The good old red, white, and blue is a classic color combination that will never go out of style, especially if you're hosting your wedding over the July 4th weekend. And doing so is certainly trendy: Celebrity couples like Julia Roberts and Danny Moder and Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have all tied the knot the weekend of Independence Day. Plus, plenty of our real couples selected the already-celebratory weekend for their nuptials, and all of them did it in serious style.
Whether you're tying the knot over the actual holiday or simply want to bring a healthy dose of patriotic style to your big day, looking to this beloved American holiday for inspiration is never a bad idea. Adopt its bold color palette, incorporate stars and stripes into every decorative element, or end the evening with a spectacular display of fireworks—the options are endless! The following photos from real weddings prove just that. From festive desserts and bright red high heels to unique flag décor and decorative tablescapes, there are so many ways to weave a little American pride into one of the happiest days of your life.
The best part? Including the Fourth of July on your wedding day doesn't have to feel forced. Opt for a moodier interpretation of the color palette (think burgundy, navy, and cream) or choose just one hue to work with. Ahead, an array of unique (and fun!) Fourth of July wedding ideas that are pretty, creative, and elevated—never cheesy.
Giant Flag
Make like this couple and add some patriotic drama to your wedding portraits by posing underneath a huge American flag.
Mini Flags
Don't have access to a larger-than-life flag for a photo backdrop? Take notes from Sandcastle Celebrations and Avenue Twelve and layer smaller ones for a quilt-like effect—it doesn't get more American than that.
Bridesmaid Look
Add a hint of patriotism to your girls' big day looks by pairing cerulean dress with creamy white and burgundy bouquets (we're loving this spray by Loop Flowers!).
Escort Cards
Simply Rooted's dip-dyed watercolor tags definitely fit the Independence Day color palette, but aren't over the top. The ombré effect—the crimson fades to pink and the navy fades to baby blue—softens the look.
Socks
Treat your favorite boy next door to a stars-and-stripes-adorned accessory on the morning of the big day.
Flower Crowns
Just picture your flower girls in these petite Pollen Events halos, complete with red ranunculus, white buds, and a pale blue satin ribbon.
Tablescape
It's one of America's favorite maxims: Go big or go home. Lisa Vorce Co.'s on-palette table décor—from the navy tablecloths and white runners to the industrial red chairs—is as patriotic as it gets.
Invitations
Convey your Americana theme to your guests right off the bat with paper goods like this Altogether Lovely Shop suite. Check out the invite's "burnt" deckled edges—this subtle touch will transport your guests back to 1776.
Sweets
Baby raspberry, blueberry, and cream tartes, like these by Command Performance Catering, are a small way to work the holiday onto your dessert table.
Wedding Cake
Looking to make a statement, instead? This sapphire A Bake Shop confection, topped with red and white roses, is as eye catching as it is on-theme.
Red Shoes
A strappy pair of red sandals (with feminine bows on the back!) is a foolproof way to accessorize your bridal look with the Fourth in mind.
Tablescape
We love everything about Calder Clark's tabletop interpretation of this classic color palette, from the custom baby blue linens (by Nuage Designs) to the scarlet rose centerpieces (by Blossom Events).
Floral Invitations
Simply Rooted gives us proof that watercolor florals can feel just as patriotic as stars and stripes—especially when paired with traditional U.S.A postage.
Yard Games
Give your reception entertainment a Fourth of July makeover by setting painting over cornhole boards with America's colors.
Place Setting
We're not sure what we love more: This tablescape's napkin personalization, Chinoiserie-style plates, or soft blue tablecloth.
Patriotic Bowtie
Dress your guys to the nines—and in festive, thematic bowties. This red-and-bue striped option was dapper without being too over-the-top.
Domestic Brews
Beer is perfect for barbeque season (read: the Fourth of July). Give a nod to the summer and the nation by serving refreshing, local brews.
Starry Tent
Dance beneath the stars by throwing a warm-weather outdoor wedding and putting up a thematic tent to host the reception under.
Patriotic Petals
These flower girls threw red and white petals. If you'd rather line your aisle with them, you could easily do that too.
Festive Drinks
These patriotic cocktails are sweet, festive, and totally grown-up. Cocktail Academy called them From Sea to Shining Seas, and made them using bourbon, lime, blue curaçao, mint, and peychaud bitters.
Starry Dress
This bride chose a unique Naeem Khan stunner and pulled it off flawlessly. Consider the option for your Fourth of July wedding—but only if you want to look stellar.
National Honor
We couldn't celebrate the Fourth of July without considering the troops that keep our nation safe. Honor family veterans with a sweet memorial to their service. It's a great way to include them in your special day.
Patriotic Welcome Bag
Welcome your guests with hand-painted burlap bags containting wedding weekend information and snacks—potato chips, granola bars, chocolate bars, and, of course, microbrews—for a fun day outdoors. An American flag is the finishing touch.
Nautical Americana Stationery
Set the tone for your Americana-themed wedding by sending out an invite with a red, white, and blue color scheme.
Starry Accessory
Take notes from this bride, who found a three-dollar veil The Salvation Army and glammed it up with a handcrafted hairpiece made from paper, wire, silver glass glitter, glue, and a bobby pin. She also made a pair of earrings out of paper, glitter, and glue to match the shooting stars in her hair.
Classic American Snacks
Serve up classic American snacks at your cocktail hour, like french fries and sliders.
Patriotic Pup
Dress your handsome pup ud up in a star-spangled bandana on the big day.
Sparkler Send-Off
Make like this couple and walk down the aisle and into wedded bliss through a path of guests holding festive sparklers.
Firework Finish
End the night with a bang, like this couple, to celebrate Independence Day and your first day as a married couple.