Today, as we Americans welcome our 44th president, feelings of patriotism, pride, and hope for our country run strong. And what colors evoke these feelings better than the good old red, white, and blue of our “star spangled banner”?

In honor of Inauguration Day, I thought it would be fun to take a look at what a wedding would look like, celebrated in the proud colors of the United States of American. Although mainly reserved for Fourth of July weddings, any red-blooded American can incorporate a few stars and stripes into their wedding scheme.

First things first: Invitations!

You can go all out with the American Flag ribbon invitation, or just incorporate the colors in something a bit more subtle, like the Red Heart design from Paper Orchid, or elegant navy blue from Fine Papers.

Deck the Halls with Red, White, and Blue!

Wedding Photo USA recommends decorating with American Flags, sparklers, red white and blue balloons, red and white checkered tablecloths, and picnic baskets filled with flowers. Remember, an outdoor reception makes it possible to view the farewell fireworks display! (Candles from Candles Just Online, roses from Lilies n Roses.)

Serve America’s Favorite Foods

No, I am not referring to hot dogs and fries, although if you’re going casual you might consider that!  For something slightly more elegant but still full of American flavor, Wedding Photo USA recommends a barbecue with shrimp, salmon, beef ribs, chicken breasts. Throw your veges on the grill too, such as barbecued beans and corn on the cob. Mix up some red and blue drinks and  Dessert can include strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream. And of course, they don’t say “American as apple pie” for nothing!

Pretty, Patriotic Pastries

All dressed up in stars and stripes, your wedding cake (compliments of Flickr) will join in the celebration, or you can do wedding cupcakes iced in red, white, and blue, like these from Quirky Cupcake!

The Beautiful Bridesmaids

Both of the bridesmaids dresses pictured below are from The Knot.  I like the idea of mixing and matching dresses so some are in blue and some are in red… the bride, of course, provides the white contrast! They can also wear red dresses and carry blue and white flowers, or vice versa.

The All-out American Bride!

And of course you’ve been anxiously awaiting the patriotic wedding gown! Oh yes indeedy, it’s an American-flag inspired dress, for the superhero– I mean super patriot– in you!

The All-out American Groom!

And… don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the groom and his attendants! While it actually is possible to buy a red tuxedo, I don’t recommend it. Navy blue is better. Or, just go for a white shirt with red or blue tie and vest. Even better, pledge your allegiance to a formal tie and cummerbund set that flaunts the beauty of the American flag, like this one tuxedos direct.

Good-bye Goodies

Package your wedding favors in boxes that match the theme, like the red box kits from American Bridal.  Then you can fill them with something like these milk chocolate stars & stripes balls from oh nuts! (only $8.99 for approximately 80 pieces). Yummy!

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Categories: Features, The Big Day, Wedding Planning
Tags: American, Barak Obama, Fourth of July, George Bush, Inauguration Day, July 4, patriotic, president, red white and blue, stars and stripes, USA, wedding