Should You Have a Something Blue Crew?

If you've been torn about how to include all your loved ones in your wedding party, it's time to meet a new wedding tradition. The something blue crew is your opportunity to honor even more friends and family on your big day, without adding more people to the wedding party lineup.

"Many people have an enormous extended family, on top of their social circle. I'm thinking, My Big Fat Greek Wedding style, here. Many of these people are very special to the [nearlyweds] but it's simply not possible to include them all in the wedding party," says etiquette expert Jo Hayes based in Australia.

By having a something blue crew, you get to express how much these people mean to you, but they don't need to put on a matching dress or coordinating tie. It's also the perfect solution for couples who don't want to have a wedding party at all, but still want to recognize their nearest and dearest (and get a few more helping hands on the wedding day).

Cassie LaMere, founder and creative director at Cassie LaMere Events in Austin, Texas, explains, "The something blue crew is a refreshing and modern twist on the age-old tradition of 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' The trend speaks to the evolving nature of weddings today."

Curious about how a something blue crew could play into your big day? Here's what you need to know about a something blue crew, who you should ask, and how to ask them in a way that's thoughtful and memorable.

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In this article:

• What Is a Something Blue Crew?
• Who to Include in Your Something Blue Crew?
• Why Have a Something Blue Crew at Your Wedding?
• When to Have a Something Blue Crew at Your Wedding?
• Something Blue Crew Responsibilities
• How to Ask Someone to Be Your Something Blue

What Is a Something Blue Crew?

A something blue crew is a group of friends or family that are not bridesmaids or groomsmen but are still part of the larger group of people that support a couple on their wedding day. Often, they're asked to wear blue attire or a blue accessory that indicates they're part of this group. They often aren't asked to stand at the wedding but they may be in some photos. They also could be invited to the bach party or a something blue bridal shower, and may be included in getting ready the day of the wedding.

The something blue crew meaning is different for everyone. Some people see it as an opportunity to include family members, often younger, who have played an important role in the couple's lives but aren't going to be included in the wedding party. In other situations, it's a way to honor friends and family when there isn't a wedding party at all.

Who to Include in Your Something Blue Crew?

Typically, the Something Blue crew is composed of close friends or family members who have played a significant role in the couple's love story," LaMere says. These are people you want to recognize, but they aren't going to be formally included in the wedding party.

However, there is some nuance around who to include in your something blue crew. You don't want to make them feel like they're the "B" team. "There is the potential to offend those asked to be in the something blue crew, along the lines of, 'we're close, but not close enough for you to be in the wedding party,'" Hayes says. But, she points out, this may depend on how much work is allocated to the something blue crew. "These people may feel like you've only asked them to get some 'free labor' at the wedding," Hayes adds.

Why Have a Something Blue Crew at Your Wedding?

"The Something Blue crew offers a refined alternative to a wedding party," LaMere says, who sees this as a modern twist on the classic something blue tradition. "It allows couples to bestow a distinguished honor upon their loved ones without the need for them to stand during the ceremony."

It's another way to show your friends and family they're appreciated and get a few more helping hands on your wedding day.

When to Have a Something Blue Crew at Your Wedding?

Sometimes a something blue crew is more practical than growing the wedding party. "I've seen this in practice with cousins or siblings-in-law who the couple is close with but not necessarily close enough with to be a formal bridesmaid or groomsman," says Vanessa McGovern, planner and designer at Ness McGovern Events and Design based in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. This cuts a bit of the tension of ranking friends—instead, it keeps it to the more extended family members. It could also go the opposite way if you decide to have only siblings and family in your wedding party, but want friends to be formally recognized.

In other cases, it's a numbers game. McGovern explains, "If the wedding party has six bridesmaids and six groomsmen and the couple really values having even sides, then there could be one or two friends who might expect to be included but don't fit. Asking them to be your 'something blue crew' gives them a special part in the day."

Then, there are situations where you don't have anyone standing up there with you besides your officiant and spouse. You don't want a wedding party but you want your friends to feel included in your celebration. A something blue crew lets them off the hook of wedding party responsibilities, but still offers them recognition.

Something Blue Crew Responsibilities

Something blue crew responsibilities vary depending on who's asked and their skill set, as well as what you need help with on the wedding day. Sometimes it may be more of an honorary title, while other times, you may actually want their help pitching in. Here are a few of the common something blue crew responsibilities.

1. Attending the Bach Parties

The something blue crew could be there just to join in the fun. "They might join the couple for pre-wedding festivities like bachelor or bachelorette parties. Their role is more about being part of the joy and energy of the celebrations without the commitments that bridesmaids and groomsmen typically have," LaMere says.

2. Assistance at the Ceremony

"The something blue crew may be asked to help welcome people to the church, do the scripture readings or play a special role at the ceremony," Hayes says. They could serve as your greeters or help direct people to their seats.

3. Wearing Blue

Given the name, the something blue crew usually has one major responsibility: wear blue. This sets them apart from other guests, as well as the wedding party. You can request they wear a small blue accessory or a blue dress or tie.

4. Keep the Party Going

Your friends want to see your wedding day turn into an incredible celebration. Task the something blue crew with something they'll be happy to do—keep the party going all night long. They can direct people to the dance floor, let them know when the cake is out and make sure everyone is there to have a good time.

How to Ask Someone to Be Your Something Blue

A something blue crew proposal is similar to a wedding party proposal. You want your loved one to feel appreciated and honored to be asked. "When inviting someone to be part of your something blue crew, the experience should reflect the significance of the role you're asking them to take on," LaMere says. She suggests hosting a gathering just for the something blue crew participants, complete with a blue theme.

LaMere explains, "Imagine a tablescape adorned with blue hydrangeas or delphiniums, complemented by vintage-inspired mini cakes, all set against exquisite china and linens in varying shades of blue. This setting creates a sophisticated and memorable atmosphere that underscores the importance of the occasion."

The ask could even include a something blue crew gift, whether that's a blue piece of jewelry, a box of beautiful blue candies or a something blue poem. "This thoughtful approach ensures they understand how much their presence and support mean to you, making the experience as memorable as the wedding day itself," LaMere adds.