29 Festive Fourth of July Wedding Ideas

Bride and groom kissing on a boat with with an American flag on a lake — Photo by Jeremiah & Rachel Photography

There’s no holiday quite like the Fourth of July. The neighborhood parades, poolside barbecues, and beach bonfires always seem to bring communities together, lift everyone’s spirits, and remind us all of our carefree childhood days. If you want to infuse a similarly celebratory atmosphere into your wedding day, consider saying "I do" on Independence Day or during the holiday weekend. Not only will a Fourth of July wedding feel like the very best part of summer, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to decorate your ceremony and reception in a unique and festive way.

One of the simplest ways to plan a Fourth of July-themed wedding? Start by rooting your day's overall design in the classic color combination of red, white, and blue. If an all-out Americana wedding doesn't feel right for you, though, pick just one color for your base and use the other two as understated, meaningful pops. You could also choose an entirely neutral color palette and rely on these three shades as accents only. Color isn't your only way to convey a Fourth of July theme: Stars and stripes (and even roses, the United States' national flower!) are fitting motifs that can be used on everything from your summer wedding invitations and day-of signage to table linens and photo backdrops. We also love the idea of bringing some of your favorite Fourth of July traditions into the wedding, such as serving ice cream for dessert or, of course, ending the evening with a display of fireworks.

From berry-color signature cocktails to vibrant red, white, and blue floral installations, there are so many ways to highlight the Fourth of July on your big day. Ahead, discover 29 of our favorite festive Fourth of July wedding ideas.

01 of 29

Carry the National Flower

Bride in Strapless Wedding Dress Carrying Red Rose Bouquet in Church — Photo by Niki Marie Photography

Did you know that the rose is the national flower of the United States? Honor that patriotic motif by carrying a bundle of the blooms—bonus points if they're red, like the ones in this bouquet by From Peonies to Paint Chips—for your walk down the aisle.

02 of 29

Wear Your Uniform on the Big Day

New York Stoop Wedding Ceremony — Photo by John Dolan

If you or your spouse-to-be have served in the United States military, you might be considering dressing in your uniform—like this groom did for his nuptials on an apartment stoop in Brooklyn—on the big day. While honoring your service isn't holiday specific by any means, wearing these ensembles feels particularly salient around the Fourth of July.

03 of 29

Serve Ice Cream

Bride and Groom Staring Into Each Other's Eyes and Holding Ice Cream Cones — Photo by Shannon Moffit

Is there anything better than ice cream on Independence Day? If there's one idea you take away from this patriotic list, we hope it's this one. We know your guests will appreciate the sweet summer treat, which this duo served up in classic sugar cones, on your festive holiday weekend (and it will help keep attendees cool in the July heat, to boot).

04 of 29

Wear Red, White, and Blue to Your Rehearsal Dinner

Woman in a Blue and White Floral Holding Man in Vest and Red Tie — Photo by Lev Kuperman

Getting married on Fourth of July weekend, but don't want to reference an Americana color palette on the main day itself? Use it during the rehearsal dinner, instead, which is exactly what this couple did ahead of their moody New York City nuptials. The bride-to-be wore a blue-and-white floral dress, while her groom finished the color scheme off with a red tie.

05 of 29

Add Stately Tassels to Your Tapletops

Wedding Tablescape With Lamps, Blue Patterned Plates, Crimson Napkins, and Tassel Napkin Holders — Photo by Lisa Ziesing with Abby Jiu Photography

Tassels feel just right for the Fourth of July—especially when they're attached to red napkins, which is exactly how Southern House Events used them at this South Carolina wedding. Gold-legged lamps, votive candles, and cutlery added to the sophisticated, polished vibe.

06 of 29

Frame Your Vows With Red, White, and Blue Florals

red, white, and blue wedding ceremony arch in historic castle in portugal — Photo by Alice Vicente

If your goal is to bring a wash of patriotic color into your day, consider your wedding's focal points. Lining your aisle with red rose petals, for example, is a striking option for a Fourth of July wedding—but if you really want to make a statement, fill your ceremony arch, which guests will have in their sight lines for the majority of the service, with these tones. The vivid red, blue, and white hydrangeas in this over-the-top arch by Decoflorália also connected it to the venue—the blue-walled Palácio Marquês da Fronteira in Portugal.

07 of 29

Make an Entrance in a Red Car

Bride in Strapless Wedding Dress and Groom in Tan Suit in Small Red Car — Photo by Elisabetta Marzetti

You don't need to use red, white, and blue shades all at once to make a holiday-appropriate impact—in a lot of cases, just one will do, especially if you make a splash with it. This couple did just that when they rolled up to their rehearsal dinner in a miniature red Fiat, which was one of the most memorable parts of their wedding weekend.

08 of 29

Bring These Patriotic Hues to Your Altar

Church altar with red, blue, and yellow flowers — Photo by Gideon Photography

If you're tying the knot at a place of worship, you might be concerned that you'll have fewer opportunities to bring your Fourth of July theme to life; while many religious venues do impose limits on décor, it is entirely possible to still bring a sense of patriotism to your ceremony. Border the altar with blue and red flowers in different shapes, sizes, and textures for a visually appealing look. For cohesion with the rest of the space, consider working in any other hues that are present in the space; here, cheery yellow blooms were added to the mix to tie everything together.

09 of 29

Serve Holiday-Ready Cocktails

Red cocktails garnished with blackberries and flowers in gold-rimmed glasses — Photo by Sara Weir Photography

The food and drinks served at your wedding can also help reinforce your theme. Upgrade your signature cocktails with a red-colored base, seasonal blackberries, and an edible flower. The combination of hues will suit an Independence Day theme, and the flavors will taste refreshing on a summer day.

10 of 29

Choose a Playful Pattern

Wedding reception tent decorated with peacock-blue draping, floral-draped chandeliers and plaid tablecloths — Photo by Kate Headley

If you're committed to the red, white, and blue color palette, you'll have a near endless number of creative opportunities to bring your theme to life. For Fourth of July-appropriate reception tables, skip white linens in favor of red and white checkered tablecloths. You can also trade in clear or white drapery for blue curtains, which will emphasize your palette and very clearly define the perimeter of the room. These splashy shades and striped patterns will make your guests recall laid-back summer barbecues over the beloved holiday.

11 of 29

Or Make Your Exit in a Blue One

Bride in White Dress and Gloves and Groom in Black Tuxedo in Vintage Blue Car Parked in Garage Overlooking City — Photo by Kristen Marie Parker

Is a cool-blue sports car—which this couple drove around in ahead of their Miami nuptials—more your speed? Whether you go for something red or blue, arriving to (or departing from) your wedding in a thematic ride is one of the most upbeat Fourth of July wedding ideas on our list.

12 of 29

Make Red the Main Shade of Your Color Palette

Red Lamp and Flower Decor on Reception Table — Photo by John Dolan

Here's another case for going all out with the color red for your Fourth of July nuptials: We love the range of crimson tones seen on this tabletop curated by Orange and Rose Events. They span from peachy pink and dusty rose via the bud vases to a sharper scarlet on the wavy placemats.

13 of 29

Use a Patriotic Color Palette for Your Stationery's Stamps

Blue Wedding Invitation Suite With Poppy Stamps — Photo By Jennefer Willson

If you're hosting a wedding on or around the Fourth of July, but don't want to commit to a full-blown red, white, and blue palette via your invitation suite, consider using your stamps, instead. On this neutral envelope for a wedding in Dallas, Sugar Fig Paperie included stamps in these tones' color families. The result? A subtle, but impactful patriotic nod that didn't overpower the rest of the paper set.

14 of 29

Add a Subtle Pop to Your Programs

Illustrated wedding ceremony program with blue and pink birds and florals — Photo by Kylee Yee

Want to include these shades on other day-of paper options, but with a minimalist approach? Choose mostly white paper goods and utilize red and blue as accent colors. For ceremony programs, a white background provides more breathing space for red and blue details to make an impact. You’ll still represent the color scheme that epitomizes this summer holiday, just in a more pared-back way.

15 of 29

Pin the American Flag to Your Dress

An American flag pinned on the inside of a bride's wedding dress — Photo by Kate Headley

Keep a piece of your country close to you on your special day by pinning the American flag on the inside of your wedding dress. If you aren’t afraid to embrace a colorful look, you can also wear a white wedding dress featuring red and blue embellishments.

16 of 29

Dress Your Wedding Party in Festive Shades

Bride and groom posing with bridesmaids in rust satin dresses and groomsmen in blue suits — Photo by Love Is My Favorite Color

Another option is to bring these patriotic colors to your wedding party’s attire. We love how chic these rust-hued silk dresses and baby blue suits look together. For a moodier color scheme, consider burgundy gowns and midnight blue suits, or vice versa.

17 of 29

Pose for Patriotic Photos

Bride and Groom Walking on Dock at Lake with American Flag in the Background — Photo by Jeremiah & Rachel Photography

If you're tying the knot on the Fourth of July (like this couple did in Montana), it's nice to pose for at least a few portraits that hint to the holiday. An American flag waving in the background of your photos is a simple way to nod at the theme of the celebration.

18 of 29

Line Your Aisle With Red Rugs

Tented ceremony space with floating chuppah, vintage rugs, and seating in the round — Photo by Kate Headley

Looking for a unique way to mark your ceremony space? Create an aisle of red patterned rugs and layer more vibrant carpeting around your altar. These festive tones will stand out against a grassy lawn at an outdoor vow exchange, and they're an especially nice option for a Fourth of July wedding that leans more rustic or bohemian.

19 of 29

Wrap Your Bar

Custom bar with blue and white wallpaper, wood lantern, and sea glass vase — Photo by Brandon Lata Photography

Since most of your guests will be making at least one stop at the bar, wow them with a custom display. At this wedding in South Carolina, the couple covered their setup in blue and white wallpaper, and a similar look would be fitting for an elegant Fourth of July-themed celebration.

20 of 29

Add a Wash of Color to Your Cocktail Napkins

Passed appetizers on blue napkins with couple's initials and wedding date in white — Photo by Brandon Lata Photography

Whether you serve them with passed appetizers or your specialty drinks, cocktail napkins are a practical and decorative element that can help drive your theme home. Give yours a festive spin by choosing blue napkins with a white font; while you could take a literal approach and further adorn these must-haves with mini stars or firework illustrations, we like how these iterations were personalized simply with the couple's joint initials and wedding date.

21 of 29

Decorate Your Ceiling With the Shades

Tented reception with flower chandeliers hanging from the ceiling — Photo by Jana Dillon Photography

To make your reception space Fourth of July-worthy, ask your florists to suspend chandeliers studded with red flowers from the ceiling of your venue or tent. They'll add depth and dimension to the setting, create an illusion of height, and help reiterate your theme. For an entirely cohesive space, design your tables to match any suspended décor; utilizing blue glassware and red floral centerpieces would tie everything together nicely.

22 of 29

Dine in a Sea of Red and Blue

Reception tables on a lawn with blue linens, red industrial chairs, and a white runner — Photo by KT Merry

Few details feel more thematic than industrial red chairs, navy tablecloths, and white runners. This backyard reception even included red glassware and white umbrellas for a relaxed, summery touch.

23 of 29

Make a Statement With Your Centerpieces

A hanging installation of red roses above centerpieces with red ranunculus — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Centerpieces are often the focal point of your reception tablescapes, so if you really want your Fourth of July theme to be evident to guests, work with your florist on arrangements that set the tone. To make an impression at your holiday wedding, place a two-tiered arrangement of red ranunculus in the center of your tables and hang red roses above. With a one-of-a-kind presentation, the monochromatic blooms will certainly grab guests’ attention, and that's true whether you’re celebrating at a vineyard or by the lake.

24 of 29

Integrate a Bohemian Flair

Place settings with rattan chargers, burgundy napkins, black flatware, and pampas grass centerpieces — Photo by Anna Delores Photography

While the Fourth of July is often associated with time spent by bodies of water, from pools to beaches, you don’t have to go the nautical route with your décor. For a bohemian touch, lay pampas grass and rattan chargers on wooden tables, and use red glassware, napkins, and roses to augment the theme.

25 of 29

Focus on Blue Tones

Place settings with lucite gold-rimmed chargers, blue napkins, blue menus, and flatware with gold and blue — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Shades of blue with a smidge of red and white are ideal for seaside, poolside, or lakeside affairs being held over the holiday weekend. This setup embraces blue tones in the runner, napkin, menu, and flatware, while the centerpieces and place cards include a pop of red and white. A gold-rimmed lucite charger will let the rest of the colorful elements shine.

26 of 29

Trim Your Cake With Seasonal Berries

Three-tier buttercream cake decorated with blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries — Photo by Lisa Poggi

Buttercream wedding cakes are traditional reception desserts, but to give your tiered confection a Fourth of July update, we love the idea of adorning each layer with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These seasonal fruits will allow the signature color palette to come to life while also ensuring your dessert tastes just like summer.

27 of 29

Garnish Your Confection With Watercolor Designs

Four-tier wedding cake with indigo watercolor and gold leaf on the bottom tier and red sugar flowers — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

A watercolor wash of indigo on the bottom tier of your wedding cake is a subtle way to incorporate the holiday’s color scheme into your dessert. With three tiers of white fondant, the painted design will be the star of the show. Embellished with crimson sugar hellebore flowers and gold leaf, this decadent cake befits any holiday-themed reception.

28 of 29

End the Night With a Firework Show

Couple watching red, white, and blue fireworks across the night sky — Photo by Jeremiah & Rachel Photography

Fireworks are a celebratory way to conclude any wedding, but they’re especially fitting if your event is taking place on the Fourth of July. Ending your night with a red, white, and blue bang (pun intended!) is a great way to bookend your celebration with thematic elements. After all, no Independence Day celebration is complete without an epic fireworks show.

29 of 29

Use Sparklers as a Festive Backdrop

Bride and Groom Kissing During Wedding Cake Cutting with Sparkler Display Behind Them — Photo by Nora Photography

If a full display of fireworks isn't in the cards (they're cost prohibitive and many wedding venues simply don't allow them), inquire about ground sparklers or cold sparks. They'll remind guests of those epic firework displays on a more reasonable scale. At this wedding in Lake Como, the bride and groom lit up their cake cutting with a trio of grounded fireworks. Another alternative? Set your guests up with hand-held sparklers and have a firework-inspired exit.

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