Weddings are beautiful events filled with symbolism and tradition. With each passing decade, the traditions have evolved, but one tradition that has remained a constant is the practice of wearing “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” on the big day. This tradition has been around for centuries and has been practiced by brides worldwide. In this blog post, we will be discussing the significance of the “something blue” aspect of this old tradition.
History of “Something Blue”
The tradition of wearing “something blue” on a wedding day dates back to ancient Rome when brides wore blue to symbolize their love, modesty, and fidelity. The tradition evolved in Christian culture, where “something blue” represented the purity and faithfulness of the bride. In Victorian times, blue was also seen as a symbol of constancy and loyalty.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the custom of wearing “something blue” became part of the larger tradition of “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” that we know today. It was thought that if the bride had all four items, she would have good luck and a happy marriage.
Popular Ways to Incorporate “Something Blue” into a Wedding
1. Blue Shoes: One of the most popular ways to incorporate “something blue” into a wedding outfit is by wearing blue shoes. The pop of blue underneath a traditional wedding dress adds a fun, modern twist to the classic bridal look.
2. Blue Dress: Another way to rock “something blue” could be by wearing a blue wedding gown or a dress with blue accents. Opting for a blue dress might raise a few eyebrows, but it’s a bold choice that’s bound to make a statement.
3. Blue Jewelry: A simple and timeless way to incorporate “something blue” into an outfit is by adding blue jewelry. A blue sapphire necklace or earrings would make a stunning addition to any wedding outfit.
4. Blue Garter: The most traditional way to incorporate “something blue” into the wedding ensemble is through the garter. The garter is a piece of lingerie worn under the dress, which comes off during the garter toss, usually done towards the end of the reception.
5. Blue Bouquet or Flowers: Nowadays, brides are opting for something less traditional, like wearing a bouquet of blue flowers, or accenting the bouquet with blue ribbons. It could be either a blue hydrangea bouquet or a personalized arrangement with a pop of blue.
Conclusion
Incorporating “something blue” into the wedding ensemble is a tradition that has stood the test of time. Today, brides have several ways of incorporating blue into their wedding outfits, including blue shoes, blue dresses, blue jewelry, blue garters, and blue flowers. Whether you choose a bold statement piece or a subtle pop of blue, it’s sure to bring extra good luck, happiness, and love to your special day.
FAQ
Who should give the bride something blue?
In traditional wedding customs, there are four items that a bride is supposed to wear or carry on her wedding day for good luck. These items are called “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” While the first three items can be easily sourced from family members or friends, the “something blue” item can be a bit tricky.
Historically, the color blue was considered to symbolize love and purity. In fact, brides used to wear blue wedding dresses as a symbol of their purity and fidelity. However, over time the “something blue” tradition was born and has become a popular part of modern-day weddings.
So who should give the bride something blue? Typically, the “something blue” item is a gift from a special person in the bride’s life. This could be her mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or close friend. The idea behind this is that the “something blue” represents love and support from those closest to the bride on her wedding day.
While it is traditional for the “something blue” item to be a garter belt worn under the bride’s dress, it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Some brides choose to incorporate blue into their outfit through their shoes, jewelry, or even their bouquet. the choice of what the “something blue” item is and who gives it to the bride is up to the couple and their individual preferences.
The tradition of the bride wearing or carrying “something blue” on her wedding day is steeped in history and symbolism. While it is typically a gift from a special person in the bride’s life, the item and who gives it to the bride is ultimately up to the couple.
How do you add blue to a wedding?
Incorporating blue into a wedding can be a fun and creative way to add some color and personality to the big day. From subtle accents to bold statement pieces, there are many ways to use blue in a wedding.
One traditional way to add blue to a wedding is to follow the old saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” In this case, the bride could wear a blue garter or include blue accents in her wedding bouquet. Alternatively, the groom could wear a blue tie or add blue cufflinks to his outfit.
Another way to add blue to a wedding is through the bridesmaids’ dresses. Blue bridesmaids dresses can look beautiful, especially if the bride’s wedding dress is white. Shades of blue such as navy, royal blue, or even turquoise can complement a variety of skin tones and wedding themes.
Decorating the reception area with blue accents can also add a lovely touch. Blue tablecloths or runners can be paired with white or silver accents, while blue flower arrangements can incorporate the color in a natural way. Blue lighting can also create a romantic ambiance and add a pop of color to the room.
Finally, consider using blue in small details or unexpected ways. For example, blue signature cocktails could be served at the bar, or blue ribbons could be tied around the chairs at the ceremony. Whether it’s through fashion, decor, or small details, adding blue to a wedding can add a personal touch and make the day even more special.
Do you wear your engagement ring on your wedding day?
One of the most important days in a person’s life is their wedding day. The day is full of symbolism from the wedding dress, to the exchanging of vows and the rings. As much as the wedding rings are important, the bride’s engagement ring also holds special meaning as it symbolizes the engagement period and the journey the couple has taken together leading up to the wedding day.
One of the common questions that brides-to-be ask is whether they should wear their engagement ring on their wedding day. The answer is yes, it is perfectly fine to wear both the engagement and wedding rings during the ceremony. In fact, it is quite common for brides to wear both rings on their wedding day.
When it comes to wearing both rings, the positioning of the rings can vary depending on personal preferences. Some brides may choose to wear the wedding ring closest to the heart, while others may choose to wear them in the order in which they were received. This can also be determined by the type of wedding band chosen and how it complements the engagement ring.
The decision on how to wear the rings may also depend on the type of setting the engagement ring has. Some brides choose to remove their engagement ring before the ceremony and purchase a temporary ring guard that combines the two rings together, while others opt to wear the engagement and wedding ring as they are – side by side.
It is important to note that some brides may choose to wear only the wedding ring, while others may choose to wear only the engagement ring after the wedding ceremony. It is perfectly fine to wear the rings in any way that makes the bride feel comfortable and happy.
The decision to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day is entirely up to you. It is common and acceptable to wear both rings during the ceremony, and the positioning of the rings can vary according to personal preferences. The most important thing is to choose the rings that are meaningful to you, and that symbolize your love and commitment to one another.
Is it traditional for the mother of the bride to wear blue?
When it comes to weddings, there are many traditions and customs that vary depending on the culture and region. One traditional belief suggests that the mother of the bride should wear blue. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. In fact, there is no specific color that the mother of the bride is required or expected to wear.
When choosing an outfit for the wedding, the mother of the bride should consider many factors such as the theme, venue, and time of the day. She may want to coordinate with the bridal party or choose something that complements the bride’s dress. However, this does not mean that her outfit must be a specific color or style.
the most important thing is for the mother of the bride to look and feel comfortable and confident on her daughter’s big day. She should choose an outfit that reflects her personal style and makes her feel special without overshadowing the bride.
While wearing blue may be a tradition in some families, it is not a requirement for all. The mother of the bride should feel free to wear any color or style that makes her happy and helps her celebrate her daughter’s special day.