Blue is the quiet classic of wedding palettes—rooted in tradition (“something blue”) yet remarkably versatile, shifting from breezy seaside romance to stately evening elegance. Below, we explore blue with a little more depth: its history, symbolism, surprising facts, and how we’d use it beautifully across your wedding stationery and website.

A Brief History of Blue in Weddings

The old English rhyme—“something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”—appears in 19th-century sources and is tied to Victorian England. “Something blue” was thought to symbolise fidelity and to protect against the evil eye; historically it was often a discreet blue garter, and today it might be a ribbon, embroidery, or accents in styling.

Religiously and artistically, blue’s prestige runs deep. “Marian blue” (derived from costly ultramarine) became associated with depictions of the Virgin Mary in medieval and Renaissance art—a visual language of purity, devotion and honour.

Curious Facts About Blue

The world’s first synthetic pigment was blue. Egyptian blue dates to ancient Egypt (c. 3300 BCE). Its technology spread across the Mediterranean, a reminder that blue has signalled craft, innovation and luxury for millennia.
Cobalt blue has a storied, modern history. Identified as a cobalt compound in the 18th century; formulated as an alumina-based pigment in 1802 by Thénard; commercially produced by 1807—hence its crisp, luminous character in 19th-century art and ceramics.
Blue flowers are rare. Fewer than ~10% of flowers display true blue; botanically it’s difficult to produce (often requiring delphinidin pathways and co-pigments). This rarity is why blue florals feel so distinctive.
Blue is culturally protective. Across the Mediterranean and Middle East, the nazar (evil-eye) amulet is traditionally blue—worn to guard against misfortune. That protective meaning dovetails with “something blue” in Western rites.
Calm, trust, and poise. Contemporary research and reviews connect blue with calmness, reliability and lowered arousal—useful when designing guest-facing touchpoints (websites, signage).

Cultural Meanings of Blue:

Western traditions: fidelity, steadfast love, peace; “something blue” as a protective and auspicious token.
Mediterranean & Middle East: blue wards off the evil eye—protection and blessing for the couple.
Religious iconography: Marian blue communicates reverence and purity in Christian art; its expense historically signalled honour.
China (material culture): cobalt in blue-and-white porcelain symbolically connects sky/heaven and purity, a graceful reference for table styling and graphic motifs.

Our Favourite Shades of Blue

**Cloudy Blue** - soft, romantic, and ethereal; perfect for spring/summer or coastal moods
**Deep Sapphire** - vivid, modern, and art-forward (think porcelain and painterly details). Fabulous for bold typography, seals, and striking web moments
**Ocean** - composed and elegant; ideal for evening formality and a calming, high-contrast base.

How We’d Use Blue

Blue is endlessly versatile—it can be bold and dramatic or subtle and serene. Here’s how we’d thoughtfully bring it into a wedding:

**Decoration**

Use blue for statement pieces of colour that truly transform the space. Think a deep royal navy aisle runner, dramatic cobalt draping, or even a large-scale floral installation with rare blue blooms (delphiniums, hydrangeas) for show-stopping impact.

**Table Setting & Florals**

Introduce dusty sky blue into linens, glassware, or charger plates for a soft, romantic atmosphere. Balance it with white florals and touches of greenery, or add bold cobalt accents in ceramic vases to create a striking tablescape.

**Garment Details**

Beyond the groom’s suit, blue can shine in pre-wedding looks and subtle accessories—dusty blue shoes, a silk ribbon in the bridal bouquet, or even a delicate cobalt embroidered detail on a robe or veil. It’s a sophisticated nod to the “something blue” tradition.

**Stationery**

Blue is a dream in stationery design. From illustrations in cobalt ink to dusty blue envelopes, or on-the-day pieces like menus and escort cards in deep navy with gold foil, it feels refined yet full of character. This is where tradition meets modern design.

Blue brings history, symbolism and serenity in one elegant sweep—from Marian blue and ancient pigments to modern websites that feel calm and composed. Whether you choose cobalt, dusty sky, or royal navy, blue will lend your celebration grace and quiet confidence—and give your paper and digital touchpoints a beautifully cohesive voice.