Mar 8
4th of July Wedding Ideas: 25 Dazzling Options
By Wedding Spot
Interested in hosting a summer wedding? Perhaps on July 4th? Then these refreshing 4th of July wedding ideas are for you.
But before getting started, it’s important to note that 4th of July weddings are more than just stars, stripes, and fireworks. Couples and planners alike have a ton of options when it comes to making a 4th of July wedding truly pop. Here we’ll outline what those options are, how you can do it on your own, and what elements you need to create the perfect 4th of July-themed wedding.
What is a 4th of July wedding?
A 4th of July wedding is a ceremony and/or reception that typically takes place on the weekend of the 4th of July. Although couples can pull off this theme on another date, hosting it as close to the actual 4th is ideal.
Is July 4th a good day to get married? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
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There’s a possibility that more of your guests will be available since 4th of July weekend is a good time to take a vacation.
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If you have guests traveling from out of town, they’ll likely be able to take a three-day weekend off of work, which makes the whole experience easier.
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It’s easy to do on a budget and has a ton of gorgeous options for DIYers.
Cons:
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There’s also a possibility that a lot of your guests will have made other plans for the holiday weekend, which is why sending out save-the-dates and invitations ASAP is important.
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July marks the hottest month of the year for many states.
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Outdoor weddings (which 4th of July weddings usually are) come with a certain amount of assumed discomfort either from the weather, bugs, or standard outdoor furniture.
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Flights around the holidays are usually more expensive, which can be inconvenient for your guests.
Explore 25 of our favorite 4th of July wedding ideas:
Independence Day weddings are perfect for couples who want an outdoor celebration, a cookout, and the most impressive reception activity of them all: fireworks. This list will give you some practical ideas and inspiration for nearly every aspect of your wedding vision board.
Invitations and save-the-date ideas for your 4th of July wedding
Use your invitations to set the tone of what your celebration will be like. For example, adorable illustrations of swimsuits and sunglasses imply that items like sandals will be acceptable footwear. On the flip side, matte black backgrounds with gold foil fireworks and a sheer overlay page let guests know that this will be a formal affair.
1. Add a sparkling firework sound effects to virtual invitations to create excitement and communicate the theme.
2. Combine stars with flowers to soften the patriotic aspects of the theme like in this red, white, and blue invitation.
3. Make firework illustrations pop with rhinestones, glitter, or foil underlays.
4. Use the phrase “Sparks will fly on the 4th of July” as this Etsy creator did.
5. Up the elegance factor by using one color in three different shades like this example from Zola did with their stunning Spanish tile graphic.
4th of July wedding ideas for dresses
It will likely be hot on your wedding day, and that’s totally fine if you’re wearing the right dress. We list a few of our favorite ideas below, but provide even more inspiration in our post on short wedding dress ideas and our wedding dress style guide.
6. Try a flowy white jumpsuit to maximize comfort and style.
7. Now is a great time to try a spaghetti strap wedding gown.
8. Skip the tulle and look for lightweight dresses in sheath or empire waist styles.
Ideas for decorations at your 4th of July wedding
With outdoor weddings, nature does most of the decorating for you. But if you’re looking to add elegance to any outdoor space, you’ll need a few props, some florals, and at least one decorated archway.
9. Use large lanterns with electric candles to light up tables and walkways as the sun begins to set.
10. DIY your own pipe and metal hanging star archway over the sweetheart table.
11. Hang large red, white, and blue ribbons from the limbs of nearby trees to set the wedding area apart from the rest of the outdoor venue.
4th of July-themed wedding favors guests will love
No matter what type of wedding you have in mind, guests will greatly appreciate these practical gifts as they party under the summer sun.
12. Beer koozies with your wedding date and names on them will keep drinks cooler for longer and can be reused for years to come.
13. Heart-shaped sparklers are perfect for photos and provide a fun evening activity for all ages.
14. A 4th of July wedding is very auditory: The bang of fireworks, the sizzle of BBQs, etc. Which is why a 4th of July paper firecracker favor filled with candy, party hats, mini bottles of alcohol, and eco-friendly confetti fits the theme perfectly.
4th of July wedding cake ideas
Cakes are a great place to get a little zany with your wedding theme. And if you’ve kept your theme on the elegant or minimal side of things to avoid seeming like yet another 4th of July hangout, now is the time to go all out.
15. Decorate a white cake with red and blue flowers, sprinkles, edible stars, faux rocket pops, and tinsel pom poms.
16. Use a texas sheet pan or angel food cake as your base. Add fresh organic strawberries and blueberries to recreate the American flag.
17. Go with a painted buttercream cake with fondant flowers and a design that resembles a firework show.
18. Forget the cake altogether and just serve cupcakes, cake pops, or decorated marshmallow bars.
Flower suggestions for your 4th of July wedding
All you really need is a bridal bouquet, but you can also have flower bridesmaid props, centerpieces, and archways. Or, opt for a budget-friendly choice of only using edible flowers as cocktail decorations instead of venue decor.
19. Combine privet with hydrangeas and alstroemeria in a vase along with mini American flags for a patriotic arrangement.
20. Red, white, and blue-colored daises are a great choice for wreaths and bouquets.
21. If you’re worried about your blooms wilting in the heat, look for arrangements that include sunflowers, gardenias, and dahlias, which are heartier in the sun.
Venues great for a 4th of July wedding
Look for venues that allow fireworks or have a clear view of a local fireworks display. Height is helpful, but so is having an outdoor space clear of treetops and buildings blocking your view. And if you don’t want fireworks, you can still enjoy handheld sparklers and poppers (with the venue’s permission, of course). The key to a great 4th of July wedding venue? Think outdoor space, plenty of shade, and some charming yet upscale picnic options.
22. Ventanas
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
First up, a venue with a view. When in doubt, being up high is the best bet for fireworks viewing no matter where you have your wedding. We love the indoor dining option Ventanas has because they designed the restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that overlook all of the city.
23. The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Really though: Who wouldn’t want their 4th of July wedding to take place on the beach? Curl your toes in the sand while fireworks burst overhead at The Waterfront Beach Resort. Enjoy surf, sand, and palm trees alongside ballrooms and rooftop event spaces.
24. Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
One thing (of many) we love about this venue is the clear waterfront view of the city skyline. Plus, the average July temperature in Boston is in the low-70s — perfect weather for an outdoor celebration.
Location: Windsor, Illinois
The sky-high beams of this A-frame barn plus the idyllic vineyards that surround it are perfect for a 4th of July wedding. If you’re not in Illinois, look for venues at farms, lakes, and vineyards to recreate this elegant and rustic feel.
Put these 4th of July wedding ideas to use!
Up next, learn how to surprise and delight guests with food truck catering at your reception. And don’t forget about those post-firework snacks at midnight!
Find the perfect venue for your 4th of July wedding!
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Wedding Spot
The Wedding Spot blog is designed to help couples navigate every step of the wedding planning journey. From before the engagement to after you say “I do,” our goal is to give you the tips, ideas, and inspiration to prepare for your big day — and all that comes with it.