Spring is one of the most wonderful times of the year in Washington, D.C. Not only is the weather nearly perfect, but it’s cherry blossom season thanks to the gift of more than 3,000 Yoshino Cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the capital city in 1912.
While there are several variables that go into the timing of peek bloom, it’s typically between the last week of March and the first week of April. In celebration of the soft pink blossoms, the city hosts its nearly-month-long National Cherry Blossom Festival from late-March to mid-April. The entire city gets in on the blooming fun, too, from hotels to restaurants to florists, of course.
Here, some insight for wedding planners and couples on how to add some cherry blossom charm when you say “I Do” in D.C. in the springtime.
Photo Opps
Blooming cherry trees make for beautiful backdrops not only for photos for the ‘gram, but wedding photos, too. Some popular spots to make the most of the stunning blossoms include the National Arboretum, the National Cathedral and Stanton Park in Capitol Hill. The Tidal Basin sets a dramatic scene for photos, too, and here’s a tip: plan on a sunrise photo shoot for the best light and fewer crowds.
When it comes to the service and reception, local florists like Allan Woods Flowers, Sidra Forman and Amaryllis Floral create stunning masterpieces highlighting cherry blossoms to make your floral wedding dreams come true.
Bloomin’ Fun
Take the bridal party out for some bloomin’ fun on a tour of the D.C. sites awash in soft pink. Depending on interests and activity levels, private cherry blossom tours can be done by foot, bike, Segway, boat and even kayak. These guided tours not only show off the world-famous blooms, but share some history, too.
Let’s Eat
Afterwards, pop into Nobu Washington, D.C. for Sakura-inspired cocktails and bites, including Sakura sashimi. (Sakura is cherry blossom in Japanese.) Or surround yourself with cherry blossoms at three-time Bib Gourmand gem Residents Café and Bar in Dupont Circle, where the décor will be covered with the blooms. Bridesmaids weekend brunch or rehearsal dinner, anyone?
Other bloom-inspired bites and sips include tuna poke made with strawberry ponzu, avocado, candied citrus, pickled onion and hearts on fire at Immigrant Food @ The White House; a Pink Blossom cocktail, Sakura mille matcha crepe with cherry blossom cream, sticky coconut crunch sauce, and a rosé float featuring house-made cherry blossom sorbet at The Duck & The Peach in Capitol Hill; or a special menu of five cocktails, each representing a traditional Japanese snack, and a Japanese picnic basket with cherry blossom mochi, milk punch, matcha dango, savory green tea mochi and an onigiri martini at The Wells, also in Capitol Hill.
Another option is Sakura – the Blossoming, Japanese gin shaken with a white strawberry and basil mixture, vanilla bean and Yuzu citrus, topped with champagne and garnished with pink cotton candy, featured at ARTECHOUSE DC near The Wharf.
Local bakeries whip up some sweet cherry blossom-inspired treats at this time of year, too. Find cherry blossom cupcakes at Baked & Wired and Georgetown Cupcake, cherry blossom embellished macarons at Olivia Macron, cherry blossom cookies at Dog Tag, all in Georgetown; and nut-free and kosher cherry blossom cake pops at Baked by Yael in Woodley Park.
Memento
Give your wedding party and guests the memory of cherry blossoms in D.C. with gifts to take home with them. Shop Made in DC features the works of local artisan makers, while the National Asian Art Museum has an exquisite selection of gifts.
Where to Get Married in D.C.
ALHI has several Members in D.C., including Fairmont Washington, D.C.; Omni Shoreham Hotel; Salamander Washington, D.C.; The Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill; The Watergate Hotel; Willard InterContinental; and Yours Truly.
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