Beyond the four seasons a wedding can fall into, sometimes it happens near a holiday like the Fourth of July. Celebrating these unique times of the year can make for a fun and memorable event.

If you’re planning your big day with a patriotic flair, it makes sense to give your menu a red, white and blue spark. Not only will you celebrate your wedding and our great country, but you’ll have an opportunity to celebrate the season's rich variety of produce and a classic, all-American fare.

Although there are endless possibilities, here are a few ideas to get creative with. 

Start with BBQ

This American tradition goes hand in hand with any Independence Day celebration. Visions of grilled chicken and BBQ pulled pork are a fitting culinary delight for the peak of summer.

Or, try grilled hot dogs with a unique variety of toppings to please all those celebrating. You can't go wrong with BBQ. Thinking of appetizers? Try mini bacon cheeseburger meatballs or salsa with blue corn tortillas. 

Patriotic Side-Dishes

Once you've decided what the main meats will be, you’ll want to add the sides to complement and round out the menu. Potato salad with grilled chicken and pulled pork with coleslaw are food marriages made in heaven.

But go ahead and get creative. Everyone has fun with corn on the cob, especially with toppings like herb goat cheese or honey butter. And the abundance of fresh produce can give you almost endless options for salads. A variety of berries with toasted walnuts or pecans on fresh spinach is an eye-catching addition to any patriotic wedding menu. 

Celebration Desserts

With any great celebration, the dessert often takes center stage. A patriotic wedding is no exception. Nothing shouts Happy Fourth louder than a classic all-American apple pie served with homemade vanilla ice cream.

Banana, blueberry and cherry fruit kabobs or watermelon stars on a stick will keep everyone in the spirit too. Consider a single-serve trifle with a classic red, white and blueberry layer or piles of ice cream sandwiches. 

Snacking On

Snack bars with patriotic dipped pretzel sticks or veggies with hummus can give your guests with the munchies something extra to snack on while playing yard games or in between breaking out their next dance moves.

Rows of classic bottles of Coca-Cola quench your guests’ thirst as well as lend to that all-American look. 

Could You Use Some Catering Help for Your Wedding?

Of course, you can always create a do-it-yourself wedding reception cuisine, but you can also get some catering help. At Chef's Catering, we can provide you with the best food regardless of your event type or time of the year.

If you’re planning a wedding or other event and are located in the Rochester, NY area, feel free to contact us. Planning for your big day can be easier than ever before when working with us.