Something Blue: Timeless Traditions for Your Modern Wedding

Although old superstitions and beliefs may have no place in modern weddings, some couples still like to uphold these traditions for their symbolic values. Sometimes, they are not able to follow all aspects of a tradition, but they follow as much as they can. One of these traditions is the old Victorian rhyme “something old, something blue." The something blue wedding tradition is still pretty popular. Here, we look at the meaning of the phrase and ideas you can use to honour this old tradition.

History of the Phrase

The "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe" rhyme has been part of wedding customs for centuries. This rhyme dates back to the Victorian era, originating in England, where it became a symbol of good fortune for brides.

People believed that having these five items on their wedding day would bring a happy marriage. In fact, these items acted like a spell, which would keep away the evil eye. 

Today, this rhyme has become purely symbolic. Friends can provide something blue as a gesture of good will, and grandparents can give something old as tokens of love.

The Meaning of Something Old

"Something old" represents continuity and the bride’s connection to her past, particularly her family or heritage. This is the perfect chance for the bride or the groom to wear something they inherited from their grandparents and older ancestors. They might wear a piece of clothing or simply an accessory item given to them by an old relative.

The Meaning of Something New

"Something new" symbolises optimism for the future and the fresh start that marriage represents. Something new can be anything you purchase for your big day, like your wedding gown, a veil, hat or handbag. Indeed, most couples have something new ticked off pretty easily. However, there still could be a chance to gift each other something and call it a tribute to the old rhyme. 

The Meaning of Something Borrowed

Borrowing an item, particularly from a happily married friend or family member, is meant to bring good fortune to the bride’s marriage. The borrowed item was usually an underwear from a relative in the old days. Today, it could be any simple thing of value, like an accessory or a piece of jewellery.

The Meaning of Something Blue

In weddings, "something blue" represents loyalty and faithfulness between the couple, ensuring a loving, enduring relationship. In the past, something blue was usually the wedding garter the bride would wear. Couples today can opt for other blue things, such as blue earrings, rings, ribbons, or bowties.

The Meaning of Sixpence in Your Shoe

Although not as commonly followed today, the sixpence in the shoe is meant to bring wealth and prosperity to the marriage. These days, couples who want to honour this tradition to the fullest choose a penny, as sixpence is decommissioned today. They usually put the coin in their shoes or somewhere inside their suit. 

Best Something Blue Wedding Ideas

Here are some of the most creative and meaningful ways to incorporate "something blue" into your wedding day.

1. Blue Wedding Shoes

Wearing blue shoes is a playful and stylish way to add "something blue" to your wedding attire. Bold brides might opt for striking cobalt or navy stilettos, adding a dramatic flair that will definitely stand out in photos.

Customising your wedding shoes with meaningful touches like monogrammed soles or a hidden message can add even more sentimentality to this already special accessory. You can still continue wearing these shoes. A pair of blue shoes can easily be worn again for special occasions, reminding you of your wedding day each time you slip them on.

2. Blue Wedding Invitations

Incorporating blue into your invitations is a tasteful and elegant way to honour the tradition. A blue-themed invitation suite offers a timeless and versatile aesthetic that can range from romantic and soft to bold and modern. 

You could opt for delicate blue accents such as watercolour backgrounds, floral designs, or hand-painted calligraphy in shades of light blue or navy. You may also choose darker shades. This rich colour can be paired with metallics like gold or silver for a glamorous and luxurious feel. 

3. Blue Wedding Decor

Using blue in your decor ensures that "something blue" surrounds you as you celebrate. Choose a blue palette to decorate your centrepieces, tables, chairs, plates and every other ornament. Try blue balloons to design the aisle, and blue cloth to create an arch. Choose blue candles and even blue lights to add a bit of lighting to your venue.

4. Blue Wedding Outfit

For a non-traditional bride, a blue wedding outfit can be a bold and beautiful statement. 

If you don’t like to wear a blue wedding dress or suit, then perhaps bridesmaids could go for a blue outfit. Depending on the season, they could go for baby blue, navy, or sapphire hues. 

The groom could also choose a dark blue suit or just a simple coat and trousers but with a blue tie or bowtie. Sometimes, grooms also choose patterned blue socks as they are less noticeable.

5. Blue Engagement Ring

A blue engagement ring is a unique and meaningful way to permanently incorporate "something blue" into your wedding story. Put the ring in a blue velvet box and make it really stand out.

Other pieces of jewellery you wear could also be blue. Try earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and hairpieces containing a sapphire stone.

6. Blue Wedding Cake

Your wedding cake can be a beautiful canvas for adding "something blue." The cake doesn’t need to be totally blue. Some tiers, however, could benefit from turquoise or royal blue frosting. In fact, a blue and white wedding cake is a really nice touch in your wedding ceremony.

Another option is to tie blue ribbon around each tier, creating a simple yet striking contrast against the white icing. In addition to its visual appeal, you can carry the blue theme through to the flavour of your cake. Blueberries are a delicious and natural way to add a burst of flavour and colour to your cake. 

7. Blue Bouquet

Another great idea is to incorporate as many blue flowers as you can into your wedding bouquet. This means you can use blue roses, blue thistles, delphiniums, and larkspurs. While an all-blue bouquet can be breathtaking, many brides choose to combine blue flowers with complementary colours to create a dynamic, balanced arrangement. Make the colour blue dominant and try to use other complementary colours that match perfectly.

Incorporating "something blue" into your wedding is a beautiful way to honour a timeless tradition while adding personal, creative touches to your special day. Blue, symbolising love, fidelity, and trust, carries deep significance, making it the perfect addition to your wedding day.