Something Blue
The Old, The Naughty and The New !
"Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
With a sixpence in your shoe"
We have all heard various versions of that little Victorian saying, but why, you may wonder, are bride's supposed to wear something blue?
The tradition dates back to ancient Israel when brides wore blue ribbons on the border of their wedding cloths to symbolize, love, modesty and fidelity. Blue also became popular among Christian brides because it symbolizes the purity of the Virgin Mary and is the colour most often worn by Mary in paintings and statues.
Brides today enjoy carrying on traditions and here are some ideas how you can wear the traditional blue on your wedding day.
Something Old
A blue dress
Before the nineteenth century, blue was the color of choice for a bride's gown. There are several sayings about blue gowns, one is "Marry in blue, lover be true" and another is "Yellow's forsaken, and green's forsworn, but blue and red ought to be worn." White dresses did not become mainstream until 1828 when American President John Quincy Adam's son John married his white dressed bride Mary. So go ahead and wear a blue wedding dress!
A traditional blue ribbon, like the ancient brides of Israel wore. If you don't want to wear it on the outside of your dress, though, have it sewn inside.
A blue piece of jewellery with special importance, like an heirloom topaz ring or a pin of an angel holding a blue crystal. You can wear the select jewel for everyone to see or, again, have it pinned or stitched under your gown.
Something blue in your bouquet. The something blue does not have to be a flower, either, it could be something that has meaning to you from your childhood-like a little toy-or a blue butterfly purchased from any craft store and adhered to the bouquet with flower wire.
Something Naughty
A blue garter
or white garter with a little blue ribbon on it.
Blue toe nails - a modern and playful choice being made by more and more brides. You can even add blue rhinestones to mehendi tattoos on your arms, back or feet.
Blue panties! This can be a little secret for everyone but your bridesmaids (whose job it is to remind you to wear something blue!) and your husband.
Blue shoes. If you are having a problem finding a pair of blue shoes, get a pair of white dyeable heels or even a white pair of keds and dye them your favorite shade of azure.
Something New
Blue engagement ring - if you and your fiancé are comfortable planning ahead, then shop for a diamond and sapphire or aquamarine engagement ring. This way you can keep your something blue forever.
Blue orchids woven into your hair.
Blue nose ring or second earring.
A Blue piece of fabric embroidered with your names and wedding date and sown onto your gown - either along the back zipper or the hem.
Whatever you choose, have fun and don't forget to save your "Something Blue" for your daughter!
