September is the new June; what are the advantages of a Fall wedding?

By all accounts, 2023 is going to be a busy year for weddings!  I took part in a Wedding Expo last weekend. It was well attended, and, although there were other photographers there, I expect to get some bookings. There's a very good reason for my optimism: a good percentage of weddings were planned for the same day, September 23, 2023!  Of the remaining brides I talked to, the vast majority were planning a September or Fall wedding. 

It used to be that June was THE month for weddings. The stereotype was the June bride dripping with roses, but June is not what it used to be. Climate change is playing havoc with our weather and those long sunny June days are just as likely to be cool and stormy, although snow is statistically unlikely, at least in Southeast Wisconsin! At best, June is unpredictable. The season of choice now is the fall, especially September!  I've noticed this trend for several years. 

So what are the advantages of a fall wedding?  Here in the Midwest, Fall is a beautiful time of year, with warm, sunny days and cool evenings. September is the least rainy month in Kenosha County, with an average of 8 rainy days. That gives you an almost 74% chance of a dry day. Cooler temperatures make for happier brides and less sweaty photographers. As we approach the Autumnal Equinox, the sun is lower in the sky, giving gentler, more golden light for photos. Combine that with the trees turning color and you have great conditions for those all-important photographs. Locally available flowers and harvest-time accents make for colorful decor. Forget the roses and go with sturdy chrysanthemums and sunflowers! 

From a purely practical perspective, wedding guests will not have to work their summer vacation plans around your wedding date and more will be able to attend. That can be good or bad, depending on the size of your guest list, so don't invite too many in the hope that half won't be able to come! 

One thing is for certain: be sure to book your venue and vendors well in advance if you want to get that coveted September date. The competition next year will be fierce!