We’ve all heard the rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” that led to the custom of including items fitting those descriptions in your wedding ceremony. For brides who value this tradition and want to take part, here are some fun ways to incorporate these into your big day!
Meaningful Links to the Past
When searching for your something old, heirlooms are the obvious choice. Since the something old represents continuity, a tasteful piece of jewelry that belonged to your great-grandmother can be worn as a hair bauble, a handkerchief from a favorite aunt can be carried or sewn into your dress or, if appropriate, you could incorporate your mother’s veil or a piece of her dress into yours. If you have a connection with a male relative, ask for a watch that can serve as your bouquet wrap. Pictures count as old too! A new locket or charm bracelet incorporating pictures of special family members that have passed away can satisfy your something old and something new in one!
Symbols of New Beginnings
Your something new is all about looking to the future. Since you’ve probably purchased at least one piece of your wedding attire, finding your something new is likely the easiest piece of this fun rhyme to fulfill. Many brides choose to designate their wedding ring or dress as the something new. But if your wedding ring is an heirloom or your wearing your mother’s dress, you might have to keep thinking. If nothing pops out at you, a coin minted in the year of your marriage and tucked into your dress is an elegant solution. But look around a little, and you’ll find at this time of new beginnings you have many choices for your something new.
Honoring Who You Love
This piece of the rhyme refers to borrowing happiness, so it’s the perfect opportunity to honor the special people in your life. Borrow the first dance song of a couple you admire, carry a small bag filled with “borrowed” relationship advice from your friends or ask to borrow the something new your mother or grandmother used. Poems, quotes or song lyrics you read at the ceremony are also good candidates for something borrowed. Your something borrowed is a great chance to get creative!
Bolt From the Blue
Blue symbolizes loyalty, so your something blue is important. If you’re wearing a traditional white wedding dress, your “blue” item is likely to be understated. A blue garter is traditional but has been falling out of favor over the past decade. Blue flowers in your bouquet, the date of your wedding discreetly sewn in blue thread on your dress or a piece of blue topaz jewelry are low-key choices that won’t conflict with your overall theme. Of course, you can always abandon the notion that each item needs to travel down the aisle with you, and use your something blue at the reception. Place settings, decorations or even cutting of the cake can fulfill your something blue.
Although most brides forego the final line of the poem “and a silver sixpence in her shoe” you can certainly complete the tradition if you’d like! So whether you choose to incorporate all of the traditional “something” elements in your wedding or not, have fun and make some special memories.