September is one of the most sought-after months to say "I do," and it's easy to see why: Serving as the bridge between summer and fall, this time of year offers warm days paired with cooler nights. Due its status as a period of transition, you can lean into a wide variety of different hues when it comes to your wedding color palette. For example, if you consider yourself a warm-weather aficionado, you may lean into brighter and bolder shades, but if you find yourself excited for the prospect of autumn, you may want your celebration to feel a bit moodier, selecting rich colors and layered textures. Or, perhaps, you may decide to integrate both concepts together, letting your palette speak to the month's unique positioning between the two seasons.
As you start to implement your palette into your aesthetic vision, consider how all of the shades will fit together. "The key to seamlessly incorporating your color palette is cohesion," says Mileen Zarin, the owner of Mileen Zarin Events. "Cohesive design is paramount to any event, and a consistent scheme should be carried throughout all elements; from the location and venue, to the tablescape and entertainment." In addition to considering your table arrangements and bridesmaid dresses, think about how your selected shades may appear in your paper goods, furniture, and installations, adds Natalie Good, the creative director of A Good Affair.
Your selected palette may also vary depending on the location of your nuptials. "If you're having a Montana mountain wedding, a richer fall color palette would be perfect in September, as the leaves will be changing; in contrast, if you're saying "I do" in Southern California, September still feels like summer," Good says. Take inspiration from your surroundings when considering which shades will work best for your preferred design.
Below, we've rounded up seven of the best color palettes for September weddings to help give you inspiration for your own nuptials. Read on to see them all.
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Moody Purple and Gray Hues
Photo by Sacia Matthews
For a transitional color scheme that nods to the changing of the seasons, select purple hues in shades of lavender or plum to give your celebration a dramatic feel, Zarin says. And don't be afraid to integrate a few unexpected accents into your palette: "[Purples] can be combined with neutrals, like ivory, beige, or gold, to add a touch of elegance or simply paired with green to emphasize a natural and organic ambiance, while bringing the royal and regal feel," says Yodit Gebreyes Endale, the owner of Favored by Yodit Events & Design.
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Shades Reminiscent of a Late Summer Garden
Photo by Brogen Jessup
Seeking out a fresh palette that still feels grounded in the summer season? Consider a color scheme inspired by a whimsical garden by turning to hues of dusty rose, mauve, sage green, cream, and muted gold. "[It] leans romantic without being overly pastel," says Cathy O'Connell, the co-founder of COJ Events. "Pair these colors with soft linen textures, loose floral arrangements, and candlelight." For additional bit of brightness, add a vibrant sunset-inspired shade to the palette.
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Warm Shades Mixed With Neutral Tones
Photo by Radian Photography
Hosting an outdoor celebration? Zarin recommends turning to a warm palette full of terracotta, dusty blue, and golden hues that's grounded in neutral shades. This light and sophisticated scheme is the ideal fit for a coastal fête. O'Connell says such a combination perfectly encapsulates the feeling of both seasons: "[It] echoes the fading summer light while nodding to fall. Use textured linens, driftwood accents, and airy floral designs."
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Romantic Harvest Hues
Photo by Radian Photography
Warm, golden, and timeless, this palette is the ideal choice if you want to lean into the colors of early fall at your September nuptials, O'Connell says. Shades of burnt sienna, terracotta, deep marigold, soft blush, and warm ivory will nod to the cozy feeling in the air. "Pair these colors with brass accents, natural wood, and dried florals mixed with late-summer blooms," she adds.
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Shades of Lilac, Brown, and Green
Photo by Norman & Blake
"My favorite palette is shades of lilac, brown, and green with pops of white and cream," Good says. A timeless aesthetic, this combination can be easily modified to lean into the season you're hoping to embody at your celebration. "The more white and cream you add to the florals, the more light- and summer-feeling it will be," she says. "The more texture and richer browns, taupes, and greens, the more fall it will feel."
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A Sea of Blue
Photo by Jenny Quicksall
Consider a monochromatic color palette for your September nuptials. By doing so, you'll create a gorgeous, elegant, and timeless design, says Lisa Jorosak, the owner and lead planner of Elegante Weddings & Events. An all-blue scheme is the perfect nod to the end of summer. "Embracing a singular color and showing off its different shades is a modern take on a classic palette," she adds.
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Jewel Tones With Gold Accents
Photo by Erika Delgado Photography
For a bold and elegant design, O'Connell and Zarin suggest turning to jewel tones, such as emerald green, deep plum, and sapphire blue. "A timeless choice that makes a striking statement," Zarin notes. Such colors are the ideal pick if you're hosting your celebration in the evening, O'Connell adds. To bring such a vision to life, she recommends selecting velvet accents, moody florals, gold flatware, and dark taper candles.
