Our Top 10 Favorite Expert Wedding Tips for a September Wedding

There are some times of the year that are more popular for weddings than others. Spring is a favorite among brides and grooms, but so is the fall, and it doesn’t get any better than a September wedding!

Whether you’re still playing with colors, you want your wedding dress to match the season, or you aren’t sure if you should have your reception inside or outside, these September wedding ideas will give you the inspiration you need to plan the fall wedding of your dreams.

     1.  Wedding Colors

Rich jewel tones always make great September wedding colors. Think dark burgundy, emerald green, and harvest gold. If you are afraid of your wedding looking a little too dark, lighter colors can also be incorporated, while still keeping that fall-like look. Dusty blue looks great with navy, while sage green and blush can be incorporated into nearly any color scheme with success.

Simple Centerpiece With Branches and Pinecones: Love My Dress

      2.  Wedding Flowers and Centerpieces

Although it’s your day and you can incorporate any flowers you want, fall brides would do well to ask, “What flowers are in season in early September?”

Melissa McGowan, owner of expert floral design studio, Flowers by Cina, suggests using dahlias, Leucadendron, rose hips, mums, oak leaves, echinacea, and Leonidas roses in a September wedding bouquet.

Branches and naturals are also having a moment and look striking when used in centerpieces at a fall wedding.

Wood Barrel Wedding Decoration: Nicki Metcalf

      3.  Wedding Decorations

Nature really takes center stage in the fall. Take advantage of it! One of the best September wedding decoration ideas is to use the bounty of nature all around you. Decorate with colorful leaves, include gourds and pumpkins, and use branches and dried pampas grass on archways, tables, and wreaths.

Rustic details are especially popular for fall weddings. Think mason jars, wooden barrels, and old barn wood signs. You can also include tasteful football decorations into your décor if you and your fiancé love football season.

Boho Fall Wedding Dress: I Take You

    4.  Wedding Dress and Attire

Although every bride should wear whatever dress she feels the most beautiful in, a September wedding dress that’s themed to the season often includes lacy details and flowing layers in non-white colors, like nude, champagne, and blush. Boho styles are especially popular in the fall.

Make sure you and your bridal party are prepared for September wedding weather. Temperatures can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to have a stylish jacket or shawl just in case your big day is chilly.

Mountain Ceremony Elopement: Elsa Eileen Photography

      5.  Ceremony and Reception Locations

It’s important to consider which time is best for a wedding, how you should decorate, and what you should wear for your September wedding, but you should also consider the location itself.

Outdoor weddings are popular in the fall because the weather is often not too hot and not too cold. With that said, fall weather can really throw you a curveball, so it’s best to have a tent or an indoor option even if you’re planning an outdoor event.

Natural, rustic settings are popular with September brides. The fall is the perfect time to plan a barn soiree, a ceremony in the middle of a field, or a celebration on the lake.

Rustic Ceremony Arch: Wedding Forward

      6.  Wedding Ceremony

Planning a fall wedding is the perfect time to strip back your ceremony and try wedding tips that are a little different. For example, a circle ceremony looks striking when perched on a mountain cliff or next to a lake. A standing ceremony can be a fun option at a camping or park wedding.

If you’re having trouble defining a ceremony space, an arch can be a great idea. Everything from burlap to eucalyptus garland, fall flowers, and macramé hangings can be used to create an arch that reflects your personal style.

Tented Outdoor Reception Space: Brides

       7.  Wedding Reception

The sky is the limit when it comes to September wedding venues! An indoor space can be a great choice, but the month of September often comes with great weather, so don’t shy away from having your reception outdoors.

However, that doesn’t mean the weather is guaranteed to be nice. It can be very hot at the beginning of the month and downright cold at the end of the month. Depending on where you live, rain or snow could threaten your reception. Rent a tent and take advantage of nature without relying on good weather for a successful wedding. Having a tent heater or a bonfire ready when the sun goes down are good ideas too.

Wedding Guests Roasting Marshmallows: You and Your Wedding

      8.  Food

Letting the season inspire your menu is a great way to narrow down your food options. The best September wedding food ideas include serving fall favorites, like beef Bourguignon, or have a little fun by serving up wood fired pizzas.

The dessert table is really where a fall wedding shines. By all means, serve a traditional wedding cake, but consider setting out caramel apples, slices of pumpkin pie, and set up a smores bar complete with candle flames for roasting marshmallows.

Spiked Apple Cider Bar: Confetti Sweethearts

      9.  Drinks

The fall comes with some great desserts that are perfect for a September wedding, but there are even better drink ideas! Mulled wine is a great alternative to traditional champagne if you want to do something a little different at your fall wedding. The kids will love sipping on spiced apple cider, while the adults will appreciate spiking it with whiskey. Hot chocolate can be a great option too, especially since things can get a little chilly when the sun goes down.

Maple Syrup Wedding Favors: The Knot

      10.  Wedding Favors

Guests will love September wedding favors that feature food! Consider sending guests home with maple syrup, candied apples, or honey sticks.

DIY wedding favors can also be a lot of fun. Place all-in-one hot cocoa mix in mason jars or allow guests to fill custom favor boxes with an assortment of fall candies, like chocolate covered pretzels, candy corn, and harvest colored M&M’s from a candy bar.