NEW YORK - Brides probably don't know exactly why they're wearing something blue on their wedding day, but they've been doing it for so long few want to break with tradition.
Research traces an early printed version of the good-luck poem, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," back to at least 1883. (Back then, there was another line attached to the end: "And a sixpence in her shoe.")
Superstition, yes, but why take a risk on such an important day?
"I guess I do believe in it - I did it," says Theresa DiMasi, editor-in-chief of Brides.com, who wore blue toenail polish at her wedding. "There's something that feels sort of solid about it. But I also believe it's a personal thing - you can do it your way or not do it all."
The most common way to add blue these days is a blue garter, DiMasi says, but there are more options than one might think: makeup, flowers, jewelry, a sash, or a little blue lace around the hem of the dress, she suggests.
At the most recent round of bridal fashion shows, there were some lovely pale-blue dresses that have a hint of colour but maintain the cool look of a true white.
DiMasi particularly liked the Reem Acra blue gowns, but she also acknowledges that it's easier to incorporate just a splash of blue.
Bianca Alexander, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics, would reach for blue eyeshadow. (Yes, blue eyeshadow!) A powder-blue matte shadow works well for a 1960s-inspired, doe-eyed look, she says, and will photograph nicely whether the pictures are in colour or black and white. "It'll just be a pop of colour on the lid."
The rest of the bride's makeup should be natural and neutral, with just a light colour on the cheeks and lips and a coat of mascara - not blue mascara.
A more glamorous look would be a pewter-coloured shadow with a blue tone to it. That, she says, could have a bit of shimmer, but a matte shadow with a similar grey-blue eye liner is a safer bet if you're not used to wearing blue yet still want intense colour.
Many women still treat blue eyeshadow as taboo, but Alexander says they needn't.
"Blues that don't work is any blue that screams 'trend,' especially for a wedding," she says. "For spring, acrylic colours are so hot in spring fashion, but I'd stay away from things that could look so dated in the future. If it looks like true blue on, it will look really blue in a photograph."
She adds: "Think dark denim blue."
Bright blue is OK, though, if we're talking about jewelry. Mixing diamonds with glistening coloured gemstones has become more popular for engagement rings and wedding bands. And if blue doesn't make it to the rings, there are still necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Detra Segar, vice-president and general manager of Tiffany & Co., which has its own signature blue box, suggests sapphires, tanzanite, blue tourmaline and aquamarine.
"These colourful blue gems are combined with brilliant Tiffany diamonds in Tiffany Celebration rings," she said.
For those unwilling to invest so heavily in a superstition, there are the disposable and more affordable blue flowers.
DiMasi herself carried a blue hydrangea in her bouquet simply because she liked the look. She has seen other brides put a blue flower in their hair, wrap a satin ribbon around flower stems or tuck a little blue crystal in the bouquet.
