand. Booking 15-18 months ahead gives you first pick and sometimes pre-increase pricing.
When every Saturday in May is booked, vendors have no incentive to negotiate. The couple who books 18 months out gets vendor attention and possibly better rates. Wait until 6 months before a spring date, and you'll pay premium prices for whoever's still available—which may not be your first choice.
Spring weather is beautiful but unpredictable. Rain plans aren't optional—they're essential. A tent rental adds $2,000-5,000 to your budget. Some couples skip this and get lucky; others scramble in the final week when rain forecasts appear. Smart budgeting includes weather contingency from the start.
Early March weddings often get late-winter pricing while delivering early-spring aesthetics. Venues transitioning from off-season may offer negotiated rates. The first two weeks of March can save 10-15% compared to late April or May.
Spring wedding savings require strategic thinking—you're competing with peak demand, so generic advice won't cut it. Here's what actually works:
Best value dates: First two weekends of March, mid-April (non-holiday), first two weeks of May before Memorial Day and graduation season peaks.
Most expensive dates: Easter weekend, Memorial Day weekend, Mother's Day weekend, any Saturday in late May, prom season weekends (varies by region).
Spring's natural beauty means venue selection can amplify or distract from the season's gifts. The best spring venues leverage blooming landscapes while providing weather backup options.
Certain vendor specialties complement spring celebrations particularly well:
May Saturdays book fastest—secure venues 15-18 months ahead, photographers 12-14 months, and caterers 10-12 months. March dates offer more flexibility, often booking just 10-12 months out. Easter weekend requires extra lead time regardless of month.
Spring and fall are comparably priced, both being peak wedding seasons. Spring averages around $33,000 while fall averages $34,000 nationally. The slight difference comes from October being the single most popular wedding month. Within spring, May tends to be most expensive due to Memorial Day weekend and perfect weather.
Early March is the cheapest month for spring weddings, averaging $30,000 compared to $35,000 for May. March still carries some winter off-season pricing, and weather is less predictable, which reduces demand. The first two weeks of March offer the best value before spring break season begins.
Book spring wedding vendors 12-18 months in advance for the best selection. Popular spring dates—especially May Saturdays—book up quickly. Venues should be secured 15-18 months out, photographers 12-14 months, and caterers 10-12 months. Waiting too long means settling for less preferred vendors or paying rush fees.
Outdoor spring weddings carry moderate weather risk. April showers are real—expect a 30-40% chance of rain in most regions. Temperature swings of 20+ degrees between morning and evening are common. Always have a weather backup plan, whether that's a tent rental ($2,000-5,000) or an indoor venue option.
Yes, spring brunch weddings can save 25-35% compared to evening receptions. Morning catering costs less, alcohol consumption is lower, and you may access off-peak venue rates. A spring Saturday brunch wedding might cost $25,000 compared to $33,000 for an evening affair—saving $8,000 while enjoying the same beautiful spring backdrop.
Peak spring flowers include peonies (late April-May), ranunculus (March-April), tulips (March-April), sweet peas (April-May), lilacs (April-May), and garden roses (May). These seasonal blooms cost 20-30% less than imported alternatives. Cherry blossoms and dogwood branches add height and drama at minimal cost. Work with a florist who sources locally for the freshest, most affordable options.
Prevention beats reaction. Book a venue with indoor backup or budget for tent rental ($2,000-5,000) from the start. Have clear communication with your coordinator about decision timing—typically 48-72 hours before. Keep umbrellas and rain boots on hand for photos (rainy photos can be stunning). Most importantly, embrace Plan B confidently—guests follow the couple's energy.
Easter weekend is tricky. It's a major religious holiday for many families, and some guests may have church commitments or family traditions. Hotel rates spike due to spring break overlap. However, if your guest list is flexible, venues may have last-minute availability as other couples avoid the date. Expect 10-15% lower attendance than non-holiday weekends.
Spring allergies affect many guests, so thoughtful planning helps. Choose low-pollen flowers like hydrangeas, roses, peonies, and tulips over high-pollen varieties. Consider indoor ceremony options for guests with severe allergies. Have antihistamines available in an emergency kit. Outdoor cocktail hours are usually fine, but keep dinner indoors if pollen counts are high during your wedding week.
Classic spring palettes include blush and sage (romantic and soft), lavender and cream (garden-inspired), coral and gold (warm and vibrant), mint and peach (fresh and modern), and dusty blue with white (elegant simplicity). Spring works well with softer tones that complement natural bloom colors rather than competing with them. Bold colors can work but require careful coordination with the natural backdrop.
Ready to start planning? Use our tools to build a detailed budget breakdown for your spring celebration.