Something Blue: Unique Blue Wedding Decor Ideas

Said to bring good luck and symbolize love and fidelity, the ‘something blue’ bridal custom is a beloved tradition for brides on their wedding day. It dates back to the Victorian era, when an old rhyme encouraged women to have five items with them on their wedding day: "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe." Though we’ve since dropped the sixpence, the rest of the rhyme still stands. Today, brides incorporate something blue into their wedding attire in various ways, such as a blue ribbon on their bouquet or a blue garter beneath their dress.  

Something Blue Ideas

You don’t have to stick with clichés for your something blue. Whether you’d like to incorporate something small as a subtle take on the tradition or prefer having the blue front and center, here are some unique something blue ideas.  

THEME YOUR INVITATIONS  Incorporate blue and white into your invitations, and feature a chinoiserie motif. We love the addition of the bold blue wax seal to complete the look of this pretty set. – BRIDES 

Invitations & Placecards

Something blue ideas aren’t restricted to the morning of your wedding – incorporate it into your invitations as well! You can continue the theme through to the reception, with place cards that match the color scheme of the invitations.  

BLUE INVITATIONS  There's no rule that says your "something blue" needs to be on your person. A muted blue-hued invitation makes for the perfect pre-nuptial "something blue." – Martha Stewart 

BLUE VELVET  Make like this guy and wear a gray-blue bow tie, pocket square, and ribbon-wrapped boutonniére. – Martha Stewart 

Boutonniere

Why not get the groom in on the something blue wedding tradition too, by introducing a splash of blue on his tux? Blue flowers are an option, or opt for a blue-ribbon-wrapped boutonniere. Keep the flower colors soft to let the blue shine: a cream rose, offset with wild pink heather and a spray of mini eucalyptus is the perfect combination. The upside of using artificial flowers is that the bunch will last forever, so you can frame it as a lovely wedding keepsake.

FOR GROOMSMEN  Velvet bow ties in shades of blue. (via Style Me Pretty) 

ANEMONE WEDDING BOUQUET  Classic and sophisticated, this white anemone bouquet has hints of light blue thanks to delphinium and forget-me-nots. – the knot 

Wedding Bouquet

A blue bouquet will certainly stand out, especially if you’re opting for a traditional white dress for the ceremony. To balance the bright color, introduce some soft greens and bright whites into the arrangement too. The velvety, silver-grey leaves of Dusty Miller (also known as silver ragwort) will work a treat, especially when paired with luxurious cream blooms, such as anemones.

GREENERY  With blue Tweedia for color among mint and geranium leaves. (via BRIDES) 

EUROPEAN INSPIRED CEREMONY  ...celebrating the Italian High Renaissance style of the estate mixed with all the makings of your favorite fairytale. – Style Me Pretty 

Wedding Ceremony

Your something blue for your wedding doesn’t just have to be carried on your person. Why not make the whole ceremony blue? For a balanced look, consider offsetting the blue hues with creamy whites and subtle green, and using white planters for a chic look. Ornate planters like this Capri urn are perfect for a romantic feel, while modern white stone would suit traditional and minimalist styles.  

CEREMONY DETAILS  Blue candles and florals in plant pots. (via Style Me Pretty) 

GREY, BLUE, & GREEN  Wild centerpieces in gold bowls, blue glassware, and gold flatware, on grey tablecloths. (via Style Me Pretty) 

Tablescapes & Centerpieces

Bring your something blue to the reception by adding bright accents to your tablescapes and centerpieces. You can really let your creativity run wild here. Choose what speaks to you: blue glassware, blue candles, blue tablecloths, blue napkins, blue flowers… the options are endless! You’ll want to add in some other shades and tones to balance the blue. Brushed gold bowls and vases are our pick, as they’ll add a touch of shine and class to your table. Use pale greenery – like a Dusty Miller spray – in your bouquets (or just arranged on the table) to complete the color scape.  

TONS OF TULIP  Long tables with blue tulips in pleated glass votives among arrangements of cream roses. (via Style Me Pretty)  Solid, monochromatic vases are also great for bright flowers, like these spiky blue blooms. These matte black ceramic square vases are ideal for modern weddings, where you’re going for a more neutral color palette with shocks of blue.   

MONOCHROMATIC  Blue eryngium, thistle, and nigella in a black ceramic cube. (via The Wall street Journal)  For an unconventional something blue idea, we love this eclectic table centerpiece. Mismatched vases all come together to create a cohesive look. This style uses a mix of blue hyacinths, berries, and other blue blooms. It's perfect for brides that want to stand out and make a statement with their decor. The key is a mix of vases in a neutral color scheme – greys, whites, creams, and clear glassware. Small, clear bud vases look striking with long-stemmed flowers and plants. Place big blooms with long stems in a small marble bowl like this one with a metallic accent to make it pop. And for a final touch, use our smoky bud vases to add an interesting shade to your tablescape, then fill them with this spiky blueberry branch.  

MIX  Simplicity reigns in this composition of bud vases featuring several spider mum stems. – VERANDA  How gorgeous is this blue crystal table number? It's a simple addition to every table – the key is to keep everything else neutral so it stands out. White or ivory tablecloths and pale flowers are your best choice here. Pair them with simple clear vases and glassware so the blue elements can have their moment.   

VIBRANT ROCKS  Calligraphed blue geodes for table numbers. (via Style Me Pretty) 

STATEMENT BAR ...a custom bar that was built to reflect one of the couple's signature wedding colors: periwinkle. – Martha Stewart 

The Bar

Go all in with the blue and install a bright statement bar at your reception. Opt for a pale, pastel blue for a traditional wedding, or bold, royal blue for a more modern, edgy approach. Again, white and gold are your best friends here. Large gold pedestal bowls and tall gold urns will complement any decor style, particularly when filled with dramatic bouquets and arrangements. Be sure to include as many large white roses as possible to complete the look.    Jamali Garden has everything you need to plan and style your perfect wedding. For silk flowers, vases, greenery and antique urns, make us the first stop for parties, weddings, events, and everyday home decor. Beloved by DIY brides, wedding planners, designers, and florists, there’s something for every single occasion at Jamali Garden.   Cover: Delft blue (Delfts blauw) place plates and vases with crystal-look votive holders. (via BRIDES)