We all love and honor the snappy red-white-and-blue of July 4th. But if you’ll be marking your wedding anniversary with a 4th of July-themed party, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a softer palette to style with? So we have a lovely suggestion! Why not a color motif of denim blues and shades of pink to create a ‘casual vintage’ anniversary soiree? We’ve gathered the most charming images to showcase the look, plus we offer our own hints for how you can pull it off for your special gathering.
A Palette of Denim Blues and Pink: Patriotic and Pretty
Inspired by the lovely ideas we found, we realized that you can still give a nod to the patriotic season with a casual vintage party in more muted tones. So perfect for an intimate anniversary celebration! Here are 5 tips that we recommend:
Tip #1: Set an Americana vibe with denim hues.
You have to admit, blue jeans are practically an American icon, right? But without taking the whole Country Western route, you can bring in the look and feel of denim with elements in the right muted shade of blue. Perfect examples are the invitation (#6), the country-style crockery (#5), and the matchbox favors (#7) that we found. Love these! And did you notice that you can do this without using actual denim fabric?
Note: Of course if you have denim items on hand, by all means add them to your party table. But do so sparingly, to keep within the casual vintage style.
Tip #2: Pretty up the scene with pinks.
In place of the traditional bold, bright red of the flag, this theme calls for shades of pink. These can range from magenta to fuchsia to blush to even a ‘dusty pink’ that goes perfectly with the denim! Add them to the scene via table linens, patterned china, the menu card, food labels, your party favors, and of course gorgeous fresh flowers! Which brings us to our next tip…
Tip #3: Add florals and dainty accents.
For such a special occasion as your anniversary, romantic touches are definitely in order! So just see how lovely florals appear in nearly every element: the wildflower centerpiece in a vintage tin (#1), the invite (#6), the sweets displayed on pastry pedestals (#5), and the sweetest flower-topped cake (#2). Dainty touches like paper doilies, lace trims, and embroidered linens are also a charming addition.
Tip #4: Serve food and drinks to match.
Here is where you may opt for the more basic red and blue: in the party food and beverages. Think mini tarts (#3) filled with cherries, strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries; a fresh fruit salad of watermelon, pineapple chunks, and blueberries; and traditional favorites like grilled steaks, hotdogs, and sliders served in mini sizes on fancy platters for a more ‘gourmet’ presentation!
For the drinks, opt for red cocktails like sparkling sangria (#5), watermelon or strawberry shakes, or clear drinks garnished with raspberries or blueberries. And for a light, summery dessert, refreshing sorbets tinted red or blue!
Tip #5: Bring in July 4th touches.
If you’d like to honor the holiday in some way, we noted these subtle references to the stars and stripes: in the invite (although the ‘stars’ appear as hearts), and in the striped ribbon and polka-dotted decorative bands worked into the table settings and food displays. And of course, giving matchbox favors (#7) along with packs of sparklers is a great way to celebrate both your personal milestone and the nation’s.
Happy anniversary, then, and Happy 4th of July!
Image credits:
1 – centerpiece, via Once Wed
2 – cake by Sweet Cakes by Rebecca, via Project Wedding (image by One Love Photography)
3 – tarts and cupcakes display, via The Frosted Petticoat (image by Siegel Thurston Photography)
4 – sparkling hibiscus sangria tea cooler, by Mother Thyme
5 – sweets display by Doces Abobrinhas (image by Erin Johnson Photography)
6 – invitation by Dulce Grace Printables on etsy
7 – printable matchbox labels by Lia Griffith
I’m having a July 4th rehearsal dinner! This board really helps a lot from the food all the way to the favors!
Hi, Karen,
We’re delighted our post can help with ideas for your rehearsal dinner. It’s sure to be very pretty…and memorable for you!