35 Something Blue Ideas & the History Behind the Tradition

Choosing your ‘something blue’ for your big day is one of the most fun wedding traditions, if you ask us. Alongside picking your something new, old and borrowed, your 'something blue' is a a (generally) low cost way to add an extra touch of personality to your day - and it doesn’t require months of planning.

You might wonder ‘why do I need something blue for my wedding?’ - let us explain. It's part of the historic wedding tradition where you collect items to fit with this rhyme:

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.

What Does 'Something Blue' Mean?

‘Something blue’ originates from a rhyme that’s said to bring the couple good luck – ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’.

The idea dates back to ancient folklore, but it was popularised by the Victorians, who also added an extra ‘and a sixpence in her shoe’ line to attract prosperity. Each line of the rhyme is said to bestow blessings on different elements of the upcoming marriage.

Blue is a colour associated with purity and fidelity. Blue is also thought to ward off the ‘evil eye’.

If you’re wondering about old, new and borrowed, ‘something old’ is said to give the marriage strength and continuity and ‘something new’ is for a happy future. ‘Something borrowed’ was originally intended to be something loaned from a content married couple.

Can Something Be Borrowed and Blue?

We say why not? “Your 'something blue' could double up as your something borrowed, or new too,” agrees Jessica Ghansah of on-the-day wedding coordination company Occasion Queens.

If you’re wondering what can be your something blue, read on, as we spoke to wedding experts and real couples for their best something blue ideas. “As long as you choose something personal and unique to you, your something blue will be special,” Jessica says, adding: “Something blue can be anything from a sapphire ring passed down from your Grandma to blue knickers. I once had a bride who had blue shoelaces in her evening shoes!”

What Can Be Something Blue for a Wedding?

We've rounded up 35 of the best something blue ideas - from the more traditional to the truly unique. Read on for lots of inspiration for your something blue. 

1. Tattoos

“The most unique - and very permanent - blue that I’ve seen a couple do was a his and hers half a blue heart tattoo on each of their wrists with he wedding date underneath,” says Nick Harris of Just About Weddings.

“They went out the week before the wedding and had them done. It was both their first tattoos, and they told me that they finally felt like their hearts were made whole when they met each other, and the two half hearts represented the how they felt before they were together, and as they stand and declare their vows, holding each other’s hand, the 2 half hearts would finally be whole. I thought that was absolutely beautiful!

If you love the idea of wedding tattoos as much as Nick, check out these 30 meaningful wedding tattoos to inspired your ink.

2. Your Venue

Choose a beach wedding venue and claim the sea as your something blue, or opt for a wedding venue with a beautiful blue colour scheme, like this gorgeous room at Slindon House.

3. Blue Wedding Suits

Have the groom - and the groomsmen - wearing blue suits, or even just a blue tie or bowtie, so they can be your something blue. We love this groom's style, by Kochhouse.

4. Hand Cream

Real bride Jess used a hand cream in a blue bottle on her big day, ticking off her something blue and keeping her hands soft in one sweep! "It was tenuous, but I had it with me all day!" Jess says. 

5. A Subtle Touch

“One of our team had her wedding date sewn on the inside of her wedding dress in blue as their something blue which I think is so special,” says Jessica.

6. Your Wedding Music

We’re not necessarily suggesting you have All Rise by Blue playing at your wedding (though it is a banger), but a song with blue in the lyrics could work for your something blue. Or Blue by Eiffel 65, if you really want people to notice.

Otherwise, Taylor Swift has endless blue references in her songs, Blue Jeans by Lana Del Rey is a classic or Breathe by Sean Paul and Blu Cantrell will get all the millennials on the dance floor. You could even go for a blues band for your wedding entertainment. 

7. Your Eyes

If you or your partner has been blessed with sparkling baby blue eyes, that’s a sure fire ‘something blue’ at your wedding, with zero effort required.

8. Wear Blue Wedding Shoes

If you’re a Sex and The City fan, you’ll recognise these Royal Blue Manolo Blahnik Satin Mules instantly. Carrie wore them to her City Hall wedding to Mr. Big, and while the ceremony itself wasn’t exactly fairy-tale material, these iconic crystal embellished blue mules are still beloved by nearlyweds the world over.

The mid heel height and buttery leather interior ensure that they’re comfy to wear all day and night too, which is essential wedding day shoe criteria. 

9. Go for a Blue Garter

If you want a more traditional take on the something blue, go for a blue wedding garter. Buy it early and wear it to your hen do to really give it legs (apologies).

10. Send Blue Wedding Invitations

Get your ‘something blue’ in from the very start with blue-themed wedding invitations. These watercolour blue floral invitations are especially beautiful, or go graphic for a contemporary feel.

11. Ask for Blue in Your Bouquet

Ask your florist to include blue flowers in your wedding bouquet. Hydrangeas, delphinium, bluestar and irises are just some examples of our favourite blue flowers. 

12. Choose Blue Wedding Décor 

Bring blue into your wedding day colour palette with blue centrepieces, plates, glassware or other design touches. We love the blue sashes and how they've been used in this ceremony set up at Rise Hall. 

13. Plan your Wedding in a Blue Notebook

A wedding planner book in a beautiful blue shade is a great way to carry your something blue with you throughout your whole wedding planning experience! 

14. Personalise a Blue Ring Box

Keep your wedding ring in this personalised blue velvet ring box. Make sure that your photographer includes it in their wedding photo list, slip it to the ring bearer before the ceremony then use it to keep your rings safe forever. 

15. Give your Ring Bearer a Blue Ring Pillow

If you’d prefer to present your wedding rings on a ring pillow, a blue ring cushion is a fun spin on the 'something blue' tradition. 

16. Consider a Blue Wedding Band

Whether you favour a deep blue sapphire, sparkling aquamarine, blue topaz, blue opal, tanzanite or even a blue pearl, including a blue gemstone in your wedding band will give you ‘something blue’ to wear forever. You could add to your blue hued ring collection with a blue eternity band in the future too. 

This is a lovely idea especially if you already have a sapphire engagement ring. 

17. Get a Blue Manicure

Wear your ‘something blue’ on your fingertips for a chic take on tradition. Pick a shade, opt for an accent nail or make a full blue wedding nail art moodboard – you can go as ‘extra’ as you wish. Consider choosing gel polish for mirror-like shine and a mani that’ll last into your honeymoon and beyond. 

18. Invest in Blue Lingerie

Who says that bridal lingerie needs to be white or ivory? Light blue lace or silk is luxurious and provides an ‘undercover’ way to include something blue – only your partner (and likely your bridal party) will know. 

19. Choose Blue Bridesmaids Dresses

Another supportive ‘something blue’ idea – this time for your best women. From navy to turquoise, there’s a blue bridesmaids outfit to suit every season and style of wedding. Be inspired by these super cool bridesmaids wearing Rewritten bridesmaid dresses. 

20. Make a Statement with a Blue Wedding Dress 

Break one wedding convention while honouring another – steer away from white and try a blue wedding dress on for size. Be inspired by this bride's beautiful blue wedding dress. Alternatively, a pale blue underskirt will add a subtle blue hint to your wedding dress.

21. Pick a Blue Veil

A sheer sky blue wedding veil is a whimsical way to wear ‘something blue’. It’s barely there yet bold all at once. Embroider both of your initials, the date of your wedding or a heartfelt message (or in-joke, it’s your call) into the train. 

22. Customise a Denim Jacket

This ‘something blue’ idea is made for boho brides. Get yourself a customised denim bridal jacket as your something blue. Tie your jacket in with your wedding colours or go for blue on blue – it’s up to you.

23. Keep a Blue Hanky Handy

Whether tucked into the pocket of your denim jacket or wedding dress (the best ones have pockets), you’ll likely appreciate having a hanky to hand on your wedding day. Make it your ‘something blue’ – a monogrammed blue linen handkerchief will mop up happy tears in style.

24. Try a Blue Smokey Eye

Bear with us – this look may sound bold but remixing a grey or black smoky eye with tonal blue shadows gives a classic make-up look an edge. Blue shades also make the whites of your eyes look brighter, making them a very tempting option if you anticipate a few sleepless nights in the run-up to your wedding.

25. Spritz on Something Blue

Fresh, crisp and full of fizz, Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar Fragrance is a celebratory scent in every way. Jo Malone created this peppy fragrance out of admiration for the resilience and energy shown by communities and the NHS during the pandemic, with zesty grapefruit top notes for ‘get up and go’ and grounding cedarwood for depth.

It’s “blue sky thinking” in a bottle according to Jo, which is an excellent frame of mind in which to enter marriage too we say. Discover more wedding perfumes here.

25. Cut a Blue Wedding Cake

A blue wedding cake will delight your senses too, just in a slightly different way. Choose a single blue tier, gothic midnight blue icing or a blue tonal tiered wedding cake. This flower-adorned three tiered wedding cake by Cobi & Coco is a real beauty – you could opt for sugar flowers that match your bouquet. 

27. Embrace Big Blue Earrings

An opulent drop earring looks especially striking with a modern bridal updo. Think bold sapphire earrings for a regal feel.

28. Or a Delicate Blue Bracelet

The translucent natural aquamarine stone in the centre of this dainty recycled gold Monica Vinader chain bracelet is especially apt for your wedding day – as well as counting as your ‘something blue’, aquamarine stones have long been associated with trust. 

29. A Blue Bag

A blue bridal clutch is a sleek and stylish way to nail the something blue tradition. You could buy a new bag - after all, you can use a blue bag beyond the big day - or consider renting one if you want to keep costs down.

30. Tie Your Hair in a Blue Bow

An oversized blue hair bow would look polished with a minimalist wedding dress or jumpsuit. This blue silk hair bow was made in France and will look magnifique at post-wedding parties too. 

31. Eat by Blue Candlelight

We've never been to a wedding that wasn't made magical with candlelight. Add blue candles to your tables as decoration, or keep the ‘something blue’ candles for the top table only, with traditional white on the others. How gorgeous is this set up by Zaz Events?

32. Hit the Hay in Blue PJs

Start the day in silky blue bridal pyjamas or a robe - they'll be in all of your wedding morning photos, so choose a pair you'll love for years.

33. Something Blue Cocktails

Serve up a 'something blue' cocktail - ask your venue what they could mix up using blue liquid to create a signature cocktail for your wedding.

34. A Blue Guestbook

Go for a unique wedding guest book - this blue audio guest book from Voicestry is such a fun twist on the traditional idea.

35. Blue Wheels

Opt for a blue wedding car to get you from A to B on your wedding day. It will look amazing in your wedding photos!

Want to include blue in your wedding colour scheme? Here’s how to create a wedding colour palette.