Red, White & "Something Blue"

We’ve all heard the catchy Victorian rhyme: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe."

Today, checking off these boxes feels like a fun, nostalgic wedding-week photo op. But back in 19th-century England, crossing these items off your list wasn't just for luck—it was serious supernatural insurance.

Historically, the items were meant to baffle and ward off the "Evil Eye," a malicious spirit or curse that superstitions of the era warned could make a new bride barren. By walking down the aisle with all five charms, a bride was considered completely protected from bad vibes.

What Does the Blue Actually Stand For?

Long before white dresses became the norm (thanks to Queen Victoria), blue was actually the traditional color of love. In ancient Rome and throughout the Middle Ages, brides wore blue to signify three major traits:

• Fidelity: A lifelong commitment to staying true.

• Purity: A clean, fresh start for the couple.

• Love: Unconditional devotion.

While modern couples generally aren't worrying about warding off medieval curses, the sentiment behind the color has beautifully endured. It has evolved into a creative styling opportunity and a sweet way to honor the people who love you most.

4 Creative Ways to Give It a Modern Spin

If a bright blue garter or royal blue pumps aren't your vibe, you don't have to compromise your wedding aesthetic to keep the tradition alive. Here are a few subtle, elegant ways to tuck a little blue into your big day:

Idea	How to Pull It Off
The Secret Stitch	Have your wedding date or a loved one's initials embroidered inside your dress or suit lining using light blue thread.
A Hidden Soles Feature	Write a private note to each other on the arches of your wedding shoes in a blue sharpie, or use blue crystal decals.
Bouquet Bling	Wrap the stems of your floral bouquet in a soft dusty-blue velvet ribbon, or pin a vintage sapphire brooch to the fabric.
The Signature Sip	Let your bar handle the tradition for you by serving a vibrant blue signature cocktail, like an Aquatini or a blueberry-infused gin and tonic.

Pro-Tip: Don't let the pressure of the rhyme stress you out. Many modern couples are combining categories to save time—like borrowing a vintage piece of sapphire jewelry from a grandmother to knock out old, borrowed, and blue all at once!

Whether you go bold with a blue velvet dinner jacket or keep it entirely hidden from sight, it's a beautiful nod to the millions of couples who have walked the path before you.