Newbie, don't know where to start. Is July 3rd a bad day for a wedding given that July 4th is next day?

I wouldn't have my date then. For all of the reasons Meghan said and every year you will have to chose between celebrating your anniversary or attending family/friend functions.

Since both you & your FH are transplants to the US, regarding your comments about getting married in another country. If you are both US citizens, then it should just be a little additional paperwork, if not it could be a lot of additional paperwork.

Regarding the weekend, it also depends on how big a wedding you are thinking. If it's something small & simple, then I think you could pull it off pretty well, but start booking as soon as you can. I have discovered how much easier small & simple weddings are.

Not a bad day. Believe it or not, we have 5 weddings already booked on that day for 2011. So it seems the masses are doing it! I say go for it!!!!

I think it's a great idea. Mine was 7/3/10 and it was perfect.A few things:

Price-nothing was more expensive for us.Vendors didn't up prices above what was advertised.We reserved a hotel room block far in advance for a good rate for guests.We sent out STDs well in advance so travel plans could be made early

As far as the idea that people have other plans for the 4th,people who want to be there WILL be there.With notice,people are usually willing to adjust plans for an event such as a wedding.The long weekend also makes travel easier for some

It was also nice b/c my parents have a big yard,pool and our country club does a big fireworks show behind our house.Instead of the tradtional morning-after brunch for out of town guests,we had 4th of July BBQ.We all got to sleep in and then have a fun party in the evening(without wedding worry) and spend the holiday with both families together.

I think it was the perfect date(and had no complaints) and wouldn't change a thing!

My parents got married on July 3rd. Of course most of the guests were from in town. But my parents said that they did leave the reception pretty early being that it was July 4th weekend and all but that they still had a good time. But if you are going to have a lot of out of town guests it may not be as convenient.

You will want to avoid places where people will go to celebrate the 4th. I officiate a lot of beach weddings and have to steer couples away from the beach if they want to get married on the weekend of the 4th. Plus we have a huge powerboat race that week that fills a lot of the motels.

Also, our beachfront resorts do not allow weddings on holidays/hoiday weekends.

Just make sure that you check a lot of places in the area because most places will increase the price based on the peak season, which is usually the summer months. Be sure that even though the price seems right that it includes all your fees, like cake cutting fees, travel fees, etc.

As far as your date being July 3rd, it wouldn't be a bad day at all, don't worry about that. Good Luck!