Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue—3 novel ideas for each

One of the most popular wedding traditions that many brides go with even today, is to have Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue at their weddings. Including things that fit this description is believed to bring a bride good luck, and this is something that every bride would love in abundance.

Wouldn’t you like to know more about the history behind this tradition? Here it is.

The history

This article on Wikipedia tells us that this practice originated with a centuries old English folklore that goes like this:

“Something Old,

Something New,

Something Borrowed

Something Blue,

and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

Traditionally, the bride is expected to carry these tokens to bring her luck in her married life, as well as to deceive the Evil Eye. Each of these tokens are symbolic in the following ways: Something old represents continuity of the bride’s life without breaking her bond with her past and her own family. Something new is symbolic of an optimistic future. Something borrowed can relate to happiness that is borrowed from an existing happily married couple, and something blue stands for love and faithfulness. Finally, the silver sixpence is for good fortune. The last line of this poem is often unquoted. While many brides may simply be unaware of it’s existence, others choose to forego it.

Nevertheless, don’t you think that following the good luck factors in this poem is a charming tradition? If you do, we are sure you will love to see these few ways in which you can incorporate this tradition into your wedding day.

Following the poetic sequence, let us start with Something Old.

Something Old

Having something old at your wedding is the perfect way to add items of sentimental value into your big day. Even the smallest trinket that links to your past, can do this for you. Here are some suggestions.

Family heirlooms: A string of pearls that belonged to your mother or grandmother, China that’s been in your family for generations or your mother’s wedding gown could be your something old. Just incorporating something that was part of your family’s history into your wedding can do wonders in making your wedding day more special. If your mother’s wedding dress may not be right for you, consider taking some lace out of it and decorating your bridal bouquet with it. It will be a beautiful and interesting way to add that special touch to what you will have with you. Wedding veils are always in fashion, and there is little chance that it will be used by someone past the wedding day. If your mother’s wedding dress is too old-fashioned and not suitable for your taste, consider using her veil instead.

Old photographs: There is a certain charm unique to old black and white photos. If you have your family albums lying around, you are bound to find at least one wedding photo in it. How about making this your something old? Pick an old wedding photo, preferably of someone you love; like your parents, grandparents or favorite relatives, and tie it to your wedding bouquet. The alternative is to create a locket with this photo and wear it on your necklace or as a charm on your bracelet.

Something old that belongs to you: You do not always have to go asking your family or friends for something old. Is there something that you hold close to your heart? If yes, you have the answer to your something old there itself. This could be anything from a favorite piece of jewelry, like a christening bracelet or a gift from someone you love, that you’ve always treasured. Add that into your wedding details and you have a beautiful and meaningful addition.

Something New

This is easy, as you will have plenty of new things at your wedding. It is likely that everything from your wedding dress to accessories, flowers and décor will be brand new. But, how about adding an innovative touch and choosing something that is not only new, but unique to you as well? Here are some suggestions for this.

Your new initials or last name: From the moment you are married, you are eligible to a new last name and earn the right to using your new initials. Whether you choose to change your maiden name or not, how about flaunting your new initials in the form of a monogram? Have this embroidered into your wedding dress or bouquet wrap. Or you could even have a custom locket made with these initials, and wear it on your wedding day. We also love this idea on the Huff Post of having your new initials monogrammed on your champagne flutes, that you will use at the wedding toast.

Brand new makeup: For a twist on the tradition of wearing something new, how about wearing it as your makeup. We think this is the opportunity for you to splurge on some brand new makeup, to dress yourself up with on your wedding day. Pamper yourself with some top-notch beauty products, that will help you stand out as the bride. Not only will it help you have a new look that is fresh and attractive, it will also serve you for much longer after the wedding. Plus it is an economical option that is just right for a tight budget. What do you say? And don’t forget to buy waterproof makeup, to keep those happy tears on the day from ruining your look. Which brings us to our third and last suggestion.

Embroidered handkerchief: Haven’t you noticed how most brides can’t hold back tears on their wedding day? Well, we think crying at the wedding should be a tradition by itself. It is a special day, and one of the biggest occasions of your lifetime, so it deserves to be highlighted with tears of joy. Our next idea for your something new is to get yourself a specially embroidered and good-looking handkerchief to mop those tears, when they arrive. It can also be a perfect keepsake for your wedding treasure box, after the ceremony. Find out more about how to create your own wedding memories treasure box, here on this article.

Something borrowed

This may seem quite easy to do, but not when you understand the real intention of this saying. The original idea was for a to-be-married bride to borrow something from a happily married woman, symbolizing that she was borrowing her happiness. So, your choice should ideally meet this requirement and you should borrow from someone who has an inspiring marriage. Also, when you borrow something, the idea is to return it post-use. What do you add into your wedding that will work this way? Let us find out.

Borrow a wedding accessory: If your parents or grandparents are happily married, we are sure you will see their wedding as an inspiration for you and your partner. Borrow their joy for your own by adding something from their wedding into your own. This could be jewelry that the bride wore on her wedding day, a brooch or even a pin. Or, you could also borrow from the groom if he has kept his cuff links, tie or anything else from his wedding day. You can think of innovative ways to incorporate it into your wedding day look, probably by pinning or wrapping it around your bouquet.

Borrow a wedding vow: Here is solace for all those brides who have so much trouble coming up with their own vows. How about borrowing a vow that you loved listening to, at someone else’s wedding. With their due permission, you will not only have a perfectly unique “something borrowed”, it will also be of great use to you when you consider that you want a marriage that is just as inspiring. If using the vow as such doesn’t seem right to you, you can consider borrowing a line or two from it and embroidering this into something you wear. You can embroider this into your veil or handkerchief. This great idea was suggested in this article on About.com, and don’t you think it is brilliant?

Borrow a wedding song: Your something borrowed doesn’t always have to be something you wear. It can be anything related to your wedding. So, if you are out of ideas to wear something borrowed, how about borrowing a favorite wedding song instead. Find out what was played at your parents’, relative’s or friend’s wedding, where the couple are people you look up to for their great marriage. Then ask to borrow that particular song for your first dance, and there you have the easy solution to your perfect “something borrowed.”

Something blue

Traditionally, the something blue was usually the garter that the bride wore on her wedding day. While brides still continue with this tradition, there are many more creative ways in which you can add that something blue into your wedding. Here are some of our favorites.

Blue eyeshadow: We mentioned earlier, how your something new could be the makeup you use at your wedding. Let the same thing work for your something blue as well, in the form of blue eye shadow to dress up your eyes. Your wedding is a day when you want all eyes on you, and a little color can go a long way in making you look even more splendid. Whether you choose to have smoky eyes or cat-eye makeup, dressing your eyes well is crucial to nailing your wedding day look. Blue eye shadow can add a dramatic effect to your upper eye lids and we are sure everyone will take notice of it. Don’t hesitate to add some sparkle and shimmer to it, or dress it up further with navy blue mascara to see your eyes pop.

Blue shoe accessories: If wearing a blue shoe is out of question, consider dressing up your wedding heels with a pair of blue shoe accessories. Choose one with extra bling, and you will instantly dress up your feet with glamour. Of the many accessories available, you can consider pretty blue bows, or shoe clips with blue stone details. Since blue is a color that blends beautifully with white, it will go very well with your white wedding dress. The other option is to use blue “I Do” stickers on the soles of your shoe for your mysteriously elusive “Something blue.”

Blue guest book: An interesting keepsake that will remind you of your wedding day forever, choose a blue guest book or a guest book alternative for your wedding ceremony and reception. It is a way you can add this blue detail into your wedding, without actually having to wear it. Here is a beautiful navy blue guest book from our wedding stationery collection at Best for Bride. The classic color and elegant lettering make it suitable for every type of wedding.

The sixpence in your shoe

The delightful little poem is incomplete without the six pence in your shoe. Once you lay your hands on your sixpence, the only thing you should be concerned about is, how to attach it to your shoe. Remember that it may not be entirely practical to affix it to the inside of the shoe, as it’ll bump against your heel. Instead, consider sticking it to the sides of the shoe or attaching it to the sole, in the raised section next to the heel. This way, it won’t come in contact with the floor, and you can safely walk, run or dance through the evening.

Are there any more creative ways in which you can add your “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” into a wedding? If so, please write to us in the comments section below.

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