For patriotic couples, what could be more ideal than a Stars and Stripes theme? The red, white and blue of the American flag makes for a great versatile color scheme that can be used all year round. This is especially fantastic for a July 4th wedding- just imagine how wonderful your celebration could be!

I’ve done my research to find some of the best patriotic ideas for your wedding.

The Dress
Ok, so it’s unlikely you will want to walk down the aisle in no more than a strategically- placed flag, although go for it if that’s your thing! My idea is a little more subtle, however. Wear a gorgeous white dress, in any style you like, and add red and blue accessories. Unlisted has a beautiful pair of red T-bar platform peep toe shoes that would look amazing under a crisp white dress. Combine with blue earrings and a necklace. Emitations have a vast range of blue jewelry at bargain prices. My favorite is the Katie Holmes inspired necklace and earrings set for a fantastic $75. Don’t forget your hair accessories. For the drama queen in you, how about a glittering red mini top hat? Baby Girl Boutique sell a gorgeous burlesque- inspired mini top hat complete with net veil for just $14.95.

Flowers
Try a beautiful posy bouquet of red, white and blue roses. Yes, blue roses do exist. They would look sensational in a hand tied bouquet, tied off with a matching ribbon, or even one decorated with the American flag itself. A great striking look, especially when set off against a fresh white dress.

The Cake
The cake is the perfect chance to go wild. You can be as crazy as you like- in fact, the wackier the better. Freed’s Bakery (www.freedsbakery.com) sell an incredible 3 tiered white wedding cake decorated with red, white and blue star garlands around the base of the cake and on the top tier. The garland on the top tier is entwined around several sparkling stars bursting out of the top tier and the cake is completed with silver stars and a patriotic firework design covering the icing. The cake is available in a range of flavors from chocolate and lemon to carrot and cheesecake. Yum yum!

Decoration
It’s very easy to find tablecloths, paper plates and so on with the stars spangled banner on. But they can look a bit tacky and we want classy, not trashy. Ironically, the best website I have found to sell pretty Americana decorations is a site based in the United Kingdom. Don’t let that put you off- the beauty of the internet is that you can buy things from all over the world. Olde Glory sell a stunningly beautiful vintage styled bunting made of triangular flags for around $28 and pretty stars and stripes patterned paper bags for around $1.59 each- perfect for housing favors. Take a look at their Americana section for heaps of ideas.

Of course, for the finishing touches you must have a fireworks display. Although if your wedding is planned for 4th July, you’d probably be surrounded by fireworks anyway, cutting down on the costs. This bold, striking color scheme is perfect for making an impact and leaving your guests with a memorable day. Altogether now: “Oh say can you see by the dawn’s early light”...