WEDDING TRENDS WE’RE OBSESSED WITH | SOMETHING BLUE

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

A phrase familiar to almost every bride, the tradition of incorporating something blue into a wedding day has endured for generations. And while the way we interpret it has evolved, its sentiment remains as relevant as ever.

Historically, blue was associated with love, purity and fidelity, becoming one of the symbolic elements of the traditional bridal rhyme. The custom is thought to have Victorian-era English roots, and references to the rhyme appear from the late 19th century onwards.

Today, something blue doesn't need to mean a garter hidden beneath a white gown — although there is something rather lovely about keeping a tradition entirely your own.

It might be a sapphire tucked into a bridal stack. A silk ribbon tied around a bouquet. A pair of powder-blue shoes glimpsed beneath the hem of a gown. A handwritten note stitched into the lining of a dress.

Or perhaps it is something only the bride knows is there.

That, to us, is where the beauty lies.

A WHISPER OF BLUE

We love the idea of something blue because it doesn't need to announce itself.

In fact, the most beautiful interpretations are often the most considered.

A soft powder blue silk ribbon wrapped around a bouquet. A vintage sapphire belonging to a grandmother. Blue shoes beneath an otherwise immaculate ivory gown. A tiny blue detail embroidered inside a veil. A handwritten blue thread sewn into the dress.

These details feel personal rather than prescriptive — a little piece of tradition woven quietly into a wedding that otherwise feels entirely your own.

And for the fashion-minded bride, blue can be unexpectedly chic.

Think icy blue, cornflower, periwinkle, French blue, cobalt or the deepest inky navy. From the palest whisper of colour to something more dramatic, blue has an extraordinary ability to shift between romantic, nostalgic and decidedly modern.

SOMETHING BLUE, REIMAGINED

The traditional blue garter may have been the original interpretation, but today's brides have considerably more freedom.

Jewellery

A sapphire is perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to honour the tradition. A pair of sapphire earrings, a delicate ring or a vintage pendant can become both a something blue and an heirloom to keep long after the wedding day.

Shoes

For the bride who loves a little fashion moment, blue shoes are one of our favourites. A barely-there powder blue heel feels romantic and unexpected, while cobalt or royal blue can make a much bolder statement beneath a classic gown.

Bouquet ribbon

There is something inherently romantic about silk ribbon trailing from a bouquet. Choose a washed French blue or soft powder blue and let the colour appear almost incidentally against an abundance of ivory blooms.

Blue flowers can work beautifully here too — delphiniums, hydrangeas and forget-me-nots are among the blooms commonly used to bring a subtle blue note into wedding florals.

A hidden detail

Perhaps our favourite interpretation is one that exists entirely for the bride.

A blue thread sewn into the inside of a gown. A tiny embroidered initial. A ribbon tucked into the lining. A handwritten note in blue ink. Something that may never appear in a photograph — and somehow becomes even more special because of it.

LET IT EXTEND BEYOND THE BRIDE

Something blue doesn't have to belong exclusively to the bridal look.

For a more editorial interpretation, blue can appear throughout the wedding day in subtle, connected moments.

Think blue-grey stationery, hand-painted details, antique glassware, silk napkins, tapered candles or a beautifully restrained floral palette.

A deep navy can bring gravitas to a black-tie reception. Powder blue feels beautifully at home alongside ivory and champagne. Cobalt can be used sparingly for a more graphic, fashion-forward effect.

Even the groom can take part: a blue silk pocket square, cufflinks, socks, a watch detail or a beautifully cut navy suit can nod to the tradition without making it feel themed.

Australian wedding inspiration has embraced this more expansive interpretation too, with blue appearing across stationery, bridal accessories, ceremony styling, tablescapes and even wedding cakes.

SOMETHING BLUE WEDDING FAQS

What does “something blue” mean at a wedding?

“Something blue” comes from the traditional wedding rhyme, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Blue has historically been associated with love, fidelity and purity, making it a sentimental detail to incorporate into a wedding day.

What can be used as something blue for a wedding?

Almost anything can become your something blue. Popular ideas include blue shoes, sapphire jewellery, a silk bouquet ribbon, blue embroidery, a blue garter, a handwritten note, blue cufflinks or a small blue detail sewn into the lining of a wedding dress.

Does something blue have to be visible?

Not at all. In fact, we love the idea of keeping your something blue completely hidden. A blue thread embroidered inside your gown, a ribbon tucked beneath the dress or a sentimental piece of jewellery can make the tradition feel deeply personal.

What are elegant ways to incorporate something blue into a wedding?

For a more refined interpretation, consider powder-blue silk ribbon, sapphire jewellery, blue-grey stripe stationery, antique blue glassware, tapered candles, French blue napkins or a subtle blue floral accent. The key is to use blue as a considered detail rather than making it feel like a theme.

Can jewellery be something blue?

Absolutely. Sapphire is one of the most beautiful ways to incorporate something blue. A sapphire ring, earrings, pendant or vintage piece can also become an heirloom that carries the memory of your wedding long after the day itself.

Can the groom have something blue?

Of course. Something blue can be incorporated into the groom's attire through a silk pocket square, cufflinks, socks, a watch detail or even a navy suit. It can be as subtle or as visible as you like.

Is something blue still a wedding trend?

Something blue is less a trend than a wedding tradition that continues to evolve. While contemporary brides may interpret it in more fashion-forward and personal ways, the sentiment behind the tradition has remained remarkably enduring.

What colour blue works best for a wedding?

There is no single shade that works best. Powder blue and French blue feel soft and romantic, while cobalt and royal blue create a more striking editorial statement. Navy is particularly elegant for black-tie weddings, while pale blue pairs beautifully with ivory, champagne and neutral tones.