Short answer: The easiest way to carry “something blue” is in your flowers: a blue rose bridal bouquet, a blue and ivory bouquet, matching blue bridesmaid posies, or a subtle blue accent on the groom’s boutonniere and the mothers’ corsages. Choose how much blue you want, from a whole palette to a single hidden detail.
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” The rhyme is an old wedding tradition in which each item brings good luck, and blue traditionally stands for love, faithfulness and loyalty. Many brides tuck a blue ribbon inside a dress or wear blue shoes. Flowers are another lovely way to do it, because the blue appears in photos and can be shared with the whole wedding party.
The ideas below range from bold to barely there, all using designs from our wedding flowers collection. Start by deciding how much blue you want: a full theme, a clear accent or a subtle nod.
How much blue do you want?
- A full blue theme: blue bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, blue accents for the groom and parents.
- A clear accent: an ivory bouquet with blue, and blue only on the groom.
- A subtle nod: one blue boutonniere or corsage, or blue in the bouquet ribbon.
1. A blue rose bridal bouquet
A bouquet of blue roses is the most visible way to carry something blue. Blue roses do not grow naturally in that colour, so they always look unexpected and memorable. Against a white or ivory dress, they create a crisp, cool contrast that photographs beautifully in daylight and under evening lights.
The Blue Whisper Bridal Bouquet comes in 10, 15 or 20 roses. Ten roses suits a slim dress or a small ceremony; 20 roses gives a fuller look for a ballroom or a long gown. Because blue is strong, keep the rest of the bride’s look simple so the bouquet is the accent.
- Blue Whisper Bridal Bouquet: Blue roses in 10, 15 or 20 stems
2. A bouquet with a touch of blue
If a whole blue bouquet feels like too much, choose a design where blue is a detail rather than the whole story. It keeps the classic bridal look while still honouring the tradition.
Something Blue is a bridal bouquet named for the tradition, with a blue touch. Azure Ivory is named for its azure and ivory palette, a good fit for a blue and white wedding. Contact us to confirm colours and details for your date.
- Something Blue: A bridal bouquet with a blue touch
- Azure Ivory: An azure and ivory palette
3. Blue bridesmaid posies
Sharing the blue with your bridesmaids turns the tradition into a theme. Matching posies create a line of colour in the processional and in every group photo.
The Blue Whisper Bridesmaid Bouquet uses three blue roses with baby’s breath and was made to pair with the Blue Whisper Bridal Bouquet. If the bride carries ivory instead, blue posies for the bridesmaids keep the something blue in the party while the bride stays classic.
- Blue Whisper Bridesmaid Bouquet: Three blue roses with baby’s breath
4. A blue boutonniere for the groom
The groom can carry the tradition too. A blue and white boutonniere links him to a blue bridal bouquet, or adds the blue on his side if the bride wears all white.
The Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere combines blue and white roses with baby’s breath. It suits navy and grey suits especially well. Groomsmen can wear the same design or a simpler white rose boutonniere, with the groom’s blue setting him apart.
- Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere: Blue and white roses with baby’s breath
5. Blue corsages for the mothers
Mothers and grandmothers often wear corsages, and a blue and ivory design is a quiet way to include them in the theme. It also coordinates with navy and blue outfits, which are popular mother-of-the-bride choices.
The Blue & Ivory Luxe Corsage is a wrist corsage in blue and ivory. Pair it with the Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere for the fathers. Read our mother of the bride corsage ideas for more.
- Blue & Ivory Luxe Corsage: A blue and ivory wrist corsage
6. A full blue and ivory wedding party
If you love blue, carry it through every piece: blue roses for the bride, blue posies for the bridesmaids, blue and ivory for the groom and parents. Ivory and white tie it together so it never feels heavy.
- Blue Whisper Bridal Bouquet: The bride: blue roses
- Blue Whisper Bridesmaid Bouquet: The bridesmaids: blue posies
- Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere: The groom: blue and white roses
- Blue & Ivory Luxe Corsage: The mothers: blue and ivory corsages
7. White and ivory with blue only in the ribbon
For the subtlest nod, keep every flower white or ivory and add blue only in a ribbon or a small detail tucked into the bouquet. Nobody else needs to see it; it can be your private something blue.
Choose a classic ivory bouquet such as Ivory Promise or Pearl Kiss, and contact us before ordering to ask about a blue ribbon or detail.
- Ivory Promise: A classic ivory bouquet to pair with a blue ribbon
- Pearl Kiss Bridal Bouquet: White roses with pearl details
Why blue roses look so striking
Roses do not naturally produce a true blue pigment, which is why blue roses always look special. Because they are so unusual, they draw the eye in a way that pink or white roses do not. In photos, blue reads as cool and calm, a nice balance to warm skin tones and golden evening light. It also pairs naturally with silver, grey and navy, which makes it easy to coordinate with suits and bridesmaid dresses.
Blue for every season
- Spring: blue with white and soft greenery feels fresh.
- Summer: blue and white suits outdoor and waterside weddings.
- Fall: blue contrasts beautifully with warm, golden light.
- Winter: blue and ivory echoes icy, snowy tones.
Matching blue to bridesmaid dresses
Blue flowers work with many dress colours. Against navy, blue roses blend in, so white and ivory flowers often stand out better; reserve blue for the bride and groom. Against dusty blue or light grey, blue roses look harmonious. Against blush or champagne, blue creates a gentle contrast. Against white or ivory dresses, blue is the clear accent.
Something blue for a small or city hall wedding
Even the simplest ceremony can carry the tradition. A 10-rose Blue Whisper bouquet for the bride and a Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere for the groom make a complete, coordinated pair with almost no fuss. Add a blue and ivory corsage for a parent or witness if you like.
Other something blue ideas to pair with your flowers
- A blue ribbon wrapped around the bouquet handle.
- Blue shoes peeking out under the dress.
- A blue stone in a piece of borrowed jewellery.
- Blue embroidery inside the dress, such as your initials and the date.
- A blue handkerchief for the groom’s pocket.
These pair well with blue flowers or replace them entirely if you prefer an all-white bouquet.
Planning a blue wedding party order
- Choose the bride’s bouquet: full blue, a touch of blue or ivory.
- Decide who else carries blue: bridesmaids, groom, parents.
- List everyone who needs flowers.
- Order together; bridal flowers need at least 48 hours of notice, and earlier is better.
Caring for blue roses on the day
Blue roses need the same care as any rose. Keep them cool and out of direct sun, rest exposed stems in a little cool water between photos, then pat them dry before carrying. Keep corsages and boutonnieres in a cool place, such as a refrigerator away from fruit, until just before photos.
Keeping your something blue
A blue rose from your bouquet makes a lovely keepsake. Air dry it upside down in a dark, dry place for two to three weeks, or press a few petals in a book. Keep it with your other wedding mementos: your something old, new and borrowed.
What blue says on your wedding day
In the old rhyme, blue stands for faithfulness and love, and many couples like the idea that a little blue brings luck to the marriage. Whether you choose a full blue bouquet or a single blue detail, it adds a personal story to your flowers that guests often ask about.
Blue with other colours
Blue pairs well with more than ivory. Blue and white is crisp and nautical, ideal for summer and waterside weddings. Blue and blush is soft and romantic, a gentle contrast that suits spring. Blue with silver details looks wintry and elegant. If your wedding has a second colour, share it with us before you order so we can suggest designs that work together.
Questions couples ask us about blue
The most common questions are whether blue looks good in photos (it does, especially against white and ivory), whether blue suits a formal wedding (it does, particularly with ivory and pearls), and whether the groom should match the bride (it is a nice touch, but optional). The FAQ below covers the rest.
Bringing it all together
Choose your level of blue, from full theme to subtle nod. Build the bride’s bouquet first, then decide who else carries blue. Use ivory and white to balance it, and order everything together so the shades match. The result is a wedding party that looks cohesive in photos and carries a small piece of tradition into your day.
8. Blue for the flower girl and ring bearer
Children in the wedding party are an easy place to add a little blue. A ring bearer can wear a small blue and white boutonniere, and a flower girl can carry a single stem or a small posy that echoes the bridesmaids. Keep pieces light and simple; small hands tire quickly.
For the flower girl, a single stem or a flower ball works well; pair it with a blue ribbon if you want the colour. For the ring bearer, the Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere matches the groom.
- Ivory Pearl Flower Ball: A flower ball for the flower girl, easy to carry
9. Blue for the officiant or a special guest
If someone important is officiating or giving a reading, a corsage or boutonniere in blue and ivory is a quiet thank-you that also ties them into the wedding photos.
The Blue & Ivory Luxe Corsage and the Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere cover both options.
10. Blue on the reception tables
After the ceremony, the blue bouquets can move to the reception. Bridesmaid posies in small vases along the head table carry the colour into the evening, and the bride’s bouquet often sits in front of the couple’s seats.
This is also a practical way to keep the flowers in water during the meal, so they look fresh for the late-evening photos.
Choosing between blue roses and blue accents
A full blue rose bouquet makes blue the statement. Blue accents make it a detail. Think about the rest of your wedding: if the bridesmaids already wear blue, a full blue bouquet can feel like a lot, and an ivory bouquet with a blue touch may look more balanced. If everything else is neutral, a full blue bouquet becomes the focal point and brings colour to every photo.
- Choose full blue if: the rest of the palette is neutral and you want a statement.
- Choose a blue touch if: the bridesmaids or decor already include blue.
- Choose a hidden blue detail if: you prefer an all-white look but want to keep the tradition.
Blue in different wedding styles
Classic and formal: ivory with pearls for the bride, blue on the groom and mothers. Coastal or summer: blue and white everywhere, crisp and fresh. Modern and minimal: a single blue accent, such as the groom’s boutonniere, against an all-white party. Romantic: blue and blush together for a soft contrast. Winter: blue and ivory with silver details for an icy palette.
Where to wear your something blue if not in the bouquet
If you would rather keep the bouquet white, the tradition can live elsewhere, and your flowers can still nod to it through the groom and the mothers. A blue boutonniere and blue corsages carry the colour into the photos while the bride stays classic. Many couples like this split: the bride wears something blue privately, and the flowers show it publicly through the people she loves.
Checklist for a blue wedding party
- Bride: blue bouquet, a blue touch or ivory with a blue ribbon.
- Bridesmaids: blue posies or white with blue ribbon.
- Groom: Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere.
- Groomsmen: matching blue or simple white boutonnieres.
- Mothers and grandmothers: Blue & Ivory Luxe Corsages.
- Flower girl and ring bearer: a single stem, a flower ball or a small boutonniere.
Talking to us about blue
Blue roses are a specific look, and shades can vary. If an exact match to a dress or decor colour matters, send us a photo or a swatch before you order and we will confirm what is possible. For custom palettes, Autumn Romance is made with your choice of colours and seasonal flowers, with the final price confirmed before ordering.
Three complete blue wedding party looks
The full blue party. The bride carries the Blue Whisper Bridal Bouquet in 20 roses for a fuller look. Four bridesmaids carry Blue Whisper Bridesmaid Bouquets. The groom and fathers wear the Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere, groomsmen wear the Ivory Rose Boutonniere, and the mothers wear the Blue & Ivory Luxe Corsage. The result is a clear blue story from one end of the line to the other.
The ivory party with a blue heart. The bride carries Azure Ivory or Something Blue. Bridesmaids carry Ivory Grace with six white roses. Only the groom wears blue, with the Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere, so the couple shares the colour while everyone else stays classic.
The secret blue. Every flower is white or ivory: Pearl Kiss for the bride, Ivory Touch single stems for the bridesmaids, Ivory Rose boutonnieres for the men. The only blue is a ribbon on the bride’s bouquet handle, visible in a close-up photo of her hands and ring.
Photographing blue flowers
Blue can look slightly different in photos depending on the light. In daylight, blue roses look clear and cool; under warm indoor lighting they can look a little deeper. Mention to your photographer that blue is part of your story, so they capture a detail shot of the bouquet in natural light. A flat-lay of the blue bouquet with the ring, the invitation and your something old, new and borrowed makes a lovely image of the whole tradition.
Making blue last through a long day
A wedding day can run for twelve hours or more. Keep the bouquets in a cool room until the ceremony, rest exposed stems in a little water during breaks, and move them out of direct sun during outdoor photos. Boutonnieres and corsages are the most delicate pieces; keep them refrigerated away from fruit until the party dresses, and pin them on last. With a little care, the blue will look as fresh at the last dance as it did at the first look.
From tradition to keepsake
After the wedding, dry one blue rose from the bouquet and keep it with your other something old, new and borrowed items. Some couples frame it with the wedding invitation. It is a small, lasting reminder of the tradition you chose to carry.
Blue flowers and wedding traditions around the world
Blue has long been linked with loyalty and love in many wedding traditions, which is part of why the something blue rhyme has lasted. Many couples today carry the tradition without strictly following it, choosing blue because they simply love the colour. Whether for luck, tradition or taste, blue flowers make a wedding memorable.
Matching blue to your rings and jewellery
Blue pairs beautifully with silver and white gold, and with sapphires or blue stones. If your ring or your jewellery includes blue, blue flowers echo it in photos. With gold jewellery, blue and ivory keeps the look warm and balanced.
Something blue flower FAQ
What does something blue mean at a wedding?
It comes from the old rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. Blue traditionally stands for love, faithfulness and loyalty.
Can my bouquet be my something blue?
Yes. A blue rose bouquet such as Blue Whisper, or an ivory bouquet with a blue touch, is a visible way to carry the tradition.
Are blue roses real?
Roses do not grow naturally in a true blue, so blue roses are coloured. That is part of what makes them look so unusual.
Do blue flowers look good with a white dress?
Yes. Blue against white or ivory creates a crisp, cool contrast that photographs beautifully.
Should the groom wear blue too?
It is optional but popular. The Blue & Ivory Duo Boutonniere links the groom to a blue bouquet.
What colour bridesmaid dresses go with blue flowers?
Dusty blue, grey, blush and white all work. With navy dresses, white flowers often stand out better.
Can I have just a little blue?
Yes. Keep the flowers ivory and add blue in the ribbon, on one boutonniere or on the mothers’ corsages.
How far ahead should I order blue wedding flowers?
Bridal flowers need at least 48 hours of notice. For the full wedding party, contact us early to confirm your date.
Can I add blue to an ivory bouquet?
Contact us before ordering to ask about a blue ribbon or detail. Something Blue and Azure Ivory already include blue.
Do blue roses match navy suits?
Yes. Blue and white boutonnieres look sharp against navy and grey suits.
Related guides
- Wedding Bouquet Ideas: 12 Styles for Every Kind of Bride
- Wedding Bouquet Colours: Bridal and Bridesmaid Pairings
- Rose Colour Meanings: White, Red, Pink and Blue
Add your something blue
Blue bridal bouquets, posies, boutonnieres and corsages.
