The Best Flowers for a September Wedding, According to the Experts

September is one of the most popular times of the year to tie the knot (it even surpasses the summer months!). With clear, crisp days and vibrant scenery, September has so much to offer couples for their weddings. It also marks the transition from summer to fall, and the changing season instills a newfound energy and excitement that provides the perfect atmosphere for a momentous celebration. One of the best perks of saying “I do” during this month? The flowers. 

If you’re getting married in September, there are so many gorgeous in-season blooms to choose from, no matter your aesthetic or locale. For instance, dahlias are a sought-after floral during this time of the year that can evoke a tropical vibe when paired with orchids and anthuriums or a rustic feel when chosen in earthy hues.

While you can certainly import out-of-season blooms, sticking with seasonal varieties will lower your overall bill and deliver a higher-quality product at its optimal freshness. “In-season flowers are easier to guarantee,” flower expert Emily Petros of El Petros Floral explains. “They are healthier and hardier than off-season blooms, and they really lend to a special seasonal feel for guests and when looking back at photos.” According to floral artist Ivie Joy of Ivie Joy Floral Arts + Events, seasonal buds cost about 40 percent less than their off-season counterparts. As a result, you’ll have a bigger budget for your blossoms, giving you more bang for your buck. 

Wondering which type of buds you should use at your late summer or early fall nuptials? We asked the experts to share the most popular varieties. Read on for the best September wedding flowers.

Dahlias

With their standout size, symmetrical petals, and rich texture, dahlias make a big impression in any arrangement. Couples tend to flock toward this bloom in September due to their versatility: They come in many different shapes and sizes, from water lily-shaped to ball-shaped, and they’re available in every color imaginable. Dahlias are also relatively affordable, ranging from $9 per stem up to $24 per stem resale value (depending on the size of the petal), according to Petros. 

To make sure these statement-making blooms are the focal point of your bouquet or centerpiece, Petros suggests pairing them with smaller seasonal buds, such as roses and hydrangeas. According to the floral designer, these visually intriguing blossoms complement coastal settings, vineyard destinations, and art museum venues best. It’s important to note that dahlias don’t fare well in direct sunlight or heat, so without a constant source of shade or hydration, they’ll most likely wilt.

Roses

Roses are an in-demand bloom at most times of the year, and September is no exception. After all, they symbolize love and romance, the cornerstone of every wedding. This type of flower comes in over 100 different varieties that each offer a distinctive flair. For instance, garden roses are large and fluffy with lots of petals, making them a showstopper in any installation, while spray roses are smaller in comparison, giving your arrangement a delicate touch. These well-known plants come in all colors, whether you choose an all-white bouquet for a modern wedding or darker hues for a bohemian aesthetic.

Floral designer David Kurio of David Kurio Designs explains that roses are multipurpose flowers, so you can add them to bouquets, aisle arrangements, ceremony arches, overhead installations, and more. According to Kurio, roses have sturdy stems, so you can use them in any indoor or outdoor setting, from beachfront nuptials to ballroom soirées.

Clematis

A member of the buttercup family, clematis are impressive flowers with large, attention-grabbing petals. Available in pink, purple, and white tones, these blossoms will bring a romantic flair to any arrangement, whether it’s your bridal bouquet or your table runner. “Since they have delicate, beautiful foliage, I generally suggest keeping them closer to the viewer’s eye, so they can directly experience them,” Petros advises.

You can mix clematis with other types of flowers to generate the right ambiance for your celebration. For instance, combining them with roses and trailing greenery will complement barn or vineyard weddings, while pairing them with honeysuckle and ferns will match botanical garden settings. A word of caution: Petros notes that these plants have delicate stems that can break easily, so they need other sturdy varieties to accompany them. Like most other plants, clematis needs water to maintain their appearance, so keep them hydrated as long as possible.

Orchids

Orchids are some of the most impactful flowers with their cascading design and unique petals. Since they’re typically grown in tropical climates, they’re a natural fit for island or beach weddings, but they also work well at modern nuptials since they have a refined and sophisticated feel. Available in white, pink, purple, and yellow, orchids bring an elegant and striking edge to any installation—Our favorites are single-flower bouquets and tall centerpieces fused with other textured flowers. Although their cost falls on the higher end of the spectrum (about $15 to $35 per stem), Kurio mentions that you don’t need many to make an impression. The floral guru also explains that as long as you keep orchids watered, they’ll maintain their sturdiness.

Hydrangeas

Contrary to popular belief, hydrangeas aren’t just a summer flower. These voluminous, fluffy bulbs are still available until early fall, which makes them a likely option for a September wedding. Whether they form the basis of your ceremony arch or mark your reception entrance, these spherical buds will evoke a romantic, elegant, and nostalgic feel at your fête. Although they complement any setting, they will seamlessly coordinate with traditional, garden, or coastal soirées.

Hydrangeas are found in white, blue, green, pink, purple, and red tones, but Kurio says the white and green varieties tend to have the hardiest stems for both indoor and outdoor settings and a more affordable price point. Meanwhile, the more colorful hues require water instead of floral foam for their upkeep and cost a little more.

Zinnias

Zinnas’ round, uniform petals brimming with texture make them a go-to choice for September couples. You can find them in striking shades, like magenta and scarlet, which make them an excellent pick for bold, splashy color palettes. Joy suggests pairing them with dahlias, antique hydrangeas, and wild grasses for a refined, organic feel that infuses softness and charm into any space. On the other hand, she notes that zinnias can also stand alone for a more modern, pared-back look. To preserve their freshness, keep them in fresh water and cool temperatures, according to Joy.

Cosmos

These delicate, whimsical flowers add movement and warmth to any arrangement. Since they’re petite and fragile, Petros suggests using them in bouquets and centerpieces since they’ll likely get lost in larger installations. Whether you choose white, yellow, peach, pink, magenta, orange, or chocolate, these blossoms are guaranteed to add a pop to your big day. In particular, Petros advises using these varieties, along with foliage and multi-size florals, at venues in the rolling countryside or a sweeping meadow. Another benefit? Cosmos are priced at about $2 to $3 per stem, making them a relatively affordable option. Just remember to keep them in the shade to prevent drooping.

Agapanthus

Last but not least, agapanthus are sweet, wispy blooms, perfect for the whimsical couple. Since these flowers have extra-long stems and large clusters of petals, Petros loves incorporating them into statement-making ground installations, such as aisle arrangements, to accentuate height. Naturally found in purple, blue, and white, these plants are a suitable choice for venues in the countryside, along the coast, or in a garden, according to Petros. They’re also hardy and long-lasting, so you won’t have to stress about wilting. If you’re looking for other buds to add to the mix, she recommends delphinium, grasses, and allium for further depth and dimension.