Image by Payton Urueta Photography. Keep scrolling for unique something blue ideas

As you begin your wedding planning your special day, there’s an opportunity to infuse your celebration with meaningful touches that reflect your love story. Amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations, the tradition of incorporating “something blue” as a timeless symbol of love, fidelity, and good fortune may come to mind.

If this is a tradition that you want to follow, but you’re unsure of how to incorporate blue into your wedding festivities, we’re here to help. From attire to decor, these subtle yet elegant “something blue” ideas are the perfect way to infuse the color into your wedding day.

Where Did the Something Blue Tradition Come From?

One of the earliest known references to this tradition can be traced back to ancient Rome, where brides would wear blue ribbons in their hair as a symbol of fidelity, love, and modesty. Blue was associated with purity and represented constancy and loyalty in marriage. During the Middle Ages, brides would incorporate blue into their wedding attire as a nod to the Virgin Mary and to seek her blessings for a happy and faithful marriage.

The phrase “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” originated from an English rhyme dating back to the Victorian era. Each item in the rhyme is symbolic and is believed to bring good luck and blessings to the bride on her wedding day. “Something blue” represented love, fidelity, and purity.

Over time, the tradition of including something blue has evolved, with couples finding creative ways to incorporate the color into their wedding attire, accessories, decor, and details.

15 Something Blue Ideas

1. Your Flowers

One of the easiest ways to incorporate the color blue is in your florals. Choose from an array of blooms, such as hydrangeas, delphiniums, cornflowers, and blue orchids, to create eye-catching bouquets, centerpieces, and floral installations. These ethereal blue florals will add a whimsical touch to your ceremony and reception venues.

Image by Nikki McCrone

2. Your invitations

No rule says that your “something blue” has to be on your person on the big day. If you want to include the tradition subtly, incorporate shades of blue into your invitations and stationery suite. From elegant navy blue invitations with metallic accents to whimsical pastel designs, there are endless possibilities that match every wedding theme. Consider incorporating blue wax seals, ribbons, or envelope liners for an extra touch of sophistication.

Image by Payton Urueta Photography

3. Your Vow Books

Don’t have any blue in your wedding colors but still want to include it on your wedding day? Try your vow books! The books themselves can be blue, or you can include ribbons on them like these.

Image by Larsen Photo Co.

4. The Groom’s Suit

Unconventional groom attire is all the rage right now, and we’re seeing more and more colorful suits pop up. It’s a fun, unique way to let the groom make a fashion statement while also acting as a nod to the color palette of the day. Baby blue is the perfect choice for a spring or garden wedding, but navy is always a classic, too. Not into the idea of wearing some color? A blue tie is another great option.

Image by Rebecca Carpenter

5. Your Veil

Embroidered veils are becoming increasingly popular, and they are a simple way to bring some color to your wedding look while also adding hints of blue.

Image by MC Wedding

Shop blue embroidered veils: 1. Autumn Foliage Veil 2. Botanical Bridal Veil 3. Lotus Flower Veil 4. Draped Pink and Blue 3D Flowers Wedding Veil

6. Tablescape

Elevate your reception decor with chic blue tablescapes and place settings. Incorporate blue table linens, napkins, runners, and glassware to add a pop of color to your tables. If you want to go bold, consider a pattern like this real couple did. If you prefer something a bit more understated, there are plenty of solid neutral blue options out there too.

Image by Sarah Bill

7. Wedding Shoes

Choosing blue wedding shoes not only fulfills the tradition of “something blue” but also adds a touch of personality and flair to your overall look. Whether you opt for sky-blue heels, navy pumps, or royal blue flats, your shoes become more than just an accessory.

Image by Derek Wong Photography

Shop blue wedding shoes: 

8. Your Bridesmaids

Did you know that people can be your something blue too? As blue becomes a hot wedding color, dressing bridesmaids in blue is becoming increasingly common. Whether you choose to put everyone in the same baby blue dress or let them opt for mismatched blue floral dresses, making your wedding party your something blue makes it that much more special.

Image by Wade Muir

9. Seating

We know what you’re probably thinking, seating seems like such a random option, but it’s a small detail that makes a bigger impact than you’d expect. From blue couches for your ceremony to blue cushions on your reception seating, there are plenty of ways to add it to your chairs. To make this happen, discuss it with your rental company to see if it’s possible. If you’re thrifting your seating, keep your eyes peeled for any and all blue seating. The mismatched look is perfect for those who are looking for a vintage feel.

Image by Elvira Kalviste

10. Your Nails

You’ve probably heard of people including blue jewelry, shoes, or other accessories (which we still love), but why not add it to your wedding beauty look with your nails? Blue French manicures, an overall soft baby blue, or a small blue design–there are multiple ways you can go about it.

Image by Kelly Mossop

11. Wedding Dress

Grooms aren’t the only ones who can wear color on their big day. For unconventional brides, wearing a non-white wedding dress is an opportunity to showcase your personality and tie in the tradition.

Image by Tova Studios

12. Ring Box

Your wedding rings are one of the most important parts of your wedding day. They act as a symbol of your promise to spend the rest of your lives together–which is why keeping them safe is vital. Not to mention that ring boxes also make for beautiful flat lays and detail photos. To house your rings, keep them in a blue box that you can keep as a memento long after the big day.

Image by Upon Two Weddings

13. Getting Ready PJs or Robes

You want to be comfortable while getting ready and getting ready in pajamas or robes are a surefire way to achieve that. If you’re planning on treating your wedding party to a pair, you can make them your “something blue.” Not only will this be adorable for photos, but they’ll also appreciate the gesture.

Image by Aga Sokol Photography

14. Jewelry

Accessorizing is one of the most fun aspects of your wedding attire. It allows you to get creative and helps you stand out. From necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, there are so many blue options out there that will match the rest of your wedding look.

Image by Amy Weiss Photography

Shop blue jewelry:

15. Signage

There’s so much signage that goes into a wedding day. Welcome signs, bar signs, seating charts, and more. You can go for all blue if you want to dive into the color as part of your overall color palette, or you can choose more subtle details and illustrations. Either way, blue is an easy color to add to your signage.

Image by Phylicia Willis Photography

Now you’re ready to walk down the aisle with these something blue ideas, it’s time to think of those last-minute decisions. Like whether or not you should be tipping your vendors or if you’re supposed to provide vendor meals. Luckily, we’ve got all the answers for you!

Image by Elisa Lopez Photography