Why Do Brides Still Wear Something Blue?
By
3 days ago
Plus, our edit of the best blue wedding accessories for every bride
While trends come and go, traditions remain – especially when it comes to weddings. And no tradition has stood the test of time as well as one very familiar rhyme: ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.’ These are the core tenet brides past and present (and, most likely, future) have stood by when it comes to wedding planning. The result? Antiques, wedding day presents, family heirlooms and a slew of blue accessories spanning everything from garters and engagement rings to lingerie, bridal bags and bouquets.
And it’s not just us normal folk that uphold the tradition; royal weddings also adhere to the age-old rhyme. Kate Middleton famously walked down the aisle wearing an engagement ring that was once owned by Princess Diana (and, long before her, Queen Victoria), a custom pair of acorn earrings gifted from her parents, a tiara that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II and a blue ribbon sneakily sewed into her dress.
Meghan Markle similarly took up the tradition. The royal wore a ring that belonged to her mother, a brand new veil decorated with flowers representing the 53 Commonwealth nations, the blue-ringed diamonds that Princess Diana wore on her wedding day and a blue piece of fabric taken from the dress she wore on her first date with Prince Harry.
But where exactly does it come from? And why do we do it in the first place?
Blue Brides: The History Behind The Tradition
The ‘something blue’ rhyme is one of those traditions that likely started by word of mouth, passed down from mother to daughter, sister to sister and friend to friend – which means that there isn’t really an exact written origin to go by.
The tradition itself is thought to date back to 19th century Lancashire, with the belief that if the bride carries each item listed in the Old English rhyme down the aisle, she will enjoy a long and happy marriage.
Superstition also plays a heavy role in the tradition’s origins; the list of necessary items was used to help the bride ward off the evil eye, which was believed to cause infertility. This is especially true of the colour blue, which has long been a colour associated with peace and, in relationships, love and fidelity. And historically, ‘something blue’ has been something hidden on the bride’s person – usually in the form of an undergarment – to help her avoid bad karma.
But, over the years, these traditions have softened and evolved with the times. While taken seriously by some, most brides now see the rhyme as another fun add-on for the whole wedding experience. And that something blue? You’ll find today’s brides using the colour as a means of self-expression, or even to showcase a personal memento.
And if you’re a bride who is still looking for your something blue, fear not. We’ve rounded up some of the loveliest blue wedding accessories that will let you play with tradition in the best way.
The Edit: Beautiful Blue Wedding Accessories
Featured image: Manolo Blahnik
