Something Blue for the Minimal Bride

According to the centuries old English poem now repeated all over the world as a wedding planning mantra, the bride, on her wedding day, should have with her four (or five) important things. She needs to carry with her, or wear, something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue (and a sixpence in your shoe, depending on who you ask). 

Save for the sixpence, which sounds uncomfortable to walk around on, the trickiest aspect of this old good luck charm to incorporate into your wedding day look is that something blue. Especially for minimal, modern brides, blue is a colour that really stands out—and if its not part of your scheme, it can look or feel incongruous with the design of the day unless you're careful.

The specificity of the colour blue has a long history, too. The colour is associated with purity, prosperity, and fidelity—three qualities which marriages were presumed to need in Jolly Olde England. But blue is also thought to deflect the "Evil Eye." The Evil Eye is a popular symbol used to refer to a "malevolent gaze" which is rooted in some cosmic, mystic, or fateful origins. This Eye has been in the popular vernacular, in varying degrees, since the Ancient Greeks were formulating philosophical theories, and when one is hit with the Eye, they become more or less generally cursed. For as long as this theory has existed, a repellent charm has existed too: a blue and white Evil Eye charm. This was the inspiration for Kenzo's recent perfume line, and Gigi Hadid caught lots of publicity for her Evil Eye charm. So, "something blue" was derived from the presence of the blue in the repellent Evil Eye Charm. It's also thought that this malevolent gaze would specifically hinder a woman's fertility, which was certainly a very big deal in olden times. 

Whether or not you subscribe to the many, many layers of complicated social, mythical, political, and religious layers implicated by the "something blue" couplets, the traditional aspect is enough to draw brides in. These are our favourite ways to incorporate something blue into a minimal wedding look (that aren't always out of sight).

Photo from Bayou With Love.

In the jewels

Sapphire. Enough said? For even the most discerning bride, a subtle pair of sapphire studs, a minimal ring, or a delicate pendant necklace most directly emulates a modern take on the Evil Eye charm. For more affordable options, try turquoise, or even coloured CZ. Sapphire drop earrings with a gentle sway are perfect for the minimal bride who is in the mood for a little flourish.

Photo of our Skye Garter.

Under the dress

A blue garter is one of our favourite ways to satisfy this tradition. It's out of sight, but depending on your wedding traditions, could definitely be made public during the reception. This is a subtle but still playful way to incorporate some colour in your wedding day look.

Photo from Serenity.

In your hair

We are obviously huge fans of tasteful hairpieces. Grab a simple pin with a minimal jewel accent, or grab a gorgeous acetate clip in a rich blue to clip your hair back a la Foe and Dear. We also love, for the more ethereal bride, wearing a few subtle wildflowers, like Forget-Me-Nots, in your low chignon. Minimal, but still romantic.

Photo from Extra Special Touch.

In writing

We love a good monogram. Fussy, yes—but how hilariously regal and extra. We love a subtle blue monogram on your wedding day clutch, within the layers of your skirt, or sewn inside the bodice, above your heart. You could monogram your new initials, if you're changing your last name, or a brief quote, or the date of your marriage. This option really does double duty: warding off the evil eye, beckoning prosperity, purity and fidelity, and commemorating the big day.

Photos from Martha Stewart.

With ribbon

If you're wanting to incorporate blue into your wedding day look as a permanent feature, like in your jewelry or in your hair, we really love ribbon as a temporary option. Before your ceremony, have your MOH tie a thin, light blue ribbon around your right wrist. Walk down the aisle with your little satin bow, say "I do," and celebrate. After the ceremony is over, you can leave the ribbon on, or take it off and place it in a safe spot. This little ribbon becomes an amazing keepsake from your wedding day. More than bread makers or vases full of sand to represent the unity of your family, that little ribbon represents your wishes for your marriage on your wedding day. Instead of only having that blue with you on your wedding day, it can stay forever. We would frame the ribbon with a photograph of you two, or tie it around the stems of your bouquet if you decide to dry it. Minimal, intentional, and long lasting for a little daily reminder of your vows.

Photo from Pinterest.

In your flowers

Speaking of bouquets! You can always opt to include a few blue accents in your bouquet, even if blue is not in your colour scheme. Grab a sprinkling of Forget-Me-Nots or other light blue flowers (bonus if they're wildflowers picked from your ceremony location!) and weave them throughout your bouquet. It's a subtle touch but still brings in all of the good tidings intended by that something blue.

What was your blue? Do you subscribe to traditions like this? Let us know in the comments below!

xo D&C