September Weddings: To Go Ahead Or Not?

September is a popular month for weddings, with its pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and inspiring changing of the seasons. It offers a wide variety of options for themes, venues, and floral and food choices. However, it is important to consider potential challenges such as holidays, scheduling conflicts, and the possibility of hurricanes. Planning a September wedding requires early booking and wise budgeting due to high demand and price increases.

Pros and cons of a September wedding

Pros of a September Wedding

September is one of the most popular months to get married. Here are some reasons why:

• The weather is cooler, and you can enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.
• There is a wide variety of in-season food and flowers to choose from. You can include broccoli, carrots, and kale in salads, potatoes and pumpkins in sides, and apples or pears in desserts. Flowers such as marigolds, chrysanthemums, calla lilies, and roses are in bloom.
• The days are still long, and the weather is pleasant without being too hot. You and your guests won't need to worry about outerwear.
• The sunsets at this time of year are incredible and provide the perfect backdrop for photographs.
• There is a wide variety of venues to choose from, including outdoor options like the beach, a ranch, or a mountainside, as well as indoor options like a barn, farmhouse, or cabin.
• You can take advantage of the atmospheric lighting in the evenings with fairy light canopies, candles, and lanterns.
• The rich jewel tones that are in season, such as sapphire, complement the changing scenery.
• September has several popular wedding dates, including the 21st, inspired by the Earth, Wind & Fire song "September," and the 28th, inspired by Taylor Swift's version of the same song.
• According to wedding superstition prose, September weddings suggest serenity and good fortune for the couple.

Cons of a September Wedding:

While September is a great choice for a wedding, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• September is a popular month for weddings, so vendors may raise their prices and get fully booked quickly. It is essential to book early and budget wisely.
• There are several holidays in September, so you will need to double-check the dates to avoid any scheduling conflicts.
• September is the peak of hurricane season, so there is a higher chance of wind and rain, especially on the East Coast. It is crucial to stay on top of the weather forecast and always have a backup plan.
• The changing weather can impact your skin, and you may not have that summer glow you were hoping for.
• Your guests may have used up their travel time in the summer and be saving the rest for the upcoming holidays, which could affect attendance.
• If you are set on a bright and punchy color palette, you may feel limited by the darker hues typically associated with fall weddings.

Choosing a September wedding date

September is a great month for a wedding. The days are still long, and the weather is usually pleasant without being too hot. It's warm enough for your guests to not have to worry about outerwear, and the groom won't be clammy in his three-piece suit (although that might be down to nerves!).

There are plenty of flowers in season in September, with a wide range of colours to choose from. You could opt for a classic rose, or go for golden hues or burgundy shades. Gerbera daisies, orchids, calla lilies and even sunflowers all look fabulous in September.

The atmospheric lighting at this time of year is perfect for creating a cosy feel for your wedding. Fairy light canopies, flickering candles and lanterns will all add to the magic.

September sunsets are incredible, and photographers love the natural light at this time of year. There's less glare, so your guests won't need to squint or wear sunglasses in your photos.

• The weather: While September usually has milder temperatures than summer, it's still officially summer until 22 September, so there's a chance it could be hot. And if you're in a northern state like Maine or Colorado, the temperature can drop quickly, so it's best to keep an eye on the forecast.
• Holidays: There are a few holidays in September, including Labor Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Patriot Day, Mexican Independence Day and the Harvest Moon Festival. You may want to avoid these dates, as they could impact your scheduling and vendors may be more expensive.
• Popular dates: According to wedding planning sites, 21 September is a popular date for weddings, thanks to the Earth, Wind & Fire song 'September'. Another popular date is 28 September, thanks to a version of the same song released by Taylor Swift. If you want to get married on one of these dates, make sure to book early!
• Costs: September is one of the most popular months for weddings, so it's likely that vendors will raise their prices. This is especially true for popular cities and trendy locations. When creating your budget, decide on your must-haves and be prepared to cut or adjust other things if necessary.
• Guests: If you're inviting guests from out of town, they may need to travel during the busy summer period, so it's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates early.
• Themes: With the changing of the seasons, there are plenty of themes to choose from for a September wedding. You could go for a rustic, outdoor feel or embrace the autumn colours and opt for a fall-themed wedding.

With its beautiful scenery, pleasant weather and abundance of flowers and fruits in season, September is a magical time to get married.

September wedding themes

September is an increasingly popular month to get married. The weather is often pleasant, and the changing of the seasons provides an inspiring backdrop with vibrant colours and styles.

Back to School

Apples, books, and chalkboards can be used as centrepieces and decorations for a charming and nostalgic back-to-school theme. Use apples as photo holders or insert caramel apple sticks into them for a playful touch. Stack books and add chalkboard accents for a scholarly feel. For food, display baskets of beautifully wrapped sandwiches and glass bottles of Coca-Cola atop blankets for a high school football game vibe.

Autumn Leaves

Spray-paint leaves gold or bronze for a magical, glamorous look. String them up as an installation, or use them as simple place cards or decorations. For a more traditional look, use leaves straight from outside and place them in hurricane-style candle holders or strewn across tables as a runner.

Halloween

Keep it chic and glamorous with lots of black and hints of red, or go whimsical with black and purple. Use black candelabras and bright purple candles, or pair ravens with glittery, sequined table numbers and basic white candles. For a Gothic twist, use red roses and black accents in your floral design.

Jewel Tones

Create a rich and sumptuous atmosphere with deep jewel tones of amber, emerald, sapphire, and garnet. Highlight these tones with different elements like wool flowers, goblets, and tiny bronze leaves. Use coloured glass to make the jewel tones stand out, blending in natural elements like moss, greenery, and branches.

Harvest Season

Pumpkins, squash, candles, and sunflowers can be used to create a lush, bountiful cornucopia. For a modern aesthetic, try white pumpkins wrapped in berries. Mini pumpkins can also be used as place card holders. Wheat centrepieces provide a rustic chic option, paired with linen for a relaxing and peaceful decor element.

Rustic Charm

If you're leaning into the autumnal vibe but want to avoid the typical fall colour palette, try a rustic theme with a modern twist. Opt for a colour scheme of purple (plum) and gold, or purple and grey/green. These colours complement each other well and offer a unique take on a September wedding.

September wedding flowers

September is a beautiful time of year for a wedding, with the changing of the seasons providing a perfect atmosphere for a celebration. The flowers available in September are a big draw for couples, with a wide variety of in-season blooms to choose from.

Dahlias

Dahlias are a sought-after choice for September weddings. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, from soft blush pinks to vibrant reds and oranges. Their versatility means they can evoke a tropical vibe when paired with orchids or a rustic feel in earthy hues. Dahlias are relatively affordable, ranging from $9 to $24 per stem, but they are sensitive to heat and direct sunlight, so they need shade and hydration to stay fresh.

Roses

Roses are a classic choice for weddings at any time of year, and they are also in season in September. With over 100 varieties, you can find roses in all colours, from modern all-white to dark bohemian hues. Their sturdy stems make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, and they can be used in bouquets, aisle arrangements, and overhead installations.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a great choice for September weddings, with their bright, bold colours complementing the rich jewel tones of early autumn. They work well with dahlias and antique hydrangeas for a refined, organic feel. Zinnias are also long-lasting, as long as they are kept in fresh water and cool temperatures.

Cosmos

Cosmos are delicate, whimsical flowers that add movement and warmth to any arrangement. They come in a range of colours, including white, yellow, peach, pink, magenta, orange, and chocolate. Cosmos are best suited for bouquets and centrepieces rather than larger installations, and they are a relatively affordable option at around $2 to $3 per stem.

Gladioli

Gladioli are a cost-effective option for larger arrangements, adding height without breaking the bank. They come in a wide variety of colours and are readily available from British growers in September.

Celosia

Celosia adds great colour and soft, fluffy texture to bouquets and arrangements. They come in warm jewel tones and are another flower that is available from British growers in September.

Other Options

Other flowers in season in September include orchids, clematis, hydrangeas, marigolds, carnations, and chrysanthemums.

September wedding attire

September is a popular month for weddings, with its cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and changing of the seasons. But what should you wear to a September wedding?

Well, that depends on the location and the formality of the event. If it's a warm locale, opt for lightweight fabrics like silk, organza, and linen. For chillier spots, choose heavier fabrics like brocade, silk mikado, and velvet. Two things should primarily inform your colour choices: formality and setting. Rich jewel tones are in season, and especially complement the changing autumn scenery. Think sapphire, emerald, amethyst, fuchsia, mustard yellow, olive green, and burgundy.

If you're attending a formal wedding, men should wear a tuxedo, and women a formal gown or a dressy pantsuit. For a semi-formal event, men can wear a well-fitted suit, and women have more options with midi or mini designs in jewel-tone hues. Casual weddings allow you to dial down the formality: men can wear dress slacks and a smart button-down shirt, and women can opt for a breezy sundress or a chic knit dress.

Don't forget to accessorise! An elegant wrap or a jacket can elevate your look and keep you warm. Closed-toe shoes, ankle boots, or loafers will provide comfort, warmth, and protection from mud or wet grass. If there's a chance of rain, bring an umbrella and consider footwear with non-slip soles.

Frequently asked questions