Planning your dream wedding and need that perfect “something blue” to complete your bridal tradition? We understand how important it is to honor this timeless custom while making it uniquely yours. The “something blue” tradition dates back centuries and symbolizes purity, love, and fidelity – making it an essential element of your special day.
Finding the right blue accent doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Whether you’re looking for subtle touches or bold statement pieces, there are countless creative ways to incorporate this meaningful color into your wedding ensemble and celebration.
We’ve compiled the most inspiring and practical “something blue” ideas that’ll perfectly complement your wedding style and budget. From elegant jewelry pieces to surprising hidden details, these suggestions will help you create a memorable moment that honors tradition while reflecting your personal taste.
Traditional Blue Wedding Accessories That Never Go Out of Style
Certain blue wedding accessories remain timeless choices that effortlessly blend tradition with elegance. These classic options have adorned countless brides throughout generations while maintaining their sophisticated appeal.
Blue Garter for the Bride
Blue garters represent one of the most beloved traditional choices for fulfilling the “something blue” requirement. We’ve seen brides choose from delicate lace garters in powder blue to vibrant royal blue satin designs that match their wedding color palette. Many modern garters feature intricate beadwork, pearl accents, or embroidered details that transform this hidden accessory into a beautiful keepsake.
Vintage-inspired garters often incorporate blue ribbons woven through white or ivory lace, creating a subtle nod to tradition. Brides frequently personalize their garters with embroidered wedding dates, initials, or meaningful phrases in blue thread. Some couples even choose matching his-and-hers garter sets where the groom wears a coordinating blue boutonniere or cufflinks.
Sapphire or Blue Gemstone Jewelry
Sapphire jewelry offers brides a stunning way to incorporate meaningful blue elements into their wedding attire. We recommend considering sapphire earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that can become cherished heirlooms passed down through generations. Blue topaz, aquamarine, and tanzanite provide beautiful alternatives for brides seeking different shades or budget-friendly options.
Classic sapphire tennis bracelets complement both vintage and contemporary wedding styles perfectly. Statement sapphire earrings paired with simple wedding gowns create an elegant focal point without overwhelming the overall look. Many brides opt for delicate sapphire pendant necklaces that rest beautifully against various neckline styles.
Family heirloom jewelry featuring blue stones adds sentimental value while honoring the tradition. Antique blue gemstone brooches can be sewn onto wedding dresses or incorporated into bridal bouquets for a unique touch.
Blue Ribbon Details on Bouquet or Dress
Blue ribbon accents provide versatile options for adding subtle traditional elements to bridal bouquets and dresses. We’ve observed how thin blue satin ribbons wrapped around bouquet stems create an elegant finishing touch that photographs beautifully. Navy, dusty blue, and periwinkle ribbons coordinate well with various flower combinations and wedding themes.
Dress ribbon details offer countless creative possibilities for incorporating blue accents. Brides can add blue ribbon trim to dress hems, sleeve edges, or waistlines for personalized touches. Some choose blue ribbon lacing for corset-style dresses or delicate blue bows at dress trains.
Bouquet ribbon can match bridesmaids’ dress colors or complement the overall wedding palette seamlessly. Multi-ribbon designs combining white, ivory, and blue create dimensional texture while maintaining traditional elegance. Vintage lace ribbons in soft blue hues work particularly well for rustic or bohemian wedding styles.
Creative Blue Bridal Attire Ideas to Make a Statement
Moving beyond traditional accessories, we can explore bold bridal attire choices that transform the “something blue” tradition into a stunning fashion statement.
Blue Wedding Shoes or Heels
Blue wedding shoes offer countless opportunities to showcase your personality while honoring tradition. Light blue sandals create the perfect complement to summer beach ceremonies, while navy blue heels provide sophisticated elegance for formal indoor venues. Powder blue pumps work beautifully with vintage-inspired gowns, and royal blue stilettos make dramatic statements for modern brides.
Consider metallic blue options that catch the light as you walk down the aisle. Satin blue flats provide comfort for outdoor celebrations without sacrificing style. Velvet blue booties add texture and warmth to winter weddings, while strappy blue sandals enhance bohemian-themed ceremonies.
Blue Undergarments or Lingerie
Blue undergarments create intimate connections to tradition while remaining completely personal. Sapphire blue lace camisoles provide luxurious comfort beneath your wedding dress, while navy blue silk stockings add vintage charm to your bridal ensemble. Powder blue garters become treasured keepsakes that honor both tradition and romance.
Delicate blue embroidered details on white lingerie offer subtle nods to the tradition. Cornflower blue bustiers provide stunning support while maintaining the blue element close to your heart. Periwinkle blue ribbons woven through corsets create custom touches that reflect your unique style.
Blue Hair Accessories or Pins
Blue hair accessories transform your bridal hairstyle into artful expressions of tradition. Sapphire hairpins create sparkling accents that catch light throughout your celebration, while navy blue beaded headbands provide bohemian elegance for flowing hairstyles. Delicate blue crystal combs enhance updos with subtle shimmer that photographs beautifully.
Vintage blue brooches repurposed as hair accessories add family heirloom significance to your look. Powder blue silk flowers woven through braids create romantic garden party vibes, while electric blue feather fascinations make bold statements for art deco themed weddings.
Stunning Blue Floral Arrangements for Your Special Day
Transform your wedding into a breathtaking celebration with blue floral arrangements that perfectly honor the “something blue” tradition. We’ve curated the most elegant and impactful ways to incorporate blue blooms into your special day.
Blue Hydrangeas in Bridal Bouquet
Blue hydrangeas offer a beautiful and elegant touch to bridal bouquets, making them a popular choice among couples seeking classic sophistication. We recommend combining these gorgeous blooms with white roses to create a more upscale look that perfectly balances tradition with modern elegance. Pairing blue hydrangeas with other vibrant flowers like blue anemones and purple delphiniums adds remarkable vibrancy to your bouquet while maintaining the cohesive blue theme.
Coastal and rustic themed weddings particularly benefit from blue and white hydrangea combinations, as these arrangements perfectly capture the essence of seaside romance. Spring weddings can showcase stunning blue and purple ombre bouquets featuring varying shades of hydrangeas, though this versatile design adapts beautifully to any season.
Blue Delphinium Centerpieces
Blue delphiniums create stunning centerpieces that command attention with their tall, stately appearance and dramatic presence. We love how these striking flowers add vertical interest to reception tables while maintaining the elegant blue color palette throughout your venue. Combining delphiniums with complementary flowers like hydrangeas or roses creates layered arrangements that captivate guests from every angle.
Reception venues benefit tremendously from delphinium centerpieces because their height creates visual impact without overwhelming the table space. Strategic placement of these arrangements throughout your reception area ensures that every guest experiences the beauty of your blue floral theme while maintaining clear sightlines for conversation.
Blue Rose Boutonnieres for Groomsmen
Blue rose boutonnieres provide groomsmen with unique and stylish accessories that perfectly complement the wedding’s blue theme. We recommend professionally dyed blue roses for these special arrangements, as they create cohesive looks that tie the entire wedding party together. These sophisticated boutonnieres add subtle yet meaningful touches of blue that photograph beautifully against classic black or navy suits.
Groomsmen appreciate how blue rose boutonnieres distinguish them from traditional white or red options while maintaining masculine elegance. Wedding photographers often highlight these distinctive accessories because they create visual interest and help identify the wedding party in group photos and candid moments throughout the celebration.
Elegant Blue Wedding Dress and Veil Options
Moving beyond accessories and florals, we discover that blue wedding attire creates the most dramatic interpretation of the “something blue” tradition. These stunning dress options transform brides into breathtaking focal points while honoring centuries-old wedding customs.
Blue Wedding Dress or Gown
Royal blue wedding dresses command attention with their regal sophistication and bold statement-making presence. These dresses work exceptionally well for brides seeking to make their “something blue” the centerpiece of their entire wedding look.
Light blue wedding gowns offer softer alternatives that maintain elegance while providing whimsical charm. The Ursula dress by Temperley Bridal exemplifies this approach with its delicate azure tones, while the Blue Satin Flower Maxi Dress by Self-Portrait combines modern design with traditional blue elements.
Navy blue wedding dresses provide versatile options that photograph beautifully in various lighting conditions. These deeper blue tones work particularly well for evening ceremonies and formal venue settings.
Blue Ombre or Accent Details on White Dress
Dyed blue ombre effects create stunning modern interpretations of traditional wedding gowns by gradually transitioning from white to blue. This technique produces a flowy fairy princess aesthetic that captures both classic and contemporary wedding styles.
Blue embellishments transform standard white gowns through strategic beading, embroidery, or appliqué work. These accent details allow brides to maintain traditional white dress preferences while incorporating meaningful blue elements.
Blue sash details offer removable options for brides wanting flexibility in their wedding day look. These accessories can be adjusted or removed for different ceremony and reception moments.
Blue Veil or Blue Trim on Traditional Veil
Blue veil trim provides subtle yet effective ways to honor the “something blue” tradition without overwhelming the bridal ensemble. This approach works particularly well with cathedral and chapel length veils.
Blue floral veil details incorporate romantic elements through delicate blue flower appliqués or embroidered designs. These artistic touches add whimsical beauty while maintaining the veil’s traditional significance.
Completely blue veils create cohesive looks when paired with white dresses, offering brides opportunities to make bold statements while preserving classic bridal aesthetics.
Meaningful Blue Keepsakes and Personal Touches
Creating lasting memories becomes easier when we incorporate meaningful blue elements that connect our special day to cherished personal stories. These thoughtful touches transform the traditional “something blue” into treasured keepsakes that carry emotional significance beyond the wedding day.
Blue Family Heirloom or Vintage Item
Incorporating blue family heirlooms transforms your wedding into a beautiful bridge between generations. Vintage blue brooches passed down from grandmothers add elegance to wedding bouquets while honoring family history. Antique blue jewelry pieces create stunning focal points when pinned to bridal sashes or worn as necklaces.
Family members often treasure blue china pieces that can serve as unique ceremony decorations or reception accents. Vintage blue scarves make beautiful wraps for outdoor ceremonies while connecting brides to beloved relatives. Antique blue buttons sewn discretely into wedding dress linings provide hidden meaningful touches that only the bride knows about.
Blue Embroidered Handkerchief
Blue embroidered handkerchiefs offer both practical elegance and sentimental value for wedding ceremonies. These delicate accessories can be tucked into bouquet wrappings or carried discretely in bridal purses for emotional moments. Custom embroidered messages in blue thread create personalized keepsakes that brides treasure long after their wedding day.
Monogrammed blue handkerchiefs featuring wedding dates become cherished mementos for future anniversaries. Mothers and grandmothers often embroider special blue designs specifically for wedding days, making these pieces incredibly meaningful. Vintage blue handkerchiefs from antique shops add authentic historical charm while serving as beautiful “something blue” elements.
Blue Locket with Photos
Blue lockets containing precious photographs create deeply personal connections during wedding ceremonies. These special pendants can hold images of deceased loved ones, allowing their presence to be felt throughout the celebration. Wedding couples often include engagement photos or pictures from meaningful relationship milestones inside blue lockets.
Family photos from parents’ or grandparents’ weddings make touching locket inclusions that honor generational love stories. Blue enamel lockets with intricate designs serve as stunning jewelry pieces while concealing intimate photographic memories. Modern couples frequently choose vintage blue lockets that can be passed down to future generations, creating new family heirloom traditions.
Subtle Blue Makeup and Beauty Ideas for Brides
We love incorporating subtle blue beauty elements that honor tradition while maintaining a natural bridal look. These makeup and beauty approaches create elegant “something blue” touches without overwhelming your overall wedding aesthetic.
Blue Eyeshadow or Eyeliner
Light blue or icy blue eyeshadow creates a striking yet subtle bridal look. While bold blue shadows might seem dramatic, we recommend applying pale blue shades delicately for an ethereal effect. Champagne, taupe, and bronze eyeshadows work beautifully as your main focus colors, then we suggest adding a soft blue highlighter for that unique twist.
Blue eyeliner offers more versatility than eyeshadow for most brides. Creating a winged liner look with blue eyeliner adds drama without overwhelming natural eye colors. Navy or deep blue liner works particularly well for evening ceremonies, while lighter blue shades complement daytime weddings perfectly.
Blue Nail Polish or Manicure
Delicate blue nail art transforms your manicure into meaningful wedding symbolism. We recommend using pale blue or baby blue polish as your base color for an elegant, understated appearance. Simple nail art designs like tiny blue flowers or delicate geometric patterns add sophistication without appearing overly bold.
Blue accent nails create perfect “something blue” focal points. Painting just one nail per hand in deep blue creates visual interest while maintaining overall elegance. This approach works exceptionally well with classic nude or pink base colors, allowing the blue accent to shine as your traditional element.
Blue Hair Extensions or Temporary Color
Temporary blue hair chalk provides playful color without permanent commitment. Adding subtle blue streaks to exact hair sections creates fun, photographs beautifully, and washes out completely after your wedding day. We suggest focusing these temporary touches on face framing pieces or underneath layers for peek a boo effects.
Blue hair extensions offer bolder statements for adventurous brides. Temporary clip in extensions or professionally woven blue strands create dramatic looks that honor tradition creatively. These extensions work particularly well for updos, where blue pieces can be strategically placed to catch light and create stunning photographic moments.
Blue Wedding Decor and Reception Details
Reception spaces provide countless opportunities to showcase blue elements throughout your celebration. Transforming your venue with thoughtful blue accents creates a cohesive atmosphere that honors tradition while impressing guests.
Blue Table Linens or Napkins
Blue table linens serve as the foundation for stunning reception tablescapes that capture attention immediately. Navy blue tablecloths create dramatic backdrops for white china and crystal glassware, while light blue linens offer softer romantic appeal for outdoor ceremonies. Ocean colored tablescapes work especially well for coastal or beach themed weddings, connecting your decor to natural surroundings.
Napkins in various blue shades add subtle elegance without overwhelming other design elements. Powder blue napkins complement vintage lace table runners beautifully, while royal blue options make bold statements against neutral linens. Consider mixing different blue tones across tables to create visual interest throughout your reception space.
Blue Candles or Lighting
Blue candles transform ordinary centerpieces into romantic focal points that enhance your wedding atmosphere. Pairing blue pillar candles with white or clear glass holders creates stunning contrast while maintaining sophisticated appeal. Floating blue candles in glass bowls filled with water add ethereal beauty to each table setting.
Blue lighting elevates your entire venue with dramatic ambiance that photographs beautifully. String lights in blue hues create magical overhead displays for outdoor receptions, while blue uplighting highlights architectural features and creates mood throughout indoor spaces. Combining blue candles with coordinated lighting ensures your reception glows with consistent blue themed beauty from every angle.
Blue Wedding Favors for Guests
Blue themed treats offer delicious ways for guests to remember your special day long after celebrations end. Blue colored candies, cookies shaped like wedding bells, or delicate blue macarons provide sweet reminders of your blue wedding theme. Personalized packaging in coordinating blue shades makes these edible favors even more memorable.
Personalized blue items create lasting keepsakes that guests will treasure for years. Blue coasters featuring your names and wedding date serve practical purposes while honoring your color scheme, and small decorative blue boxes filled with chocolates double as beautiful table decor. Blue flowers or small potted succulents give guests living reminders of your celebration, allowing your wedding day to bloom in their homes throughout the seasons.
Modern Blue Technology and Creative Alternatives
Today’s couples are redefining wedding traditions with innovative approaches that blend contemporary style with meaningful symbolism. These modern interpretations of “something blue” offer fresh ways to honor tradition while embracing current trends.
Blue Phone Case or Accessories
Smartphone accessories provide an effortless way to incorporate blue into your wedding day essentials. Consider a sapphire blue phone case that matches your wedding theme while keeping your device protected during the celebration. Blue PopSockets, phone charms, or decorative phone rings offer subtle touches that you’ll actually use throughout your special day.
Apple Watch bands in navy or powder blue create a modern twist on traditional jewelry while keeping you connected to loved ones. Bluetooth earbuds in blue cases ensure you can listen to your processional music during final preparations while maintaining the blue tradition.
Wedding party coordination becomes seamless when bridesmaids carry matching blue phone accessories during the ceremony. This approach allows everyone to participate in the tradition while capturing Instagram worthy moments with coordinated style.
Blue Tattoo or Temporary Ink
Temporary tattoos offer bold brides a way to make a statement without permanent commitment. Consider delicate blue watercolor designs on your wrist, shoulder, or ankle that photograph beautifully in wedding portraits. Henna artists can create intricate blue patterns using specialized blue henna paste for ceremonies lasting several days.
Metallic blue temporary tattoos in geometric patterns or floral designs add glamour to beach or outdoor weddings. These washable options work perfectly for destination weddings where traditional jewelry might feel too formal.
Couples’ matching designs create intimate connections when both partners choose complementary blue temporary tattoos. Small blue hearts, initials, or wedding dates become shared symbols that appear in close up photography sessions.
Blue Wedding Stationery Details
Invitation suites set the tone for your entire celebration when printed on blue cardstock or featuring blue foil stamping. Navy letterpress invitations with gold accents create elegant first impressions, while powder blue watercolor backgrounds suggest romantic garden parties.
Envelope liners in blue patterns or solid colors surprise guests when they open your invitations. Custom blue wax seals add vintage charm while maintaining the blue theme throughout your correspondence.
Reception stationery continues the blue tradition with place cards printed in blue ink, blue table numbers in elegant fonts, and blue menu cards featuring your signature cocktails. Wedding programs printed on blue paper ensure every guest holds something blue during your ceremony.
Postage stamps in blue designs complete your mailing aesthetic while honoring the tradition. USPS offers various blue stamp options, from classic flag designs to floral patterns that complement your wedding theme.
Conclusion
The “something blue” tradition offers endless possibilities to add personal meaning to your special day. Whether you choose traditional sapphire jewelry or modern smartphone accessories you’ll create lasting memories while honoring this timeless custom.
We’ve explored options that fit every style and budget from subtle makeup touches to bold statement pieces. The key is selecting elements that reflect your unique personality as a couple while maintaining the beautiful symbolism behind this cherished tradition.
Your wedding day should tell your story and incorporating “something blue” is the perfect way to blend meaningful tradition with personal expression. Choose the ideas that speak to your heart and watch as they transform your celebration into something truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “something blue” symbolize in weddings?
The “something blue” tradition symbolizes purity, love, and fidelity in marriage. This age-old custom represents the bride’s commitment to faithfulness and the pure love shared between the couple. Blue has historically been associated with loyalty and constancy, making it a meaningful color choice for wedding ceremonies and celebrations.
What are some traditional “something blue” wedding accessories?
Traditional blue wedding accessories include personalized blue garters, sapphire or blue gemstone jewelry, and blue ribbon details on bouquets or dresses. These timeless options allow brides to honor the tradition while adding elegant touches to their wedding attire. Blue hairpins and family heirloom jewelry are also popular traditional choices.
How can I incorporate blue into my wedding attire?
You can incorporate blue through wedding shoes, intimate blue undergarments, blue veils, or royal blue dresses. Blue hair accessories like sapphire hairpins offer artistic expression, while blue ribbon details on your dress or bouquet provide subtle elegance. These choices allow you to make a fashion statement while honoring tradition.
What are some creative blue wedding decor ideas?
Consider blue hydrangeas and delphiniums for floral arrangements, blue table linens, blue candles, and blue-themed wedding favors. These elements create a cohesive atmosphere throughout your celebration. Blue wedding stationery, including invitations and reception materials, can also carry the theme from ceremony to reception seamlessly.
How can I modernize the “something blue” tradition?
Modern interpretations include blue smartphone accessories like phone cases or Apple Watch bands, temporary blue tattoos for bold brides, and blue wedding stationery details. These contemporary approaches blend modern style with meaningful symbolism, allowing couples to stay connected to tradition while expressing their unique personality and current lifestyle.
Can I incorporate blue makeup into my wedding look?
Yes, subtle blue makeup can be a beautiful way to honor the tradition. Consider soft blue eyeshadow, blue eyeliner accents, or blue nail polish. These subtle touches add a personal element to your bridal look while maintaining elegance. The key is keeping it tasteful and complementary to your overall wedding aesthetic.
What are some budget-friendly “something blue” ideas?
Budget-friendly options include blue ribbon details, blue nail polish, temporary blue tattoos, blue hair accessories, or borrowing blue family heirlooms. You can also incorporate blue through DIY elements like blue wedding stationery or small blue details in your bouquet. These affordable choices still honor tradition meaningfully.
How do I choose meaningful blue keepsakes for my wedding?
Consider family heirlooms like blue jewelry or accessories passed down through generations, embroidered blue handkerchiefs with special messages, or blue items that connect to your personal story as a couple. These meaningful keepsakes create lasting memories and connect your wedding day to cherished family traditions and personal history.
