Will My September Wedding Happen?

September is a popular month for weddings, with its cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and changing of the seasons. It's a great time for an outdoor ceremony and reception, with flowers in bloom and the rich colours of autumn starting to emerge. However, there are some things to consider when planning a September wedding. The weather can be unpredictable, with the peak of hurricane season falling in this month, so it's important to have an indoor option and a backup plan for rain. It's also a busy time for vendors, so it's best to book early and budget wisely. When sending out invitations, it's recommended to follow the standard timeline of sending them out 6-8 weeks before the wedding, to avoid guests forgetting or having their plans change.

Wedding planning during a pandemic

Planning a wedding during a pandemic is no easy feat, but it is possible. Here are some tips for those who are determined to tie the knot, even amidst a global crisis.

Keep Planning

Don't give up on your dream wedding just yet! While it may be a tricky time to plan, it is not impossible. The first step is to get the right help. Hire a wedding planner or a travel agent, who can guide you through the process and take some of the stress off your shoulders. They are the experts and will be able to provide invaluable resources and advice.

Consult with Family and Friends

While you may not want to share your plans with everyone just yet, it is important to consult your VIP family members and friends. Throw around backup plans and alternative dates, and be prepared to be flexible. It is also a good idea to have a few different dates in mind, as there may be a shortage of Saturdays available, especially if you are planning a small wedding. Consider an off-day like Friday or Sunday, or even a weekday, to score some special perks and avoid the most popular dates.

Prioritize

Make a list of your non-negotiables. What are the things you can't live without on your big day? Are you willing to wear masks at the reception? Are you okay with a venue that is not on the beach? Do you want Covid testing to be mandatory for guests? These are all important questions to ask yourself and discuss with your partner.

Consider Your Guests

Be mindful of your guests' needs and circumstances. Are there any immunocompromised or at-risk individuals on your guest list? Are people travelling from far away, and will they need time to adjust to the new plans? Understand that people have to do what is best for them, and be prepared for a smaller guest list or last-minute cancellations.

Be Flexible

Destination weddings are not for the faint-hearted, especially during a pandemic. You may need to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. There may be competition for the most desirable dates and times, so consider off-peak seasons and be open to different locations. Look at lesser-known destinations and smaller, boutique properties, or go for a huge resort that can accommodate multiple weddings in one day.

Expect Extra Fees

Unfortunately, the pandemic has resulted in many vendors requiring extra deposits, service fees, and rigid policies. Be prepared for additional costs and build this into your budget.

Stay Positive

Lastly, remember to stay positive and focus on the most important thing—marrying the love of your life! While it may not be the wedding you initially imagined, it can still be a beautiful and memorable day.

Guest numbers and social distancing

September is one of the most popular months to get married, so it's important to book early and budget wisely. The average number of wedding guests for a September wedding is 125, but you may want to invite more or fewer people depending on your budget and the size of your venue. When planning your guest list, consider any relevant social distancing guidelines or restrictions that may be in place at the time of your wedding. It's important to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of your guests and comply with local laws and regulations.

When creating your guest list, prioritize your closest family and friends, and consider whether you want to invite children. If you're having a large wedding, you may need to rent a larger venue or consider an outdoor space to accommodate all your guests comfortably. Keep in mind that social distancing requirements may impact the number of guests you can invite, so it's crucial to stay informed about the latest guidelines and restrictions.

Once you have a sense of your guest numbers, you can start thinking about seating arrangements. Consider whether you want a seated dinner or a more casual standing reception. For a seated dinner, you'll need to create a seating plan that takes into account the comfort and preferences of your guests, as well as any social distancing requirements. Allow for adequate space between tables and guests to facilitate movement and comply with any distancing guidelines.

If you're concerned about the impact of social distancing on your guest list, consider having a backup plan. You could create an "A" and "B" list of guests, with your must-have attendees on the "A" list and additional guests on the "B" list. This way, if social distancing guidelines change or become more relaxed, you have the option to invite more people. However, be mindful that this approach may be considered offensive to some guests, so discretion is advised.

Finally, when planning your guest numbers and seating arrangements, don't forget to include yourself and your wedding party in the count. Ensure that you and your partner have a comfortable space to move around and enjoy your special day, even with social distancing measures in place.

Postponing vs. cancelling

Postponing and cancelling a wedding are two very different things. When you postpone, you are simply pushing back the date of your wedding, perhaps by a few months or even a year. Cancelling, on the other hand, means that you are completely calling off the wedding. This can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you have already put a lot of time and effort into planning your big day.

If you are considering postponing your wedding, there are a few things you will need to do. First, you will need to look over the terms of your vendor contracts and wedding insurance. Next, you will need to contact your vendors and your venue to discuss your options and try to come up with a new plan. It is important to be flexible and patient during this process, as your vendors are likely dealing with a lot of uncertainty themselves. Once you have decided on a new date, be sure to let your guests know about the change as soon as possible.

If you are thinking of cancelling your wedding, be aware that you may not be able to get your deposit back, especially if your contract includes a non-refundability clause. However, if your wedding has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or a natural disaster, you may have a case for getting your deposit back. This will depend on the specific terms of your contract and the laws in your jurisdiction.

Whether you choose to postpone or cancel your wedding, it is important to stay organized and communicate clearly with your vendors, venue, and guests. Postponing can be a great option if you are not quite ready to tie the knot but still want to celebrate your love with your significant other, friends, and family. Cancelling, on the other hand, may be the best decision if you are no longer sure that you want to marry your fiancé(e). Whatever you decide, make sure it is the right choice for you and your partner.

Wedding venues and hospitality

September is a popular month for weddings, with its cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and changing of the seasons. It's a great time to celebrate the transition from summer to autumn, and there are plenty of themes, venues, and menu options to choose from.

When it comes to wedding venues and hospitality, there are a few things to keep in mind for a September wedding. Firstly, it's essential to book early as September is a popular month, and vendors and venues tend to get fully booked quickly. You may also encounter higher prices due to the high demand. It's a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unfavourable weather, especially if you're planning an outdoor wedding. Consider venues that can easily transition from indoor to outdoor spaces, such as an upscale restaurant with a deck or a large estate surrounded by fall foliage.

The colours of the season can be a great source of inspiration for your wedding venue and decor. Deep jewel tones like sapphire, purple, green, and gold are popular choices for September weddings. The flowers in season include marigolds, chrysanthemums, calla lilies, roses, gerbera daisies, orchids, and sunflowers. These can be incorporated into bouquets, centrepieces, and venue decorations.

The weather in September can vary, so it's important to keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. Consider providing layers or provisions for your guests, such as shawls, cardigans, or patio heaters if it gets chilly.

September also offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. The sunsets at this time of year are incredible, and the natural light is perfect for photography. Consider outdoor locations with vibrant fall colours or cosy night-time shots with atmospheric lighting like fairy lights, candles, and lanterns.

Overall, a September wedding offers a unique blend of summer and autumn, providing a range of options for venues, hospitality, and decorative themes.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions

September is a great month for a wedding ceremony and reception. The weather is cooler, and you can enjoy the rich colours of the emerging autumn season. The days are still long, and the weather is usually pleasant without being too hot—no need to worry about outerwear! The cooler temperatures also mean happier guests and fewer bugs.

However, the weather can be tricky. September is hurricane season, so some areas might experience rain and wind. Always have an indoor option for your event, and consider having patio heaters and tent walls on reserve.

If you're planning an outdoor ceremony and reception, take advantage of the beautiful seasonal scenery and nice weather. You could choose a beach, a ranch, or a picturesque mountainside. If you prefer a cozier setting, a barn, farmhouse, or cabin could be perfect. For the best of both worlds, select a venue that can transition from indoor to outdoor, like a restaurant with a deck and a view.

For your colour palette, think deep jewel tones like sapphire, the month's birthstone, as well as shades of red, purple, green, and gold. These colours will complement the changing scenery.

When it comes to flowers, you have more options than in spring or winter. Classic choices like roses are available in a wider range of colours, and you can also choose from golden hues, burgundy shades, gerbera daisies, orchids, calla lilies, and even sunflowers.

As the evenings start to draw in, create a cosy atmosphere with fairy light canopies, candles, and lanterns. Make the most of the dark evenings with sparklers to welcome your evening guests and kick off the celebrations.

Sunset times change throughout September, so keep this in mind when planning your photography. On September 1st, the sun sets around 7:20 pm, while by September 30th, it sets closer to 6:35 pm. Help your photographer by planning key moments around sunset to capture the perfect light.

September is a popular month for weddings, so it's important to book early and budget wisely. Vendors are likely to raise their prices and get fully booked quickly.

Frequently asked questions