A Wedding Tradition Perfect for Blue Monday Brides

Blue Monday may be known as the “saddest day of the year,” but for brides-to-be we’re reclaiming the colour blue and turning it into something joyful, meaningful, and full of wedding magic. 💙

One of the most loved wedding traditions — something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue — is the perfect way to play with symbolism, sentiment, and personal style.

If you’re deciding whether to include this tradition in your wedding day, here’s everything you need to know — plus plenty of inspiration to make it uniquely you.

What Is “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”?

This well-known rhyme dates back to Victorian England and is believed to bring good luck, happiness and a successful marriage.

Each of the four elements represents something meaningful:

• Old: continuity with the bride’s past and family

• New: optimism for the couple’s future

• Borrowed: happiness borrowed from a loved one

• Blue: love, purity, fidelity, and faithfulness

Many brides choose to follow all four — but there’s no pressure. This tradition can be as subtle, symbolic, or playful as you like which I think is why it is a favourite wedding tradition.

Something Old – Honouring Family & Continuity

Something old is often the most sentimental part of the tradition. It symbolises the bride’s connection to her past, her family and her roots.

Traditionally, this is an heirloom passed down through generations, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate.

Ideas for Something Old:

• A family bracelet, ring, or brooch

• A vintage clutch bag

• A handkerchief embroidered with initials

• A sixpence tucked into your shoe (a lovely nod to another wedding tradition)

When I got married, my something old was a sixpence a friend gave me which my Dad glued in the bottom of my shoe.  It was a small detail, but one full of meaning.

What Can Be Your Something New?

Something new represents the couple’s bright future together — fresh beginnings, hope, and excitement.

For many brides, this is the most easiest part of the tradition to find something for.

Popular Something New Ideas:

• Your wedding dress

• Veil or headpiece

• Earrings 

• Wedding shoes

• A new fragrance worn only on your wedding day

• Your new husband 😉

My something new was my wedding dress.

Something Borrowed – Sentimental Piece

Something borrowed should come from someone who has a happy marriage, symbolising the passing of good fortune to the bride.

This is often one of the most emotional choices, especially when borrowed from a close family member or best friend.

Meaningful Borrowed Ideas:

• Your grandmother’s bracelet or necklace

• A veil worn by your mum or sister

• A hair accessory from your best friend

• A piece of jewellery worn at their own wedding

My something borrowed was my grandmother’s bracelet — a constant reminder of love, strength, and family, especially as she had her name engraved on it and I was called after her.

Something Blue Wedding Ideas

Now for the star of the show — and perfect for Blue Monday — something blue.

Blue symbolises love, purity, fidelity, and faithfulness.  It is traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary.

This is often the most fun part of the tradition, as it can be as bold or as hidden as you like.

Creative Something Blue Ideas:

• A blue ribbon tied into your bouquet (my Mum added mine 💙)

• Blue garter

• Blue wedding shoes

• Blue embroidery inside your dress

• Blue nail polish 

• Blue invitations 

• Blue bridesmaid dresses

• Blue cake icing or decorative details

• A blue medal, charm, or locket sewn into your dress

Whether it’s a tiny ribbon or a statement shoe, something blue is a lovely way to add personality and colour.

Una in my April Wedding Blog says ““I love shoes and I always wanted a pair that I would wear again. I opted for a blue pair as I didn’t own a pair this colour and they were also symbolic. I bought a new pair of white runners that I changed into when my feet could no longer handle the heels!”. Have a read of more of Una’s tips here

Should You Follow This Wedding Tradition?

There’s no rulebook when it comes to modern weddings. Some brides embrace all four traditions, others choose just one or two — and some reinterpret them entirely.

If you love:

• Sentimentality

• Storytelling

• Family connections

• Hidden details with meaning

…then this tradition is a beautiful way to personalise your wedding day.

It’s not about superstition — it’s about intention, memory, and love.

How to Make “Something Blue” Personal & Fun

The best part of this tradition is that it doesn’t need to be serious. Something blue, in particular, allows room for creativity, humour, and modern flair.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want it hidden or visible?

• Do I want it sentimental or playful?

• Can someone I love be involved in adding it?

Sometimes, the smallest details — like a blue ribbon added by your mum — become the most treasured memories.

Turning Blue Monday Into Wedding Inspiration

Blue Monday might be gloomy by reputation, but when it comes to weddings, blue tells a very different story — one of love, loyalty, and joy.

Whether you go all-in on tradition or simply tuck a hint of blue somewhere meaningful, this age-old rhyme continues to bring brides comfort, creativity, and connection.

And really, isn’t that what weddings are all about?

💙