Karen Louise Daly
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" - we all know the age old tradition that's said to bring you luck on your wedding day. And while we have a whole other post devoted entirely to sentimental ideas to include something old in your wedding day, we're now turning our attention to the something blue portion of that saying. So whatever your style and whether you want to incorporate something blue in a very obvious or subtle way — we've created a list of gorgeous ideas that will leave you feeling blue for all the right reasons on your big day. The phrase "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is believed to come from a 19th-century English rhyme that originally ended with the words “a sixpence in your shoe.” And legend has it that it's what a bride (or groom if you fancy it!) should have on her wedding day in the hopes of garnering good luck and fertility in her marriage. These days, the tradition of “something blue” is cherished more for its sentiment than its superstition. Blue has long symbolised love, fidelity, and purity, but in centuries past it was also believed to ward off the Evil Eye—a curse said to affect a couple’s future fertility. Of course, those old beliefs are best left in the past, and there’s no pressure to follow the custom if it doesn’t resonate with you. That said, we at One Fab Day love it as a meaningful tradition and a wonderful opportunity to get creative. Read on for our favourite “something blue” ideas to inspire your day. Blue shoes are a timeless and elegant way to incorporate your “something blue” on your wedding day. A soft blue shade complements every tone of white, while a bolder shaded adds a stylish pop of colour to your look. Think Carrie Bradshaw's silk Hangisi stilettos by Manolo Blahnik - le sigh! From iconic silk stilettos to more accessible alternatives, there are plenty of options to suit every budget. For inspiration and shopping ideas, check out our guide to beautiful blue wedding shoes. A pretty yet practical option for your something blue, robes for the bride and bridesmaids have become incredibly popular, as well as pyjama sets, so why not bring a bit of luck to your day while getting prepped in comfort. Find some great bridal pj options here. An item as special as your engagement and wedding ring requires something special to keep it safe, so why not opt for a stylish blue ring box which will not only look fab in your wedding photos but you can keep for years to come. A delicate blue handkerchief is a charming and sentimental way to carry “something blue” on your wedding day. Tucked into your bouquet, your dress, or even your pocket, it’s a subtle nod to tradition that can also hold personal meaning. You could choose a handkerchief embroidered with initials, a special date, or a tiny motif that reminds you of a loved one—adding both style and sentiment to your big day. There are two ways you can incorporate blue into your wedding flowers. Blue flowers themselves are always a gorgeous addition to any bouquet. If you would prefer to keep your flower arrangement neutral, simply tie a blue ribbon around your bouquet, or your bridesmaids'. Your florist will have lots of ideas! Looking for a meaningful way to include a loved one in your wedding day while embracing the “something blue” tradition? Why not incorporate a cherished memento into your bouquet? A brooch belonging to your granny, a tie pin your grandad once wore, or even a small locket with their picture can be attached to your flowers. Not only does a bouquet charm carry a piece of them with you as you walk down the aisle, but if the charm features a blue stone, ribbon, or detail, it can double as your “something blue.” This thoughtful touch is a beautiful tribute to someone special, making your bouquet both personal and sentimental. It also creates a precious keepsake that you’ll treasure long after the wedding day. When it comes to selecting your jewellery, the options are endless. Some brides may choose a statement necklace or earrings, while others prefer to keep the focus on the dress with a more subtle piece, like a delicate bracelet. Whatever your style, jewellery offers a perfect opportunity to introduce a touch of blue—whether it’s through sapphires, aquamarines, or other gemstones. This can also serve as your “something borrowed” if a loved one generously lends you a treasured piece. And it’s not just for the bride—bridesmaids and the mother of the bride can also incorporate blue jewellery, creating a cohesive, elegant look while nodding to the timeless “something blue” tradition. One of the most popular ways of embracing this tradition is to choose blue bridesmaid dresses. The colour is extremely flattering on all skin tones and works well in any material. For a spring or summer wedding we love lighter shades, while a warm tone usually works well for autumn or winter, perhaps royal blue or navy. Why not show your unique sense of style with a blue wedding dress. Our real bride Clare wore a hand-dyed blue tulle skirt with a matching cape that took our breath away. The options are endless, and there are plenty of bespoke wedding dress designers who would be only too happy to create your dream blue wedding dress. A blue headpiece or hairband is gorgeous way to pick up or complement any blue tones in your plaette while adding a touch of glamour to your look, just like our real bride Roisin who opted for a blue velvet headband. There’s no rule that says the “something blue” can’t be the groom himself. Today, men’s wedding style has evolved, and there are plenty of stylish blue suiting options that look effortlessly dapper. Even if he opts for a classic suit in another shade, he can still embrace the tradition by adding touches of blue through accessories—think a tie, cufflinks, pocket square, or even a subtly patterned jacket lining. It’s a modern, elegant way for the groom to carry a meaningful nod to tradition while looking effortlessly sharp. A stylish cover-up is a must-have for brides saying I do in the chillier months, whether to keep warm or add an extra layer of elegance to your wedding ensemble. Jackets, cardigans, and shawls all make beautiful options, and if you choose one in a soft blue shade or with subtle blue details, it can also double as your “something blue.” From delicate lace shrugs to tailored jackets or cosy wraps, there are plenty of ways to stay comfortable while incorporating this timeless tradition into your look. For more inspiration, check out our post on the best places to to shop for cover ups. We love the idea of having material from a sentimental piece of clothing sewn into your gown. We even had one bride who sewed a patch from her grandpa's old work shirt into the lining of her dress. Yep, that one brought a tear to our eye! Why not let the mother of the bride be your “something blue”? Whether it’s through a beautifully chosen dress, a delicate accessory, or even a subtle floral detail, she can carry the tradition with elegance while adding a heartfelt personal touch to your day. It’s a lovely way to honour her role while weaving her presence into one of the most cherished wedding customs. It’s a thoughtful nod to tradition—the father of the bride can also carry the “something blue” too! Whether it’s a blue tie, pocket square, cufflinks, tie pin, boutonnière, or even a full blue suit, these touches are a subtle yet meaningful way for him to be part of the tradition while looking stylish on your wedding day. Who says your “something blue” has to be worn? Your wedding car can carry the tradition too! From a classic vintage vehicle in a soft powder blue to a sleek modern car with subtle blue accents, incorporating this touch adds a playful, stylish twist to your big day. It’s a fun way to weave the tradition into your celebrations while making a memorable statement as you arrive in style. The garter was the traditional way brides incorporated their “something blue” into their look, and it remains a fun and somewhat discreet option. You could also add blue tones or embroidery to your bridal lingerie for a subtle, personal touch of tradition. When it comes to your wedding dress, not just any old hanger will do. You'll want to invest in something a little prettier than the standard ones to be worthy of holding such a beautiful gown. Plus, think of the photos! There are plenty of tailor-made wedding dress hangers to choose from and we have a list of where to shop them here. Consider adding a little blue detail to the hanger, perhaps with your name embroidered and the date like the one above. It make for a great keepsake. Bold blue nails can be a striking way to make your bridal look pop while subtly incorporating your “something blue.” Your hands are sure to feature in countless photos, so your choice of nail polish is an important detail. For a more hidden or subtle touch, you could even add blue to your toes, or include just a pop of blue through delicate nail art. If you opt for blue, consider a long-lasting finish like Shellac or Gelish to keep your nails looking flawless throughout your big day. It’s a stylish, fun, and memorable way to weave tradition into your look. For a truly heartfelt touch, weave your “something blue” into your handfasting cord. A delicate thread of blue running through the cord not only honors tradition but becomes part of the symbolic binding of your love. It’s a subtle yet deeply meaningful detail that will forever be a part of your wedding ceremony and your story together. Your stationery is your first touchpoint with your guests, setting the tone for your wedding aesthetic and the day to come. Why not make it your Something Blue, weaving the tradition into your invitations with beautiful blue hues, delicate details or a statement design that gives guests a glimpse of what’s to come? Your choice of table décor is another perfect opportunity to bring blue into your wedding day. Table linens, candles, chargers, and florals are all easy ways to incorporate the shade, and mixing different tones of blue can really make a tablescape come alive. Stationery items such as place cards, table names and menus can also carry the colour of the hour, adding cohesive and eye-catching touches that tie the entire look together. Your bridal handbag is another beautiful way to incorporate your Something Blue. Choose a chic blue clutch or minaudière, or add custom embroidery in a pretty blue thread for a personal touch you’ll treasure long after the big day. Give your flower girls and page boys a stylish role in the wedding day by dressing them in beautiful shades of blue. From soft powder blue and pretty pastel hues to bolder tones, their outfits are a sweet and unexpected way to weave your Something Blue into the celebration. Your ring pillow is a sweet and subtle way to introduce your Something Blue. Choose a pretty blue fabric, delicate ribbon or embroidered detail to add a touch of tradition to this special part of your ceremony. Here's a rather tasty option for adding something blue. A wedding cake is a staple of any reception, and blue is a great way to have a little fun with the design, and can be as bold or subtle as you like. Ask your baker for ideas! There are lots more Traditional Irish Wedding Blessings, Toasts, Readings and Vows you might like to include, maybe even the Child of Prague!
Image by I.D Photography via One Fab DayWhere did the Something Blue Tradition Originate?
Sweet Ideas for Your Something Blue
Image by Heledd Roberts Photo via One Fab Day1. Shoes
Image by Louise Golding Photography via One Fab Day2. Bridal Party PJs
Image by I.D Photography via One Fab Day3. Ring Box
Image by Ivana & Sam via One Fab Day4. A Handkerchief
Image by I.D Photography via One Fab Day5. Bridal Bouquet
Image by Studio Brown via One Fab Day6. Bouquet Charm
Image by Ivana & Sam via One Fab Day7. Jewellery
Image by The Wedding Photographer via One Fab Day8. Bridesmaid Dresses
Image by Folklore Photography via One Fab Day9. Wedding Dress
Image by Studio Brown via One Fab Day10. Headpiece
Image by I.D Photography via One Fab Day11. The Groom
PHOTO BY THE WHITE TREE VIA ONE FAB DAY12. Cover Up
Image By Megan Hannon Photography via One Fab Day13. A Sentimental Patch
Image by I.D Photography via One Fab Day14. Mother of the Bride
Image by Paola Lattarini via One Fab Day15. Father of the Bride
Image by Brosnan Photographic via One Fab Day16. Wedding Car
Image by Lisa McConalogue Photography via One Fab Day17. Garter & Lingerie
Image by ADORNED EMBROIDERY via One Fab Day18. Dress Hanger
Image by Melanie Graves via Lulus19. Nail Polish
Image by I.D Photography via One Fab Day20. Handfasting Cord
Image by Anna G Photography via One Fab Day21. Stationery Suite
Image by Heledd Roberts Photo via One Fab Day22. Table Décor
Image by Elouise Photography via One Fab Day23. Bridal Bag
Image by ID Photography via One Fab Day24. Flower Girls & Page Boys
Image by Ashley Noelle Edwards via One Fab Day25. Ring Pillow
Image by Brosnan Photographic via One Fab Day26. Wedding Cake
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