When it comes to planning your wedding, the theme really is up to the bride and groom. We can do so much with so little these days, that anything is possible. So let’s talk about having a patriotic theme for your wedding.
One couple I know planned to wed on September 11th, but after the tragedy that occurred in 2001, they were reluctant to stick the date. On advice from friends and family, they went ahead and married on September 11, 2002 and hosted a patriotic wedding theme that recaptured the day in a sense.
Whatever day you plan to be married, the patriotic theme is more than relevant and if you are planning to marry on or around the 4th of July, chances are you’ll have some patriotic touches one way or another.
So what do you need for your Patriotic Wedding?
When you think about the 4th of July the following comes to mind:
- Red, White & Blue
- American Flag
- Stars & Stripes
- Bunting
- Uncle Sam/Eagle
- Torches/Statue of Liberty
- Fireworks/Picnics
- Marching Bands
So, let’s keep it simple and imagine that it’s a backyard wedding. You can decorate the ‘aisle’ with red, white and blue bunting. The bridal bouquets can be done in red and white and tied with blue ribbons and potentially hanging small flag charms. The groomsmen can all wear flag pins on their lapels.
Picnic tables can be laid out for the ‘reception’ and decorated in bunting with tiki torches surrounding them. The late in the day summer wedding is ideal for this because the tiki torches will help dispel the bugs while also adding some festive light to the occasion. A fountain or decorative Statue of Liberty can be set near the guest book.
On the table toppers, you can scrawl famous quotes from the founding fathers or even use the Declaration of Independence – the wording is great for a wedding: … to form a more perfect union …
If the wedding is very formal, the tuxedo cummerbund can be done in red, white or blue. The bride can also twine red, white and blue into her hairpiece. If you are in a small town and you have a marching band, you might consider asking some to play for a bit at the wedding.
The wedding cake can be red velvet with white and blue icing.
I know one bride that chose Uncle Sam for the groom and the Statue of Liberty for the bride. You can go as over the top as you like or as circumspect as you care to be. Remember, it’s your wedding. So whether you use some of these ideas for your wedding or just a fun backyard 4th of July event – show your pride in your country and remember those that came before and helped to bring about the nation we call our own now. There’s a great place called America’s Store that stocks all kinds of patriotic themes if you are looking for some specific items.
Have you ever been to a patriotic themed wedding?