Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue (and a sixpence in your shoe) – it’s one of the best-known rhymes in Western culture. The history of wearing something blue on your wedding day became popular in the Victorian period, when superstitions were part of everyday life. But is this charming little ditty still relevant today? If you do want to add something blue to your wedding day, how can you incorporate it into your outfit?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the “something blue” wedding belief, where the idea comes from, and whether it is still something brides do on their wedding day. We’ll look at something blue ideas, from a simple blue ribbon to a pair of sapphire earrings, a blue floral bouquet, or a blue garter underneath your dress.
We’ll give you a list of dos and don’ts for the bride, and how you can add a subtle modern twist to this delightful little saying.
Something blue for your wedding day – where does it come from?
During the Victorian period, symbolism was everywhere. Every flower had a special meaning, colours had associations that went much deeper than their hue, and even the way you held a fan could send a discreet message to an admirer. It’s no surprise, then, that something blue for the bride found its way into popular culture.
The colour blue traditionally represents some very admirable qualities in a marriage, including constancy, purity, and fidelity. Long before the Victorian era, blue was associated in Mediterranean cultures with protection against the ‘Evil Eye, where a person can be cursed with a simple glance. The last thing you want as you start married life is a curse hovering over your wedding bed, so the inclusion of ‘something blue’ found its way into wedding culture.
Today, we still embrace this tradition, and while we may not believe in the Evil Eye’s power to hex our unions, the idea of adding a little dash of blue still prevails.
How to wear blue on your wedding day
Adding blue to your wedding day plans can be as subtle as you like
A blue bouquet – A fragrant bouquet with a touch of blue in it is a wonderfully subtle way to add this colour to your wedding. Chat with your florist to find out which blue flowers are in season and how they can tie in with your overall colour theme.
Blue embroidery – A sweet little blue butterfly on the train of your wedding dress, or some pale blue brocade on the bodice, is an elegant way to introduce something blue to the bride’s outfit without going overboard.
A blue ribbon around your bouquet or shoe heel – One of the simplest ways to add a splash of blue is with a simple ribbon tied in a bow. It can be attached to the heel of the bride’s shoe, wound around the bouquet, woven into a silver chain bracelet, or included in the bride’s hairstyle.
Blue hairpins – For a truly subtle way to add something blue on your wedding day, hairpins are a quick and easy way to pop a blue accent into your wedding outfit. Blue hairpins can be barely-there or as prominent as you want them to be.
A blue garter – One of the most traditional ways of adding something blue for the bride is wearing a blue garter under your dress. This lacy, elasticated loop sits on the thigh and, as the bride tosses her bouquet to the women, is often thrown by the groom to the men attending the wedding to see which one of them is married next. Garters have a heritage dating back to Medieval Europe and are among the most consistent items of bridalwear throughout the centuries.
Blue flowers – We’ve already mentioned adding blue flowers to your bouquet, but something blue ideas can also include other elements of the wedding, such as the floral decorations in the church, registry office, or reception.
A blue manicure or pedicure – Having your nails done is part of the preparation for the big day. A great way to include blue in your look is to go for a blue manicure or, if you prefer to be a little more discreet, a pedicure. From bold navy or metallic blue to the softest pastel or eggshell tones, there’s a plethora of colours to choose from.
Blue hairpieces – Adding a sprinkling of blue to the bride, her bridesmaids, and the maid of honour’s hairpieces brings a sophisticated element to the proceedings and beautifully coordinates the bridal party.
Blue bridesmaids’ dresses – It doesn’t have to be the bride wearing blue – your bridesmaids could have that honour by wearing blue dresses.
Blue lingerie – Only you need to know about this, and it’s a modern take on the blue garter for 21st-century brides. A pale blue lingerie set won’t be seen underneath your dress, but it keeps you in line with the tradition of wearing something blue on the day.
Blue jewellery – Blue jewellery, such as sapphires, blue opals, aquamarine, or turquoise, not only ticks your ‘something blue’ box, but could also fall into the ‘something old’ or ‘something borrowed’ categories too. A pair of sapphire earrings that belonged to your grandmother or an aquamarine ring given to you by your mother are a very personal way of keeping a family tradition alive.
Blue scent – The scent itself doesn’t have to be blue, but if the box or bottle is blue, it counts! It’s a great something blue idea that’s very personal to you.
Blue makeup – A shimmer of blue on your eyelids, or even a pair of sapphire-blue contact lenses, is a modern way to add a dash of blue to your day.
A blue car – If you’re renting a limo or vintage car for the occasion, a blue one is a striking way to include the colour in your day.
Dos for wearing blue on your Wedding Day
• Choosing the right shade of blue – Blue doesn’t suit everyone, so take some time to choose the right shade of blue before your wedding day. Make sure it complements rather than competes with your overall look.
• Wearing the right jewellery – If you have a modern dress, vintage jewellery may not work with your look. Conversely, a classic wedding outfit may limit the kinds of modern jewellery you can use. Balance is the key.
• Keeping it subtle – If you want to keep things subtle, go for a discreet blue element that only you know about, such as blue lingerie or a blue garter.
• Going bold – Alternatively, you can make the something blue for the bride a key element of your outfit and wear it with pride.
• Make it a personal detail – Your blue item shouldn’t be an afterthought. It needs to be personal to you to give it real meaning. Blue jewellery, especially heirlooms, is one of the best ways to add a truly personal touch to your outfit.
• Coordinate with your partner – The something blue tradition just the privilege of the bride; your partner can be part of the tradition as well. From a blue suit to a blue handkerchief in their top pocket, the tradition is for everyone.
• Go for a natural element – Natural elements such as blue flowers are just right if you’re keen on the environment, a gardener, or just love being out in nature.
• Make it a part of your story – Did you and your partner meet by the beach? Adding ocean blue to your wedding day will make the colour a part of your personal journey together.
Don’ts for wearing blue on your Wedding Day
• Don’t overdo it – Unless you want blue to be a big part of your wedding look, keep it subtle. Oversized blue jewellery can detract from the dress and veil.
• Be careful about which blue you choose – Different tones of blue can affect how your other elements appear. For example, an icy blue can make an ivory wedding dress look yellow rather than creamy, while dark blue can overpower more delicate lace decorations.
• Be mindful of your wedding theme – If your wedding theme is pink, adding a bold blue element will clash and jarringly disrupt your day.
• Don’t let it clash with your overall style – If you don’t usually wear blue, there’s nothing forcing you to add copious amounts of this cooler colour to your look. Bear in mind your skin tone too, as blue can make fair skin tones look even paler.
• No rule says you ‘must’ wear something blue – Just because it’s ‘tradition’ doesn’t mean you have to conform to expectations and wear something blue on your wedding day. Remember, this is your day, so it’s your choice what you wear.
• Don’t force it into every element – Unless the theme is the ocean, you don’t need to add blue into every element, such as the cake, the table decorations, and the bunting.
• Don’t end up feeling uncomfortable – Even if those new blue shoes are stunning, you’re going to have a miserable day if you’re uncomfortable. Don’t force yourself to wear something that will hurt your feet, irritate your skin, or otherwise ruin your day.
• Don’t forget the photos – Will the blue element you’ve chosen show up in your photos of the special day, and if so, will it detract or enhance? If you have any doubts, chat to your photographer beforehand and get their advice.
Do all brides need to wear something blue on their Wedding Day?
Absolutely not. It is entirely up to the individual whether they want to wear something blue when getting married. While many like to follow traditions, there is no rule that says you have to.
Does it matter which shade of blue you wear?
No. Whether you love navy blue (or it has a special meaning for you, such as having a partner who serves in the Royal Navy) or you adore the palest, most delicate shade of powder blue, the choice is yours. Just remember to make sure that if it’s visible, it doesn’t clash with your other bridal elements, such as your bouquet, any other jewellery you’re wearing, or your dress.
Is it bad luck if I don’t wear blue?
No. While part of wearing blue on your wedding day may have been associated with warding off the Evil Eye, that was very much a historic belief and isn’t as important today.
What can I replace the blue element with that still has meaning?
If you don’t want to wear blue but still want something that represents loyalty, faithfulness, and love, you can replace the blue element with something more meaningful to you. That could be a silver charm of a forget-me-not flower, for example.
Keeping your wedding jewellery safe with TH March
For over 130 years, TH March has had a reputation for providing specialist jewellery insurance for discerning clients. Whether it’s a heritage piece that’s been passed down through the family or a brand-new acquisition to wear on your wedding day, our insurance provides you with cover against loss, theft, and damage. From wedding rings and engagement rings to one-off, bespoke pieces, we can help you find the right insurance cover at an affordable price. You can find out more by browsing our Ring Insurance page, or contact us direct and talk to one of our team for a personalised quote. You can also use our online Get a Quote service for an instant, no-obligation quote. Contact us today.