Wedding Traditions
We all know the tradition of the bride incorporating something borrowed and something blue into her wedding, but do you know why this is such a common tradition? If you’re like most of us, you probably have an idea that it brings good luck to the newlyweds, and while this is true, there is more to it.
There was an old English poem that went “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe.” This is where the tradition came from. Something old was used to represent the continuity of the family and has typically a family heirloom passed down to the bride. Something new represents the new chapter that a couple is beginning in their lives. This is the easiest one because most everything is new on your wedding day, from your gown to your shoes to your jewelry. Something borrowed is a way to borrow from luck from another happily married couple. Borrowing things like a hair comb from your grandmother who has been married over 50 years is a great way to capture that tradition.
And then there’s something blue. The color represents purity, fidelity and love. Most often brides will wear a blue garter under their gown, but this is where you can get really creative.
Below are some fun ways to incorporate blue into your wedding in a unique way that is sure to be remembered:
Blue Shoes
Elvis wasn’t the only one who liked those blue suede shoes. Pairing a pair of blue shoes with your white wedding dress makes a statement like none other. They can be pumps, sandals or any type of shoe you want. With long gowns, your guests won’t see your shoes until you play the garter game, but then they’re in for a shock!
Jewelry
Try incorporating something blue in your wedding day jewelry. Adding a sapphire to your necklace, earrings, bracelet or even an anklet will add just the right amount of sparkle and contrast for your special day.
Veil
You can add a piece of blue to a hair ornament or veil by using real sapphire or costume jewelry rhinestones, going as subtle or as big as you like.
Nails
Forget the white mani/pedi and go for blue. You can go light blue to dark blue and do just your toes, your hands, or both.
Underwear
If you want to be mysterious, you can wear blue panties or a blue bra or both. This way the only other person to see your something blue will be your groom.
Flowers
You can get really creative with your flowers, opting for all blue in one shade, a variety of blue shades or just one blue flower. Another idea is to have a blue ribbon on your bouquet.
Handbag
A cute little blue clutch is a great way to incorporate blue into your wedding attire. The blue can match the bowties of your groomsmen or little headpieces on your flower girls.
You don’t have to be the only one wearing blue. Here are some ideas for your groom…
Tux
A blue bowtie, tie or cumberbun are great blue accents that your groom can wear to be part of the tradition.
Shoes
Your groom can wear blue shoes or use blue shoelaces to add a touch of blue to his attire.
Boutonniere
A blue flower on his tux is a great accent to keep with tradition.
Underwear
And let’s not forget, he can get creative with his boxers, too.
Other ways to incorporate something blue into your wedding:
Bridesmaids
You can dress your bridesmaids in all one shade of blue, different shades of blue or just have your maid of honor or mother of the bride wear blue.
Table
You can blue napkins in your table settings or a blue flower incorporated into the centerpiece on the tables.
Flowers
The flowers along the aisle, gazebo, arch and on tables can all incorporate blue in their color scheme.
Cake
The cake is a great way to add something blue. Whether it be frosted in blue or have flowers of blue, candies, berries or whatever else you can think of.
Smoke
A smoke machine or smoke bomb in a pretty blue hue can add some mystique to your wedding.
Car
Arrive in a blue limo or depart in blue car.
Ringbox
Your ring bearer can carry a blue box containing both your rings.
Flower Petals
Have your flower girl toss blue petals as she walks down the aisle.
Something Blue has become a great way for a bride to make a statement while keeping with tradition and ensuring a long and happy marriage. The more creative you can get the more fun it is, but remember that a happy marriage starts with the couple. No good luck charm will keep you married if you don’t nourish your relationship and put your marriage first.
Happy Wedding Day to all!
