The Significance of "Something Blue" in Modern Royal Weddings

The time-honored Western wedding custom emphasizes the importance of the bride having "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" in her bridal ensemble. Notably, the Princess of Wales included a blue ribbon sewn into the inside of her dress, aligning with the belief that the color blue represents love, purity, and fidelity, in addition to serving as a talisman against misfortune in marriage. Interestingly, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth chose not to include blue in their wedding attire, yet this custom was honored by Diana, Princess of Wales, who incorporated a small blue bow in her dress for her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981.

Princess Kate aimed to blend British traditions with contemporary elements, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Alexander McQueen brand in her wedding dress. Crafted from white and ivory satin gazar, the gown featured intricate details including 58 buttons crafted from the same materials, secured by Rouleau loops. Sarah Burton, who took the creative reins of the Alexander McQueen label following its founder's passing, designed both Kate's wedding dress and her evening reception attire, maintaining secrecy around the designs until the ceremony, which captivated global audiences and reflected Kate's transition into her new royal role.

In keeping with the tradition, Kate's "something borrowed" was the Queen's Cartier tiara, a cherished piece gifted to her on her 18th birthday. The lace featured in her gown served as the "something old," while her "something new" consisted of bespoke Robinson Pelham earrings, a thoughtful gift from her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.