The Surprising History Behind "Something Blue"

"Something blue" isn't just a wedding tradition—it's practically a cultural commandment. Part of the famous rhyme "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," this pop of color has been showing up at weddings for centuries. But why blue? And how can you make this tradition your own without feeling like you're checking boxes off a wedding planning to-do list?

Blue's wedding connection goes way deeper than you might think. The color has been warding off bad vibes since ancient times—just look at those evil eye amulets that are all over Instagram these days. The blue eye isn't just trending now; it's been protecting people from negativity for thousands of years.

The traditional blue evil eye amulet has been used for protection across many cultures for centuries.

But the most significant historical connection? It's all about Mary. In Christian iconography, the Virgin Mary was almost always depicted wearing blue, which symbolized purity, virtue, and her connection to heaven. This "Marian Blue" became so associated with holiness that medieval and Renaissance artists rarely painted her in anything else.

Historical depictions of the Virgin Mary almost always featured her in blue robes, establishing the color's connection to purity and devotion.

Blue was also insanely expensive to produce as a pigment or dye in ancient times. The rarity of blue in nature meant only royalty could afford it—kings and emperors draped themselves in blue to show off their wealth and power. This royal connection made blue even more special and aspirational.

Why Wear Blue on Your Wedding Day?

Today's "something blue" is less about avoiding evil and more about symbolism that actually matters. The color represents:

• Fidelity and loyalty (something we can all get behind in marriage)
• Purity and innocence (traditional, but still meaningful to many)
• Protection (because wedding planning is stressful enough)
• Love (obviously the whole point of the day)

And here's something the other wedding blogs won't tell you: it's also just fun. Adding a surprising pop of blue to your wedding look creates visual interest and personal meaning without the stuffy historical baggage.

Blue shoes are a popular and stylish way to incorporate your "something blue" while adding personality to your wedding look.

Fresh "Something Blue" Ideas That Don't Feel Forced

Forget the basic blue garter (unless that's your thing—no judgment). Here are some blue additions that feel intentional rather than obligatory:

For Your Outfit

• A sapphire ring that becomes your everyday signature piece
• Hand-painted blue details on white shoes (bonus: custom wedding date or initials)
• Blue stone earrings that catch the light when you move
• Stitched blue initials or wedding date hidden inside your outfit
• A bold blue eye makeup look if you're feeling adventurous

For Your Accessories

• A vintage blue brooch pinned inside your bouquet
• Blue-tipped feathers in your hair arrangement
• A blue stone in your wedding band
• Blue nail polish on just your ring finger (or a hidden toe if you're keeping things subtle)

For Your Celebrations

• Blue signature cocktails that match your color scheme
• Vintage blue glassware for your head table
• Blue love notes between you and your partner before the ceremony
• Blue-tinted photography for a few editorial shots

The point isn't to go overboard with blue everything. The best "something blue" elements are personal, meaningful, and sometimes only visible to you and your partner—a private tradition in the middle of a very public day.

Beyond the Blue: Making Traditions Work for You

The wedding industry loves to push traditions as non-negotiable, but here's the truth: your wedding is yours. The "something blue" tradition has lasted because it's adaptable, simple, and usually pretty fun to incorporate.

Some couples skip it entirely. Others make it a central element of their wedding design. Most fall somewhere in between, finding a blue element that feels right without overthinking it.

Your wedding should reflect your personal style and values, including how you incorporate (or don't incorporate) traditions.

What matters isn't checking off tradition boxes but creating a day that feels authentic to you. Whether your something blue is as subtle as blue thread in your outfit seams or as bold as blue hair, it should feel like an extension of your personal style—not an obligation.

Because in the end, the best wedding traditions are the ones that add joy to your day rather than stress to your planning. And isn't joy what this whole celebration is about anyway?