Everyone knows the adage by heart: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If you’ve yet to check off that last part in the run-up to the big day, look first to family heirlooms—why not tick off the “old” and “borrowed” parts while you’re at it? If you still can’t find the final piece that feels just right, the good news is it’s open to interpretation: Your “something blue” can be a part of the bridal trousseau, like an after-party dress or a special pair of heels, but it can also be something smaller and more original. Whichever direction you go in, we have plenty of “something blue” ideas to carry you through the ceremony.
Vogue-Approved Ideas for Your “Something Blue”
First, a little history lesson on the tradition itself: It stems from the Victorian era, originally meant to ward off the evil eye and any bad luck or curses that might be cast upon the marriage. The color held special meaning in Victorian symbolism on its own, representing fidelity, purity, and love. (In fact, before Queen Victoria popularized the white wedding dress, brides were known to wear blue dresses for their weddings.)
Today, this custom has evolved into subtler hints of the color, quietly hidden in the bridal look or sprinkled throughout the events of the day. From the notebook you pen your vows in to a dainty ring box to hold the twin bands to gifts for the groom, we gathered over 40 little blue pieces to help guide your decision—it’s a small moment, but a sweet nod to tradition.
The Precious Jewels
If you’re wanting to wear a bit of blue as part of your bridal look, one of the simplest ways to do so is through blue jewelry. The ring is already taken care of, but earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are an opportunity to get a little more creative. (Plus, these pieces can be passed down, thereby taking care of the something-old or something-borrowed for the next generation.)
The Getting-Ready Necessities
The morning of the wedding has become an event in its own right. You’ll be surrounded by people you love and hopefully getting a moment of pampering before the hectic events of the day. Enter, sweet blue accoutrements to cover the tradition side and start the day off right: from a luxe hair brush to a roomy vanity case, right down to satin undergarments and a hint of blue piping on a robe.
The Hair Accessories
Complete your bridal ensemble (or polish off your bridesmaids’ and flower girls’ final looks) with a dainty bow or satin headband. You could go subtle, with a swirled resin pin from Lelet; the maximalist bride may find that an oversized cornflower-colored brooch (which can also be worn clipped into an updo or a veil) is the obvious choice.
The Bridal Bag
You’ll need somewhere to store your necessities from one event of the day to the next. A petite bridal bag is a small, easy way to carry something blue with you throughout. Erdem, Bottega Veneta, and Savette offer lovely little carryalls complete with special gold details, and for a burst of floral print, go with picks from Staud and Ganni.
The Bridal Shoes
From Manolo Blahnik to Prada and Dior, we’re all for splurging on a pair of bridal heels to carry you down the aisle. But if you’re set on your main look, a pretty pair of flats are a must for dancing the night away in, and Miu Miu’s satin sneakers are perfect for making a stylish getaway to catch your flight to your honeymoon.
The After-Party Look
There’s still plenty of wedding left after the vows have been said and the dinner and toasts enjoyed. Reception dressing is your chance to let loose and celebrate with those you love most—swap your gown for a flirty mini dress or a breezy slip in baby blue so you can really move and groove all night long.
The Future Heirlooms
Mix in these lucky charms throughout the big day, to be saved for future generations to treasure. A ring box lined in faux blue suede is the ultimate keepsake; a vintage monogrammed hankie, the perfect companion for happy tears. Your vows go into this marbled notebook, and for a post-ceremony investment, a set of hand-painted dinner plates will be a sweet reminder for years to come.
For the Groom
The boys deserve a bit of good luck, too. A silver lighter case with lapis lazuli makes a unique gift for the groom, while things he can wear (embroidered socks, a pocket square, or an enamel brooch) are practical but stylish additions to his wedding day style.
