How to Choose the Perfect Something Blue Dress for Your Wedding

The 'something blue' wedding tradition dates back centuries, symbolizing love, purity, and fidelity. While many brides choose a blue garter or ribbon, an increasingly popular modern twist is to wear a blue dress—whether as a reception outfit, a bridal shower ensemble, or even the main wedding gown. Choosing the perfect something blue dress can be both meaningful and stylish, and this guide will help you navigate the options.

From soft pastels to rich jewel tones, blue dresses offer a versatile palette that can complement any wedding theme. Whether you're looking for a flowy maxi for a beach ceremony or a sleek satin midi for an evening celebration, understanding your venue, season, and personal style is key. Let's dive into how to choose the perfect something blue dress for your special day.

Why Choose a Something Blue Dress?

The tradition of wearing something blue is one of the oldest wedding customs, with origins in ancient Rome where blue represented love, modesty, and fidelity. In Victorian England, the rhyme 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' became a popular guide for brides, and blue was often incorporated through a blue garter or ribbon. Today, many brides are reinterpreting this tradition by wearing a blue dress, which allows them to add a personal and fashionable touch to their wedding attire.

A something blue dress can serve multiple purposes: it can be the wedding gown itself, a reception dress, or an outfit for pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or bachelorette party. By choosing a blue dress, you not only honor tradition but also create stunning photo opportunities and a memorable fashion statement. It's a way to stand out and express your individuality while keeping a connection to the past.

• Symbolizes love, fidelity, and purity
• Offers a modern twist on a classic tradition
• Versatile for various wedding events and themes

Choosing the Right Shade of Blue

Blue comes in a wide range of shades, each evoking a different mood and suiting different skin tones and wedding themes. For a soft, romantic look, consider pastel blues like powder blue or baby blue, which work beautifully for daytime and spring weddings. These shades pair well with white and ivory, creating a delicate and airy feel. If you're aiming for a more sophisticated and evening-appropriate look, deeper shades like navy, midnight blue, or royal blue add drama and elegance.

For a unique and trendy option, consider dusty blue or slate blue, which have a muted, vintage-inspired charm that suits rustic or garden weddings. Jewel tones like sapphire or cobalt make a bold statement and are perfect for winter or formal celebrations. When choosing a shade, consider your skin tone and the overall color palette of your wedding. Try on different blues to see which one makes you feel most beautiful and confident.

• Pastel blues for daytime and spring events
• Deep blues like navy for evening and winter weddings
• Dusty blue for vintage or rustic themes

Styles of Something Blue Dresses

The style of your something blue dress should reflect your personal taste and the formality of your wedding. For a beach or destination wedding, a flowy maxi dress in a light blue hue is both comfortable and picturesque. The Veda Slinky Halter Maxi Dress - Russet, despite its name, could be a stunning choice if you're open to a warm, earthy tone, but for a true blue, consider the Alice Satin Halter Maxi Dress - Lemon, which offers a silky halter design that flatters the shoulders and adds a touch of glamour.

If you prefer a more structured and modern look, a satin midi dress like the Maddison V Neck Satin Maxi Dress - Dark Chocolate might be your pick, though you'll want to seek a blue version for the tradition. For a romantic and feminine silhouette, the Odette Floral Lace Midi Dress - Pale Blue is an excellent option, featuring delicate lace that adds texture and charm. For a sleek and contemporary feel, the Iris Long Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress - White could be dyed or styled with blue accessories, but ideally, you'll find a blue dress that fits your vision.

• Maxi dresses for flowy and comfortable elegance
• Satin midi dresses for sleek and formal occasions
• Lace dresses for a romantic and vintage touch

Where to Wear Your Something Blue Dress

Your something blue dress can be worn for multiple wedding-related events, not just the ceremony. For the bridal shower or bachelorette party, a blue mini or midi dress is a fun and festive choice. The Cosmala Denim Long Sleeve Mini Dress - Indigo Blue offers a casual yet chic vibe, perfect for a daytime gathering. If you're planning a bachelorette weekend, a blue dress that's easy to move in is ideal, and you can accessorize with blue heels or jewelry to tie the theme together.

For the wedding itself, if you're not wearing a blue gown, consider a blue reception dress. Many brides change into a second dress for the evening celebration, and a blue midi or maxi dress can be a stunning choice. The Rachael Knit Midi Dress - Light Blue provides comfort and style, allowing you to dance the night away. Alternatively, a blue dress for your engagement photos or rehearsal dinner can also be a lovely nod to the tradition.

• Bridal shower and bachelorette parties
• Reception dress for the evening
• Engagement photos and rehearsal dinner

Accessorizing Your Something Blue Dress

Once you've chosen your something blue dress, accessorizing is key to completing your look. For a blue dress, consider neutral accessories like silver, gold, or white to let the color shine. A pair of strappy silver heels and delicate jewelry can enhance the elegance of a satin or lace dress. If you're wearing a blue dress to a more casual event, like a bridal shower, you can pair it with white sneakers or sandals for a relaxed vibe.

Don't forget about your hair and makeup. A soft updo or loose waves can complement the dress's neckline, and a natural makeup look with a bold lip can balance the blue. Additionally, consider adding a blue accessory like a clutch or hairpiece to tie the theme together. The key is to create a cohesive and polished look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

• Neutral accessories like silver or gold
• Consider the dress's neckline for hairstyle choices
• Add blue accessories like a clutch or hairpiece

Choosing the perfect something blue dress is a personal and exciting part of your wedding planning. Whether you opt for a pastel maxi, a sleek satin midi, or a playful mini, the most important thing is that it reflects your style and makes you feel wonderful. Explore our collection of blue dresses to find your ideal something blue, and remember that this tradition is all about adding a touch of meaning and beauty to your special day.