35 Red, White and Blue Wedding Ideas for Classic Americana Vibes

This color scheme is perfect for holiday weekend weddings and summer BBQs.
Samantha Iacia - The Knot wedding style expert
by
Samantha Iacia
  • Samantha writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a speciality in wedding decor, trends, and fashion
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Samantha was a features and weddings contributor for The Baltimore Sun
  • She is based in Washington, D.C. and holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism
Updated May 12, 2022

A red, white and blue wedding color palette can work year-round, but there's something to be said about this patriotic trio of hues when it comes to summer holidays. If you're in the midst of wedding planning and are thinking of getting married around Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day, you might be feeling inspired by the season's celebratory mood. The summer months bring longer days, warmer temperatures and people are ready to party, so what better time of year to host your big day? Pull your wedding inspiration from everyone's favorite summer holidays and opt for a celebration filled with Americana wedding decor. This festive aesthetic is all about creating a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere—and incorporating plenty of red, white and blue decorations, of course. Take a cue from these real wedding ideas to plan your own star-spangled wedding day.

In this article:

Red, White and Blue Wedding Attire

American flag socks

If you're feeling especially on-theme, there are plenty of ways to work your patriotic color palette into your wedding attire. Flag-inspired socks are a must-have for any 4th of July wedding—and they're an instant groomsmen photo op.

These sequined bridesmaid dresses are great for formal occasions, but if your dress code is slightly more low-key, you can choose navy blue styles with shorter hemlines or unembellished fabrics.

Mix-and-match blue prints

For a casual summer wedding, consider mixing prints and dress silhouettes for your wedding party. Red and white bouquets pop against the backdrop of these mismatched blue gowns.

Red gingham button-down shirt

Basic white dress shirt not your style? A red gingham button-down stands out underneath a gray or blue suit jacket. Complete the look with a blue and white polka-dot tie for classic prepster vibes.

Red, white and blue shoes

Your footwear is another way to add red, white and blue to your wedding ensemble, whether you opt for shoes in one solid color or a pair that combines all three. (And if you're still on the search for your something blue, a pair of blue wedding heels will do the trick.)

American flag shirt

Business in the front, party in the back. Keep your look traditional for the ceremony while still tapping into your red, white and blue wedding theme by wearing a button-down shirt discreetly decorated with the American flag. Remove your suit jacket to reveal the stars and stripes on the back when it's time to party.

Red bridesmaid dresses

Blue bridesmaid dresses are undeniably classic, but floor-length red gowns will make a major statement. Outfit your wedding party in matching styles to keep this bold color from being too overpowering.

American flag pin

If subtle Americana vibes are more your thing, add a flag pin to your suit jacket, bouquet wrap or the underside of your wedding dress skirt.

Red necktie and pocket square

Lighter color palettes are synonymous with summer weddings, and that goes for suits, too. A tan suit is a great alternative to blue and gray options, and it looks festive when paired with a red tie.

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Red, White and Blue Wedding Decor

Red, white and blue wedding bouquet

Some of the prettiest flowers bloom in red and blue tones—take this bouquet of garden roses and thistle as an example. White anemones, sweet peas, hellebores, and greenery add balance to the bolder colors.

Delphinium wedding centerpiece

For a rustic red, white and blue wedding, recreate this simple centerpiece using delphinium stems, eucalyptus and repurposed glass milk jugs.

Place setting with checkered napkin

Bright red gingham linens immediately bring a laid-back element to your wedding tablescapes. If you're throwing a BBQ-inspired reception, finish your place settings with kitschy farm animal napkin rings.

Red, white and blue flower arrangement

Incorporate pops of your color scheme throughout your venue by adding flower arrangements near high-traffic areas, like the reception entrance, cocktail bar and dessert table. A combo of violet delphinium, white hydrangeas, red Gerbera daisies, roses and eucalyptus with cotton boll accents feels perfectly country-chic.

Cold beer and summer weddings go hand-in-hand—and your guests will thank you for having drink holders at the ready. Keep yours on theme by choosing red, white or blue koozies personalized with a fun phrase.

Patterned champagne wall

If champagne is more your taste, serve pre-poured flutes to kickstart your cocktail hour (you can even use them as decorative wedding escort cards). Showcase them against an eye-catching backdrop, like this red and white patterned wall.

Chinoiserie ceremony aisle marker

Vintage chinoiserie is always a gorgeous choice if you're looking for elegant Americana wedding decor ideas. Use oversized vessels filled with Queen Anne's lace to decorate the aisle at a garden wedding ceremony.

Red, white and blue place setting

red, white and blue wedding place setting
Vangelis Photography

Accent blue and white plates with bright red blooms (try roses, carnations or ranunculus) for a colorful, themed tablescape.

Blue patterned napkin

Prefer to keep your tabletops simple? You can still add a hint of color with cloth napkins in a sweet blue and white floral print—check with your wedding caterer, venue or a local rental company to find options.

Red, White and Blue Wedding Stationery

Red, white and blue wedding invitation suite

Combine sleek typography, subtle metallic gold accents and a slightly marbled white background on your invitations if you're going for a contemporary Americana-themed wedding.

Kraft paper wedding escort cards

rustic wedding escort card display with clothespins and twine
Michele Hart Photography

These rustic escort cards prove that your stationery doesn't need to be fancy in order to look cute. Handwritten names and stamped table numbers give the cards a welcoming, homely look that's ideal for a backyard celebration.

Letterpressed wedding invitation

Floral motifs and letterpressed designs are popular stationery options for timeless, formal wedding style. An envelope liner featuring an antique map of the wedding location added a custom touch to this invitation suite.

If you're getting married by the water, tap into the nautical vibes of your wedding venue by finishing your stationery with a blue striped border.

Vintage-inspired floral wedding invitation suite

Turn to a pretty blush and red floral design—paired with navy blue envelopes—for a romantic take on the red, white and blue color palette.

Red, White and Blue Wedding Food

Strawberry-basil cocktails

Printed straws are an easy, inexpensive way to spruce up your signature cocktails. A fruit-based recipe, like this strawberry-infused drink, is appetizing for a hot summer night.

Fresh plum baskets

Looking for alternative place card, escort card or centerpiece ideas? Get creative with fresh fruit. These miniature plum-filled baskets are labeled with tags, so they double as escort cards and clever wedding favors that your guests will enjoy.

Bite-size sliders

No Memorial Day wedding or 4th of July cookout is complete without burgers. Serve gourmet sliders during cocktail hour or as a late-night snack to keep the party going after-hours.

Mini berry cobblers

How cute are these cobblers served in individual skillets? Top summer berries with graham cracker crumbles and sugar as a refreshing snack for guests who might want something sweet aside from the cake.

Caprese salad

There's no rule that says your appetizers have to match your wedding colors, but it's certainly a happy accident when they do. Not only is caprese salad a tasty (and healthy!) option when it comes to wedding hors d'oeuvres, it seamlessly complements a red, white and blue color scheme—especially when served on a decorative platter.

Chocolate-covered pretzel sticks

Add individually wrapped chocolate-covered pretzels to your dessert spread or send them home with guests as favors. Colorful sprinkles tie in your patriotic theme.

Blueberry vodka lemonade

A classic summertime drink with a twist. Top off your spiked lemonade cocktails with fresh blueberries and paper straws covered in festive gold stars.

Hand-decorated cookies

plate of sugar cookies decorated with white and blue royal icing in chinoiserie pattern
Vangelis Photography

If you're not big on wedding cake (or if you have a strong sweet tooth and can't pick just one dessert), you can never go wrong with custom cookies. Opt for a design like this blue and white pattern that reflects your color palette.

Red, White and Blue Wedding Cakes

navy blue fondant wedding cake with geometric white bandana pattern
Chad Munro Photography

This blue fondant cake has a white geometric pattern reminiscent of an Americana style staple: the classic bandana.

Naked cake with fresh fruit

While the buzz around this once-trending cake style has died down, there are still plenty of good reasons to choose a naked wedding cake. For starters, you won't have to worry about the buttercream or fondant melting off in warmer temperatures, and the lack of frosting leaves a lighter taste if you're not into super-sugary desserts.

Buttercream cake with blueberries

Keep your dessert table simple with a timeless white buttercream cake. If blueberries aren't your first choice for the garnish, try strawberries, raspberries or red and blue flowers instead.

Red velvet naked cake

four-tier naked red velvet cake decorated with red anemone flowers
Jenny Haas Photography

Show off the bold color of a red velvet cake by skipping the frosting. The vibrant poppy hue of this cake accented by the vanilla filling creates a striped motif that's totally on-theme.

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