“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” – we all know the age old tradition that’s said to bring you luck on your wedding day. And while we have a whole other post devoted entirely to sentimental ideas to include something old in your wedding day, we’re now turning our attention to the something blue portion of that saying.
So whatever your style and whether you want to incorporate something blue in a very obvious or subtle way — we’ve created a list of 20 ideas that will leave you feeling blue for all the right reasons on your big day.
Where did the Something Blue Tradition Originate?
The phrase “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is believed to come from a 19th-century English rhyme that originally ended with the words “a sixpence in your shoe.” And legend has it that it’s what a bride (or groom if you fancy it!) should have on her wedding day in the hopes of garnering good luck and fertility in her marriage.
These days, the tradition is favourted more for its sentimental value. The something blue represents love and fidelity, and but in olden times was also said to ward off the Evil Eye, which was a curse that could prevent the couple from having children. Of course this is just a superstition, so if you don’t want to do it, don’t feel obliged. But we at One Fab Day think it’s a great way for you to show off your creative side. Keep reading for something blue ideas!
1. Shoes
Elvis is not the only one with an affinity for blue shoes. Baby blue is a colour that complements every shade of white. Think Carrie Bradshaw’s silk Hangisi stilettos by Manolo Balhnik – le sigh! If designer shoes aren’t in your budget, don’t worry, there are plenty of more affordable versions of this heel, and we have plenty of options to shop in this post on blue wedding shoes here.
2. Bridal Party PJs
A pretty yet practical option for your something blue, robes for the bride and bridesmaids have become incredibly popular, as well as pyjama sets, so why not bring a bit of luck to your day while getting prepped in comfort. Find some great bridal pj options here.
3. Jewellery
When it comes to selecting your jewellery, the options are endless. Some brides will choose to wear a statement necklace or earrings, while others may want to keep the focus on the dress, and opt for a more subtle item like a bracelet. Whatever your preferences are, there are plenty of ways you can add blue with your jewellery, which could also be your something borrowed should a kind loved one let you borrow a sapphire piece they own.
4. Ring Box
An item as special as your engagement and wedding ring requires something special to keep it safe, so why not opt for a stylish, vintage-inspired blue ring box which will not only look fab in your wedding photos but you can keep for years to come.
5. Bridesmaid Dresses
One of the most popular ways of embracing this tradition is to choose blue bridesmaid dresses. The colour is extremely flattering on all skin tones and works well in any material. For a spring or summer wedding we love lighter shades, while a warm tone usually works well for autumn or winter, perhaps royal blue or navy.
6. Wedding Dress
Why not show your unique sense of style with a blue wedding dress. Our real bride Clare wore a hand-dyed blue tulle skirt with a matching cape that took our breath away. The options are endless, and there are plenty of bespoke wedding dress designers who would be only too happy to create your dream blue wedding dress.
7. Headpiece
A blue headpiece or hairband is gorgeous way to pick up or complement any blue tones in your bouquet while adding a touch of glamour to your look, just like our real bride Roisin who opted for a blue velvet headband.
8. Flowers or Bouquet
There are two ways you can incorporate blue into your wedding flowers. Blue flowers themselves are always a gorgeous addition to any bouquet. If you would prefer to keep your flower arrangement neutral, simply tie a blue ribbon around your bouquet, or your bridesmaids’. Your florist will have lots of ideas!
9. Cover Up
Why not wear an embroidered denim jacket on your wedding day to keep the chill at bay. You could even buy a high street jacket and get a supplier like Calligraphy by Laura to customise it for you! We have a post on where to shop for cover ups here.
10. A Sentimental Patch
We love the idea of having material from a sentimental piece of clothing sewn into your gown. We even had one bride who sewed a patch from her grandpa’s old work shirt into the lining of her dress. Yep, that one brought a tear to our eye!
11. Smoke Bombs
Add vibrant colour to your wedding portraits while also adding something blue! Just remember to protect your gorgeous dress from any colour transfer.
12. Statement Sunglasses
If your wedding falls in the late spring to early autumn months, it’s a great idea to incorporate a fab pair of sunglasses into your bridal look. This could be the perfect opportunity to go bold with blue on your wedding day. We have lots more stylish bridal sunglasses to shop here.
13. Garter
The garter was the traditional way that brides incorporated their something blue into their look, and it’s certainly a fun and somewhat discrete way to do it. Unless of course the DJ asks your other half to take it off with their teeth on the dancefloor. Eep! You could also incorporate some blue tones or embroidery into your bridal lingerie – and if the DJ asks you to take that off… run!
14. Stationery Suite
Your stationery is your first touch point with your guests, and will set the tone for your wedding aesthetic and your day to come. This regal blue stationery suite is very elegant!
15. The Groom
There’s no rule that says the ‘something blue’ can’t be the groom himself. These days men’s wedding style has moved on, and there are some very cool blue suiting options out there. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a man that doesn’t look dapper in a blue suit.
16. Table Décor
Your choice of table décor is another opportunity to add blue style to your big day. Candles, table names and napkins are easy to incoroprate, and we love a mix of blue shades to really make a tablescape pop. Flowers, place cards and menus can also feature the colour of the hour!
17. Wedding Cake
Here’s a rather tasty option for adding something blue. A wedding cake is a staple of any reception, and blue is a great way to have a little fun with the design, and can be as bold or subtle as you like. Ask your baker for ideas!
18. Nail polish
Bold nails can really make a bridal look pop! When it comes to your wedding, your choice of nail polish is an important detail, as there are bound to be plenty of pictures where your hands take centre stage. If you do choose blue, it’s a good idea to go for something hardwearing like Shellac or Gelish. Chipped nail polish is hard to hide when it’s an eye-catching shade.
19. Clutch Bag
A gorgeous clutch is a must-have item for any bride. It’s a place to store all those essential items, like lippy, tissues and your phone (more on what to pack in your bridal handbag here). Why not make your clutch pop by choosing a shade of blue? You could also add a personal touch by getting your name or a cute phrase embroidered on the outside.
20. Dress Hanger
When it comes to your wedding dress, not just any old hanger will do. You’ll want to invest in something a little prettier than the standard ones to be worthy of holding such a beautiful gown. Plus, think of the photos! You don’t want anything to take from its elegance. There are plenty of tailor-made wedding dress hangers to choose from and we have a list of where to shop them here. Consider adding a little blue detail to the hanger, perhaps with your name embroidered and the date like the one above. It make for a great keepsake.
Has all this talk of blue got you wanting to add more colour to your day? Here are Great Ideas to Inject Colour Into Your Wedding!