Terrific Traditions and Inspired Innovations: Something Blue!

By now, we've all heard the old adage "Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue, And a silver sixpence in her shoe." This little British poem is said to have started in the Victorian Era, and many traditional brides still use this as a guide to their wedding day attire. While all these details have different meanings, today I'd like to focus on Something Blue.

According to my research, this hue on the cool side of the color wheel, has been a part of weddings for centuries. Ancient Roman brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity. Christianity has depicted the Virgin Mary in blue, so the color has also symbolized purity. Whatever the reason, this tradition allows the bride to add a fun splash of color to just herself, or the entire wedding theme.

What kind of planner would I be if I didn't come armed with something blue up my sleeve? Here are a few blue items I've found, and quite a few that will get you this tradition for a lot less green!

The gorgeous satin garter to the left is from Julianne Smith and is priced at $42. The garter on the right is also satin and equally lovely, and can get you that something blue for only $1.99 at wrapwithus.com!

This next idea is for the bride who loves to shoe shop! You know you're going to have fabulous shoes for your wedding day, so why not let them shine in a blue shade? The two below are examples from Payless' Unforgettable Moments collection. On the left is "Catherine" in Tahitian and the right shows "Audrey" in blue frost. They are each priced at $44.99 and shipping and dyeing are free! Out of 64 possible shades, there are nine blue to choose from. Also, Payless is running its BOGO (buy one, get one half off) deal now, so you and your maids could split the costs and save some dough!

So, this next one is cheating a little, but it was too pretty to pass up! This is from Enzoani Jackets and it's part of the Blue line, so technically you'd be wearing something blue! It's priced at $225 at bestbridalprices.com and would be perfect for a chilly wedding in fall or spring.

Lastly, the icing on the cake, your jewelery! Go blue with earrings like the ones below. The pair on the right are oval shaped sapphires surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds in 18k white gold from Blue Nile. They are priced at $2,450. For a more savvy bride, check out the gorgeous pair on the left. These JCPenney steals are sapphires accented with diamonds in platinum covered sterling silver. Originally priced at $100, you can get them on sale today for $34.99!! That's such a fab deal, I might have to pull out my visa and snag a pair for myself!

You can also wear some blue lingerie under your gown and surprise your hubby later, wear blue nail polish on your fingers or toes, have your florist place some blue flowers in your bouquet or wear blue eyeshadow or eyeliner (dark blue eyeliners make brown and hazel eyes pop!) You can also go all out with blue and have it as your wedding theme! Think blue table cloths, chair sashes, or twinkle lights. (Check out Jamie's and Lisa's blogs for centerpiece and gown ideas!)

Here's my idea for something blue that's hidden and extra special: have your seamstress stitch your and your husband's initials somewhere inside your dress (maybe near your heart?), using blue thread of course. You'll know it's there, but no one else has to.

Don't be blue if you're not into this hue, whether a lot of blue, or a little blue acting on this tradition is up to you!

Till next time! Wishing you happy planning and wedding bliss!

Xoxo,