17 Festive 4th of July Wedding Ideas

Bride and groom with blue and red smoke bombs. — Photo by Lara Hotz Photography

In our book, nothing says summer quite like the Fourth of July. The poolside parties, coordinated wardrobes, and the day in the sun—we say yes to all, even if your wedding does fall on the holiday weekend. In that case (and even if not), it’s time to embrace the tried-and-true color scheme and give your guests a holiday to remember.

Whether red, white, and blue are your favorite colors or not, we’ve searched the web—and our favorite Instagram accounts—for Independence Day inspiration for you. From berry-colored signature cocktails in gold-rimmed glasses to a lush bouquet that’s flowing with blue and red silk ribbons, there’s a way to do the Fourth your own way. And we have to say, these colors must be in style this year because finding inspiration was oh-so easy.

In this gallery, you’ll find all the patriotic inspiration you need, but don’t think it’s going to scream "July Fourth." Instead, these 17 wedding ideas are a trendy take on the holiday’s iconic decor (think drip cakes, low dining tables with blue cushions, and hanging installations). You may see stars and you may see stripes, but there’s no overload of that here. Because, let’s be honest, your wedding day is not your average BBQ.

So, fire up your grills and Pinterest boards because here is the trendiest wedding decor in red, white, and blue.

01 of 17

A Romantic Cake

Semi-naked cake with red and white flowers — Photo by Photos by Heart

This semi-naked cake is all the more beautiful with the addition of red and white roses. The romantic palette is picture-perfect for an Independence Day soiree.

02 of 17

A Patriotic Palette

Red chairs and blue tablecloth outdoor reception — Photo by KT Merry; Design by Lisa Vorce

To recreate this party, all you need are industrial red chairs, navy tablecloths, and crisp white table runners. Oh, and the white umbrellas add the perfect backyard-inspired touch.

03 of 17

Festive Cocktails

Red, white, and blue cocktail — Photo by Sara Weir Photography; Planning & Coordination by Fletcher + Ellmore; Drink & Styling by Sustain Los Angeles

Upgrade your signature cocktail with a red-colored base, juicy blackberries, and our very favorite: edible flowers. These summery sips are a refreshing (and photogenic) addition that guests will clamor for.

04 of 17

A Rosy Disposition

Red hanging arrangement of roses — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Everything's coming down roses. This hanging installation makes such a statement, thanks to the single, monochrome bloom used (a romantic red rose, obvi). And how about that two-tired centerpiece? Yes and yes.

05 of 17

Abstract Confections

An abstract cake topped with fresh fruit — Photo by Alba Rose Photography; Cake Design by Butterfly Cake Factory

Now, this is what we call an artful cake. The abstract, paint-like base adds a festive touch while the figs up top keep it organically trendy. Oh, and about that drip. Love.

06 of 17

A Laid-Back Lounge

Blue-hued intimate dinner set up — Photo by Marion Heurteboust

We love so many things about this low-key dining setup. For one, it's done in all shades of blue. And two, it features some of the hottest ideas in wedding decor—namely, cactus plants and copper-toned tableware. Raise your hand if this photo makes you want to host an intimate affair (we're raising ours).

07 of 17

Patriotic Floral Arrangements

Moody crimson and white florals with red and white ribbon — Photo by Tec Petaja; Florals by The Nouveau Romantics

Adding silk ribbons to a bouquet always creates a romantic touch. And in deep reds and blues, it's kind of sexy, too. We especially love the ultra-deep red flowers that coordinate with a red, white, and blue floral palette without going overboard.

08 of 17

Bright Berries

Tiered caked decorated with berries and gerber daisies — Photo by Sandra Åberg Photography; Event Planning by A Very Beloved Wedding

We are all about fruit toppings on cakes. It's a natural and fresh touch that also celebrates all the juicy bounty of the summer season. Plus, who doesn't love these sorbet-hued gerbera daisies?

09 of 17

A Red and Blue Mix

Red floral hanging installations in tented reception — Photo by Jana Dillon Photography

Embrace color with hanging installations and table decor. These sweet red flower arrangements pair with the blue glassware in a way that feels totally Fourth of July-worthy.

10 of 17

A Subtle Nod

Raw table with rustic chargers and copper mugs — Photo by Birds of a Feather

These deep-blue pottery-like plates are everything. We'll take them on our registry—and all the copper chargers, candlesticks, and mugs, too. The rustic hues give a subtle nod to all things red, white, and blue without overcommitting to the primary color palette.

11 of 17

Muted Tones

Two-tier cake in muted red tones — Photo by Jenna Joseph Photography; Cake Design by Laura Marie’s Cakes; Styling by Tres Chic Affairs

We're obsessed with the beautifully painted flowers that crawl up the side of this two-tiered fondant cake. Again, it's festive without screaming red, white, and blue.

12 of 17

A Whimsical Arbor

Red and blue whimsical wedding arch — Photo by Rach Loves Troy; Event Planning by Tara Skinner Weddings & Events; Floral Design by Harvey Designs

A patriotic nuptial arch with all the whimsy of the season? Coming right up. This copper-framed arbor is bursting with a vibrant spectrum of red and blue florals and dripping with enough fairy lights and blue streamers to make a midsummer maypole envious.

13 of 17

A la Americana

Red white and blue lobster bake welcome party with sunflowers — Photo by Kate Headley; Event Planning by A Day in May Events; Floral Design by Bloom Floral Design & Compass Floral;

So we've tackled that Fourth of July look, but what about the feel of the holiday? This fun, New England-style lobster bake rehearsal dinner totally nails it. The vibrant Americana theme of checkered tablecloths, blue accents, and arrangements of sunny sunflowers give us all the summertime vibes.

14 of 17

An Elegant Tablescape

Navy, burgundy, and cream tablescape — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Event Planning & Floral Design by Shannon Leahy Events; Rentals by Bright Rentals, BBJ Linen, Found Rentals, La Tavola, Casa de Perrin & Theoni

With rich hues and sumptuous textures, this tablescape elevates the red, white, and blue to far more sophisticated heights. Deep indigo linens, moody burgundy hellebores, chocolate cosmos, creamy garden roses, rust-hued foliage, and gold-accented crystal make for a soft and romantic twist on the palette.

15 of 17

A Gradient Cake

Indigo wash cake with gold leaf and red and white flowers — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Event Planning & Floral Design by Shannon Leahy Events; Cake by Flour & Bloom

A wash of indigo gradient is a great way to subtly infuse the holiday's signature color scheme into the wedding cake. Accented with crimson sugar hellebore flowers and natural gold leaf, this decadent confection has all the makings of a regal reception.

16 of 17

A Taste of Independence

S'mores BBQ station — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Event Planning by Shannon Leahy Events

Nothing says "Fourth of July" quite like a barbecue. Bring in all of those delicious, summer flavors through the fan-favorite, late-night-snack vehicle. Opt for a food truck to serve up some savory bites, or set up a s'mores station for a more interactive approach.

17 of 17

A Flag Feature

Bride and groom dancing on boat — Photo by Adriana Rivera

For a Fourth of July wedding, an American flag is a must, and it feels right at home in this nautical environment. If a reception at sea isn't your style, consider a fun boat getaway for a memorable send-off.