I can't see a problem. Mid September is when most of the Dahlia shows are happening, so you've picked prime production time.

No doubt you've already looked into the different varieties to pick what works for you. Dis-bud and dis-branch at least 2 weeks ahead of time to get the best blooms out of the branches you leave. Try to leave them on the plant as long as possible.

Smaller flowers will likely hold their petals better.

Good luck.

Cheers,
Russ

Yeah, pick your colors and have at it! I had a gal who wanted orange dahlias for a DIL's October 20th wedding a couple years ago: she got exactly 6 flowers of usable quality from me. September 20th in CA, you'll have no problem.

Since Cory can't- the Garden Web considers that advertising-- let me direct you to the Wynne's Dahlias website where you can find weddings where Cory has used dahlias. I especially like the one where she used a single huge dahlia for each of the wedding party bouquets- a very inexpensive boquet for the bride & her bride's maids. She also made centerpieces using one dahlia & in one of the weddings she made dahlia topiaries using those strong-stemmed Wynne dahlias!
Ellie

Here is a link that might be useful: Dahlia Albums

thanks for all the tips, poochella & sturgeon, i truly appreciate it! and thanks, too, for the link to cory's album, ellie. i also love how simple the single dinnerplate dahlia is as a bouquet! it's such a great idea and very budget friendly.

i am off to go order some tubers now!