The too-hot days of summer have passed and you're left with warm afternoons and cool evenings, perfect for your wedding reception. Fall colors lean more to the rich earthy tones and your menu can be a hearty fall feast.



Invitations

Autumn wedding invitations can range in colors from a warm yellow to deep wine to earthy reds and browns. As the leaves are changing colors you can match those colors with your wedding invitations. Whether you choose a classical and elegant invention or a modern look, you can use these colors of the season for your September wedding.

September has a couple of holidays you should look out for. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. This might be a great time to have your wedding and take advantage of the extra day off. If you plan to have our wedding around Labor Day, just make sure to note that with your wedding invitation as some might not realize the date of the holiday.

Rosh Hashanah (September 19-20, 2009 and September 9-10, 2010) and Yom Kippur (September 28, 2009 and September 18, 2010) will occur in September also. While these are never on the same day on a conventional calendar, you should be aware of these holidays as your Jewish guests may not be able to attend a wedding if it falls on any of these days.

September is also back to school time. If you're planning on including children as flower girls or ring bearers, you should talk to their parents early to make sure they can make it to your wedding.

Ceremony and reception

While the days may still be warm, the nights in September can be chilly. Your best bet is either an early outdoor ceremony earlier in the afternoon and then a reception inside or an all indoor ceremony. Make a note in your wedding invitation about your ceremony and reception plans so guests can be prepared and dress accordingly.

Pepper some autumn flavors in your reception menu. A salad with roasted pumpkin seeds or a butternut squash soup can be a perfect start to an autumn meal. Entrees should be hot and hearty to keep your guests warm during the start of this chilly season. A coffee bar might be a nice touch to enjoy with your wedding cake, too.

At the bar, stock a couple of hearty red wines. You might also want to make your signature cocktail a warm drink ? a hot apple cider perhaps? Or offer the apple cider as a chilled drink while the sun is still up and then offer a hot apple cider as an after dinner treat.

The chill in the air in September can be the perfect way to make your reception a warm cozy affair. Take your cues from the colors of the season and you'll have a wonderful fall reception. Be mindful not to over lap with the other special occasions in September and you'll have a wedding reception that will be long remembered.