Have you ever wondered about the tradition of wearing something blue? It comes from an old English rhyme:

“Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe.”

It turns out that each of these items has symbolic meaning:

Something old represents continuity and the link between the bride and her family (usually her mother and grandmother). Often brides will wear a piece of family jewelry or incorporate their mother’s dress into their own.

Something new offers optimism for the future, such as good luck and success in the marriage. The wedding dress itself is often the new item.

Something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness, usually from a happily married woman to the bride. Often brides tie jewelry to their gowns from a close friend.

Something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity. Traditionally a couple wore blue bands on the border of their wedding attire, but today something blue can come in the form of a garter, a blue tattoo, or even nail polish. Oh, and the sixpence in your shoe wishes the couple good fortune and prosperity.

In honor of the fact that I just dyed my hair peacock-blue, I though I’d share some of the gorgeous blue-themed wedding images Russell’s taken recently. Enjoy!