Welcome to Wedding Wisdom! Every week, wedding planner Tami Smallwood-Brown, CEO of blush|WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING FIRMgives tips to help you plan your dream nuptials from engagement to “I do.” This week, Tami shows you how to host an Independence Day wedding.
Photo courtesy of Cellar Door Photography.
The July 4th holiday is a wonderful time to host a wedding. This holiday always ushers in a festive mood and a few days off from work (if you’re lucky). Your nuptials, family, friends, and good food set the stage for the perfect wedding celebration. Here are some design ideas to inspire and guide you to your Independence Day fête — wedding style.
Apparel
Fabric: What’s more American than cotton? Cotton makes the ideal fabric for a hot summer day-wedding. It’s lightweight and perfect for an outdoor affair—with or without a tent.
Color: I love the idea of the bride wearing a cotton dress with accents of navy. The maids would look charming in tea-length navy dresses (especially with pockets). Add a pop of color for all the ladies with a red shoe that’s appropriate in style for your venue. For the guys, casual suits work great for comfort and appeal. Keep in mind that red, white and blue can include full spectrums of each color. Explore shades of blue like navy and cornflower, and look at darker shades of red like wine or burgundy.
Décor
Table Decor: In order to avoid going too far on the casual scale, crown your dining tables with nice plush floral arrangements. Using solid dark wood tables along with matching Chiavari chairs creates a good balance of formal and casual. Metallic charger plates can add a touch of class to your table setting.
Construct a comfortable and stylish lounge area by using stripes in your accents. Try to avoid patterns with stars, otherwise your décor could begin to look “theme-y.”
Food & Fun
Cocktail Hour Fare: A wedding during the Fourth of July is a great opportunity to enjoy classic barbecue foods on your big day. Mini hotdogs and Kobe Beef sliders will be a big hit with guests at this holiday wedding.
Festivities: Create a festive cocktail hour with a few old school faves. Incorporate signature drinks into your bar fare, such as the Mint Julep and the Old Fashioned, and consider adding game stations for classic favorites like horseshoes and croquet.
Dinner Service: For dinner, keep a classic menu, but meet with your caterer about creating a more upscale presentation for this plated meal. Serving barbecue chicken breast, potato salad, green beans, and cornbread would go over well with your guests. That said, make sure the plate looks like a work of art!
Independence Day is a time for celebration with family — and so is your wedding! Create a gathering that reflects this summertime custom and your new life together! And don’t forget the fireworks!!!!
Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.