Something Blue Before 'I Do': Planning the Perfect Bridal Shower
A blue balloon arch doubles as decor and a photo booth! Photo Credit: Always Invited
The Significance of "Something Blue" in Wedding Traditions
The original rhyme, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe,” dates back to Lancashire, England in the 19th century.
It was created as a way for brides to remember all the good luck charms tradition dictated she needed on her wedding day.
Something new represented hope for a bright future. Something old is a nod to your ancestors. Something borrowed usually comes from someone who has a happy marriage with the hope their good relationship will inspire yours.
Something blue was added to represent purity, fidelity, and love! So it only makes sense that a “something blue” bridal shower would bring good vibes and traditions!
Planning the "Something Blue" Bridal Shower
Setting the Date and Venue
The bridal shower should take place about 3-6 weeks before the actual wedding day. This will give the bride time to breathe and allow guests to work this event into their schedule.
This theme works perfectly for any setting! From backyards to beachside to rooftop terraces to cozy indoor locales, you can work a “something blue” theme into any bridal shower venue space. All you need is a little creativity.
2. Creating the Guest List
Bridal showers don’t require you to invite the whole wedding guest list. Add close friends, family, and the bridal party members to the list.
Some brides may want to invite coworkers as well. Always ask the bride or someone close to her who she wants at the event. Decide early on if it’s a girls-only or co-ed event.
As you send out invites, you’ll need a way to manage RSVPs. Save time and paper by having guests fill out a Google form. You can add the Bitly link or a QR code to the invite. That way, you’ll be able to collect important information, like plus-one info and dietary needs.
3. Invitations
Designing Blue-Themed Invitations
Your guests’ first impressions of your event will come from the invitation. So it’s important you get it right when it comes to theming! The blue shower theme is broad enough that you can easily tailor it to the bride’s tastes.
Incorporate shades of blue, watercolor of ombre effects, and even some blue florals.
Wording Suggestions
Bridal shower invitation wording can be fun, themed, formal, or casual. Here are some suggestions for a “something blue” shower!
Join us for something blue before she says “I Do!”
Something blue
Old and new and something blue
No more blues, she’s saying I Do!
Digital vs. Printed Invitations
In the digital age, it’s not unusual to send invitations directly to guests’ phones and inboxes. You’ll save lots of time, money, and paper by doing this. There are tons of free templates or design platforms like Canva that make it a breeze to design and send.
However, older guests or those who are less tech savvy may not appreciate your modern choice or even miss the invite.
But there’s just something about getting a letter in the mail that puts a smile on people’s faces! So don’t disregard paper invites as a thing of the past.
While they will add a line to your budget for the cards, envelopes, and postage, you’ll make a big impression by sending printed invitations.
4. Decorations and Ambiance
A white and blue "Something blue" picture background with arches and flowers. Image by MC Decorations.
Color Palette Selection
There are countless shares of blue: turquoise, baby blue, teal, navy, and more. Choose the shade that embodies the bride’s personality. Is she bright and bubbly? Go for a bright electric blue. More elegant and demure? Power blue is just the ticket.
Choose a complementary color, preferably a neutral, to create a gorgeous palette. Gold, silver, or white are excellent choices that work well in any setting.
Decor Ideas
Set the scene with perfect table settings. Think blue tablecloths or napkins with white accents throughout. For centerpieces, choose florals with different shades of blue. Or go with white flowers in blue vases.
You can customize balloon arches and banners to fit the theme as well. For example, a “Something Blue” neon sign or banner will look great up on the wall of the venue.
Finally, LED lights in her favorite shade of blue, or even candles or lanterns, will set the mood and amplify your theme.
Floral Arrangements
There are lots of beautiful blue flowers to choose from. Hydrangeas, delphiniums, or even dip-dyed roses. Make your arrangements pop with white, yellow, or cream colored accent flowers.
Unique Decor Elements
Amazing decor is the secret to a stunning bridal shower. Set up a blue-themed photo book with a backdrop that features the color. Add bridal-themed props and accessories to make for fun photos.
You can also create a memory wall with pictures of the bride and groom in blue clothing throughout the years. Or post the pictures on a blue-themed board with fun gold accents.
5. Dress Code
Decor isn’t the only way to make your bridal shower theme shine. Dress codes allow guests to become integral parts of the party! When writing your invitations, encourage guests to wear shades of blue.
While it will be optional, guests will have fun participating! To inspire them, offer a “Best Dressed” award for the most creative use of blue or whoever managed to wear the most of the color!
The bride should still wear white, but help her stand out with blue accessories, like jewelry, headbands, or even a cool blue belt. Whatever she wears, she should feel like a million bucks!
6. Food and Beverages
Mini blue and white cupcakes on a wooden tray. Image by One Green Planet.
Blue-Themed Menu Ideas
Believe it or not, there are lots of blue foods you can use to create a stunning appetizer buffet. Blue corn tortilla chips look stunning and taste delicious when paired with fresh salsa.
Plus, they are gluten free! You can also highlight the humble blueberry to achieve the hue you’re looking for with a blueberry bruschetta or sauce that can be paired with foods.
When it comes to the main course, feed the bride her favorite foods. But make it on theme by serving on blue platters. You can also add blue elements as a garnish to a bridal shower charcuterie board to keep the dishes on the theme.
Whatever food you choose to serve, use decor items to keep everything on theme. Blue silverware, napkins, and platters will go a long way to turn any food item into a themed bite!
Desserts
Make your dessert table shine by carrying the blue theme over from the buffet table. Choose confections with blue icing, like donuts, macarons, or blue velvet cupcakes.
You can also serve mini blueberry cheesecake bites or blue raspberry ice cream! When all else fails, add the blue by purchasing sprinkles, edible glitter, and cake decor in the shade.
Signature Blue Drinks
Serve guests a signature blue cocktail. This will save you money and make your guests smile with joy. Blue Lagoon cocktails are a classic choice. Blueberry lemonade or tea can be offered as a non-alcoholic option.
Of course, you can easily customize a “Something Blue” cocktail using blue curacao syrup. Don’t forget to invent a mocktail version for guests who cannot partake!
7. "Something Blue" Games and Activities
"Something Blue" Scavenger Hunt
Plan fun activities, like a “Something Blue” scavenger hunt. Hide blue items around the venue. Challenge your guests to find them or give them fun clues to follow. The person who finds the most gets a fun bridal shower prize!
DIY Craft Stations
Craft stations are a great way to keep guests entertained and allow them to create something they can take home. Set up a cookie decorating station with blue themed icing, sprinkles, and other accents.
You can also set up a jewelry making station where guests can string together blue bracelets or necklaces to trade with others.
Trivia Games
Ask guests questions about the bride and groom. Make it blue by offering blue-themed prizes, like blue bath salts, jewelry, or scarves.
Wishing Well
Purchase a stack of blue stationary and invite guests to write well-wishes or offer advice to the bride! This will be fun for her to sort through after the event and may even give her a tip or two she can use as she embarks on the new chapter of her life.
8. Favors and Gifts
Gift bags of blue and white "something borrowed" soaps. Image by Realistic Wedding.
Blue-Themed Party Favors
Scented candles in blue tins
Mini bottles of blue nail polish
Customized blue eye masks
Blue rose compact mirrors
Custom-labeled blue hand sanitizers
Blue lip balms
Blue makeup brushes
Personalized Keepsakes
Engraved keychains
Blue tote bags with the event date and saying
Blue beach towels
Embroidered blue sun hats
Beaded blue necklaces with customized initials
Packaging Ideas
No matter what type of party favor you choose, the packaging is super important! Wrap items in blue tissue paper and secure the edges with a custom sticker. Or buy blue organza drawstring bags for a touch of class and elegance.
Set up your favor table near the door so guests know to grab one on the way out!
Incorporating "Something Blue" Traditions
A blue garter set with pearls and bows. Image by The Last Minute Bride.
Sharing the History
Start your shower by giving a brief history on the “Something Blue” tradition. Chances are guests have heard the rhyme before but never its origins!
Presenting the Bride with Her "Something Blue"
Ask guests to contribute to a collective gift or surprise the bride with individual blue items she could choose from to carry on her wedding day. Think pins, ribbons, or blue flower petals.
Time Capsule Creation
Ask guests to write notes to the happy couple or collect small mementos that represent their relationship with the bride. Store these items in a waterproof, air tight blue box and ask her to open them on a special anniversary.
This time capsule may not pay off right away, but down the road, the bride will appreciate the gesture!
Virtual "Something Blue" Bridal Shower Ideas
Planning a Virtual Event
When family members and friends are scattered across the globe, virtual events allow brides to still have everyone they hold dear attend their special day! Use Zoom or Google Meet to host your gathering.
Make sure you take into account everyone’s time zone and choose a time that works for everyone.
Sending Out Blue-Themed Virtual Backgrounds
Design a special blue-themed background with your bridal shower slogan and send it out for guests to use during the call. This will make for fun photos since everyone will have the same backdrop!
Online Games and Activities
Just because everyone is on Zoom doesn’t mean they don’t need to be entertained! Design a virtual trivia challenge to get everyone in the competitive mood.
Use a website like Goose Chase to create a digital scavenger hunt or challenge. Finally, as guests to suggest songs for an event playlist that remind them of the bride. Play it during downtime.
Budget-Friendly Tips
DIY Decorations
If you’re short on funds, DIYing decor is the way to go. Use design websites like Canva to craft your own banners and signage. You can print them by section and glue it together yourself.
Hit up the craft stores for items to make your centerpieces shine. Look for sales and coupons to save big on your shopping trip.
Thrift Shopping
Thrift stores are stocked with blue decor items for a fraction of the price they would cost new. So scour local shops to find items that fit the vibe you’re looking to achieve. You can also ask friends and family to borrow blue items.
Potluck Style
Another way to save big is to host a potluck style event. Have guests each bring a side, dessert, or appetizer platter to share. You can serve the protein or stock the dessert table.
But this will bring some delicious, home cooked food to your event while helping you stay on budget. Plus, guests will be excited to share their favorite dishes!
Inspo Gallery
Wrapping Up Your "Something Blue" Event
At the end of the day, your goal is to make your favorite bride-to-be feel cherished and seen with the right theme. Celebrate your “Something Blue” theme and embrace the shade in every choice you make.
Remember, the day is all about her! So let the bride’s preferences guide your choices and you won’t go wrong!