22 Unique "Something Blue" Wedding Ideas
When you've got the "something old" and "something new" covered, look no further than this for ways to add hues of blue to your special day.
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Wedding trends change year after year, but traditions rarely do. In fact, the "something olde, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe" is a mantra that modern brides still continue to incorporate in their ceremonies. And how they incorporate is always really fun to see, especially when it comes to the "something blue" aspect as it represents love and fidelity.
"'Something blue' is a lovely sentiment and a really fun way to include a pop of color in your day," Shannon O'Donnell, Co-Founder, Thirty4thStreet Productions, a New York City-based award-winning event planning service. "Most of our brides incorporate their "something blue" into one of their personal items. Some of our recent brides have done this through jewelry, accessories like shoes or a bag, a ribbon on their bouquet or even a piece of a garment from a loved one sewn into their dress." With that in mind, Shannon says that brides don't need to feel pressured to pay tribute to the sweet old English rhyme-inspired superstition that started back in the 1800s. "If the tradition is not for you, that's okay too. We never want our brides to feel forced into any traditions, so remaining authentic and true to yourself is always top priority!"
That said, if you're a bride who wants the hue of blue somewhere in your wedding, use our roundup of "something blue" wedding ideas as inspiration. Find ways to add an element of blue through statement earrings or a stunning pair of bright blue heels, or try a more unique option from our list, like a blue getaway car post-reception or altar decor.
"Be sure that it is incorporated in a meaningful way that feels personal and not just any old blue item because you feel like you have to," Shannon says. "There are a lot of obvious, as well as discrete, ways to incorporate something blue, so just do what works for you!"
Bridal Bouquet Flowers
An oldie but a goodie, you can't go wrong with a classic "something blue" element in your bouquet. Create a bouquet with touches of white and blue to create a pretty contrast, a fully blue bouquet with flowers in different shades or even stick one single blue flower in if you prefer it to be a more subtle element in the wedding.
Groom's Boutonniere
And speaking of flowers, the bouquet might be one of the most memorable floral arrangements at a wedding, but a blue boutonniere, with blue flowers or other blue elements, can add a welcome pop of color that stands out against the traditional black or blue suit.
RELATED: Best Wedding Gifts for Grooms
Embroidered Handkerchief
With options for the mother and father of the bride and mother and father of the groom, these embroidered handkerchiefs are a thoughtful way to incorporate that touch of blue in a small but sentimental way, and they make for truly lovely keepsakes for both pairs of parents.
RELATED: Best Wedding Gifts for Parents of the Bride and Groom
Blue Bridal Shoes
If the classic nude or white heel simply isn't cutting it, a pair of blue shoes just might be the exciting outfit addition you've been looking for. "We love when our brides dare to be bold," Shannon says. "Blue shoes are always a fun way to incorporate the tradition while also making a statement."
For a more subtle option, go for pretty "I do" stickers that can be placed under your shoe. There's even an "me too" option for your groom's shoes, so in your photos, it will read: "I do. Me too."
Bridesmaids Dresses
Choose one shade of blue for your bridesmaids to dress in, or let them choose their own shade, and see a bunch of blue hues standing up next to you at the altar when you go to say "I do."
Wedding Favors
Something as simple as putting your wedding favors in blue organza pouches or boxes is an easy and affordable way to incorporate that "something blue" element without having to stress too much about it.
Signature Cocktail
A signature cocktail or even "his and hers" cocktail options at weddings are super popular, mostly because it's an element that can be personalized by the bride and groom, and often shares more about who they are as a couple. Work with the bartender to create a unique blue drink or have them find a way to incorporate blue elements into a classic.
Bridal Gown
More and more brides are putting a twist on the traditional white dress by opting for gowns with patterns or in completely different colors, and why not? With all you could spend on a dress, better to make sure it's one you're absolutely thrilled about wearing. If you're really passionate about incorporating that "something blue," skip the accessories and find a dress that has blue elements in it, like the one pictured here.
To honor someone who has passed or for an added piece of protection, you can gift the bride this sweet angel clip that will connect to her flowers.
Table Decor
Use "something blue" as inspiration for your table decor. Opt for napkins, tablecloths, place cards and even glass and dish-ware in shades of blue for a truly stunning reception set up.
Ring Box
Even if you're only going to use the ring box to keep the rings safe until the ceremony, it's still meaningful. Perhaps even invest in two individual ones after the ceremony so the bride and groom have a place to keep them for the times where it's better to leave the rings at home for safe storage.
Garter
If you're planning to wear a garter, which is a Medieval wedding tradition, you can opt for it to be your "something blue."
Wedding Aisle
Although you could go for the classic white aisle runner, the most popular choice for weddings, a unique and way to add that "something blue" to your ceremony would be a blue runner up to the altar. Opt for any shade of blue, but a color like the nav, pictured here, is perfect.
Flower Girl Dresses
What could be sweeter than having your flower girl be your "something blue"? The best part is, she'll likely get more use out of it because blue is more functional (a.k.a forgiving with stains) than white.
Blue Nails
Although most brides might opt for a more neutral nail on the wedding day, there's no reason you can't rock a pop of color with your manicure. Just remember that wearing a bright mani with a white dress will really make them stand out, so be sure you're okay with that ahead of time.
Floral Decor
What's a wedding without florals? If you're not interested in adding hues of blue to your bouquet or your outfit, you can always use smaller arrays of flowers hung on chairs, along the aisle, as centerpieces or in small bunches spread throughout the ceremony and the reception to pay homage to your something blue, whether that be using blue flower accents or blue ribbon.
The Wedding Cake
Although more couples are opting for more unique sweet treat and dessert options at weddings these days instead of going with the traditional tiered wedding cake, many are still having a smaller version of a cake. Customize yours with accents in blue, white and any other colors you might like.
Although a smaller details of a wedding, guest books are one of the physical things you'll get to have as a keepsake from your big day, so why not also incorporate your "something blue" element within that?
Suits and Tuxes
The great news? Blue suits and tuxes are a pretty standard option, other than black, for a wedding. And lucky for the bride, they pair with pretty much any wedding colors or bridesmaid dresses you could want — win, win!
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
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