Hi friends! Let’s talk about one of the most popular wedding traditions that never seems to lose steam: Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. The Old English rhyme inevitably comes up for every bride as they plan their wedding day, but do you know what it really means and how to incorporate it in a way that feels fun and natural to you?
The sing-song saying names four objects (plus “a sixpence in your shoe”) that a bride should include in their wedding outfit — or carry along with them on their wedding day — for good luck. Legend has it that the objects are intended to ward off the Evil Eye, a certain kind of curse that could lead to infertility.
Regardless of whether you believe in such superstitions or simply think it’s fun to consider these kinds of traditions as you plan your big celebration, there are so many thoughtful ways to feature something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue in your wedding day ensemble. Here are a few of my favorites.
Something Old
Parts of an old gown: Honor a previous bride in your family or close circle of loved ones by incorporating part of their wedding dress or veil in your own gown. You can make a sash out of vintage lace, stitch a piece of their veil into the hem of your dress — the options are endless! Your seamstress is bound to have some great options to offer you here.
A handkerchief: You’re likely to be pretty emotional on your wedding day, so why not keep an old (but clean!) handkerchief nearby? From satin to lace to pretty linen, it’s easy to find vintage handkerchiefs in great condition to tick that “something old” criteria off your list.
A vow book: There’s just something so special about old books, from their binding to their faded hues to their nostalgic scents. So consider using one to hold your vows! You can even pick a set so you and your partner can honor this element of the tradition together.
Something New
Your dress: Okay, this one is easy, but yes, your dress can totally count as something new! Plus, it’s just so fun going to a boutique with your bride tribe and trying on a variety of looks and styles until you find the “one.” Speaking of which, here’s my best wedding dress shopping advice in case you’re feeling nervous about this planning step.
Your veil: Another easy one, but if you plan on including a veil in your overall bridal look, it can certainly count as your “something new.” And oftentimes buying new is ideal here since it needs to complement the style and color of your wedding gown, too.
Perfume: Spend some time browsing new scents for your wedding day. After all, it is technically something you wear. Finding a new perfume for your wedding not only gives you and your partner an olfactory memory of the best day of your lives, but also gives you the chance to trigger that memory when you wear that perfume again in the future. Maybe it can become your special date night scent!
Something Borrowed
Jewelry: Did you go through your mother’s jewelry as a teenager and fawn over a particular pair of earrings or a stunning necklace? Now’s the time to ask her if you can wear them for just a day. It’s in the name of good luck, Mom!
A hair accessory: From pearl-studded hair pins to vintage tiaras, you can ask a family member or close friend to borrow one of these accessories they likely wore on their own wedding day. It’ll breathe new life into the heirloom and add stunning detail to your overall wedding look!
Your bouquet: Since wedding florals can get really pricey, more and more brides are saving the expense for ceremony decor and reception centerpieces and renting premium faux flowers for their bouquets instead. They can be so stunning and photograph just like real flowers without risk of wilting! And since you rent them, they technically count as “something borrowed.”
Something Blue
Your shoes: A statement shoe is such a fun way to incorporate “something blue” into your wedding look! Maybe you want bold, royal blue pumps, or maybe you prefer a classic creamy white shoe with a subtle blue lining. Either way, it’s easy and fun to make it happen with the shoes!
Your garter: If you plan on using the garter toss tradition in your wedding as well, why not go with a powder blue garter under that beautiful dress of yours? It’s a fun and sneaky way to make sure you have that good luck charm in your ensemble, especially if your overall aesthetic isn’t leaning toward any blue hues.
Gemstones: If you’re all about the blue tones in your bridal look, up the drama with some beautiful gemstones! Think sapphires, aquamarines, turquoise, larimar stones… anything that’ll make you feel as special as you should on your wedding day. And just think: These statement pieces can easily be passed down to another bride in your lifetime to help fulfill their “something old,” “something borrowed,” or “something blue” needs.
