Clockwise from top left: Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch, Greenworks Florist, The French Bouquet, Watson-Studios, Photography by Jen Philips 

Spring is officially upon us, inciting an outburst of bright, vivacious blooms. Here are five stunning flowers perfect for spring weddings.

Ranunculus: This buttercup relative is distinguished by tightly bound, tissuey whorls. The cheerful blossoms come in a variety of pastels and brights. White, orange, yellow and pink are popular picks for spring brides.

Anemone: With their dark, bold centers, these distinctive flowers add a touch of drama and intrigue to any bouquet. These elegant wildflowers are a popular choice for weddings with vintage schemes.

Tulip: Nothing says spring like these fresh, vibrant classics. While the blooms make a lovely addition to any floral arrangement, they look particularly stunning on their own.

Peony: Brides lust after these voluminous, fluffy florals. They can be found in soft, romantic colors like white, blush and lavender, or in bright, bold hues like coral and fuchsia.

Lilac: These whimsical flowers are characterized by clusters of tiny, sweetly scented blooms. While they are most often seen in various shades of purple, they also grow in pink and white.

Photos (clockwise from top left): Continuum Wedding Photography; Viera Photographics; Thao Vu Photography; Erin J Photography

When it comes to selecting flowers for your wedding decor, there are a wide range to choose from. Whether you’re looking for feminine and lush arrangements, or modern single-bloom designs, it’s a good idea to do a little research before meeting with your florist and have a sense of the flowers and plants that you prefer. – and what will be in season for your wedding day To help you start researching, here’s a list of the flowers and plants we think will be hot for weddings in 2013.

1. Dahlias
2. Mums
3. Peonies
4. Brunia Berries
5. Succulents
6. Baby’s Breath
7. Ranunculus
8. Anemones
9. Garden roses
10. Clematis

For more ideas, check out our flower photo gallery. And let us know in the comments which blossoms you’ll be featuring at your wedding!

The rose has long been a classic symbol of love and beauty. No wonder it’s the quintessential wedding flower and the highest in demand around Valentine’s Day. Since there are over 120 different varieties in color and scent, according to the Society of American Florists, roses lend themselves to all sorts of stylish unconventional uses. Forget having a bouquet full of roses, instead swoon over one of these alternative ways to incorporate roses:

1. Aisle Runner: Can’t resist the ombre effect? Create an aisle runner with rose petals. It can visually enhance any ceremony space.

Photo: Liz and Ryan

Photos (clockwise from top left): Kevin Milz Photography, Oh One Fine Day, Gideon Photography and Blink of an Eye Photography 

Here are four reception centerpiece ideas from our Pinterest board that we love, and our followers can’t seem to get enough of since they’re the highest repinned ones. Notice how each arrangement has a different size, shape and texture. Consider using an array of flowers filled in mason jars, modern cylindrical vases or colored vases for your centerpieces. Tip: Let each table stand out. Work with your florist or floral designer to come up with three or four different arrangements. For more centerpiece inspiration, check out our Pinterest board and discover centerpieces that fit your style and theme.

In case you haven’t heard, Pantone recently announced that emerald is the color of 2013, which means couples will be searching for their “something emerald” instead of their “something blue.” Here are three ways to incorporate a green color scheme into any upcoming wedding:

1. Table Decor: Place emerald accents throughout the tables in your glassware, menus or plate settings.

Photo: Nancy Ray Photography

2. Bouquet: Steal the most abundant hue from Mother Nature to fill your bouquet.

Photo: Floressence Flowers 

3, Cake: Choose a cake that has an emerald ombre effect.

Photo: Maxie B’s