Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

We’ve all heard the old adage that a bride should wear and/or incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue on her wedding day. But many of you may not know how this fun wedding tradition started, and the meaning behind it.

Each item in the adage represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she incorporates each one on her wedding day, her marriage will be “happy”. The tradition comes from an old English rhyme. The full rhyme is; something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe. Something old symbolizes continuity with the bride’s family and the past. And to connect the past with the future. Something new means optimism and hope for the bride’s new life ahead, and for a bright future. Something borrowed is usually an item from a happily married family member or friend, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The something borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. Something blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Blue also represents purity, and before the late 19th century blue was a popular color for wedding gowns. And a sixpence in her shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. The sixpence in her shoe remains largely a British custom only.

- Taken from Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot 

Some ideas on incorporating something old, new, borrowed, and blue into your wedding:

- Wrap a grandparents “old” handkerchief around your bridal bouquet
- Print “old” family recipes on note cards as a simple favor for guests
- Wear a locket containing “old” family photos around your neck on your big day
- Wear an “old” heirloom piece of jewelry from a close family member or friend

Photos left to right - from The Knot, Style Me Pretty

- Your dress, shoes, and anything else you bought just for the wedding is your something “new”

Photos left to right- Monique Lhuillier dress, Manolo Blahnik shoes

- “Borrow” a charm, brooch, or locket from a close friend or family member, and hook it onto your bouquet
- Wear a “borrowed” piece of jewelry from a close family member or friend
- Wear a “borrowed” veil from a close family member, friend, or bridesmaid

Photos left to right - Eyes 2 See photography, Style Me Pretty

- Incorporate “blue” flowers into your bridal bouquet
- Place party favors for guests in a delicate “blue” thank you bag

- Select a “blue” guest book or place cards
- Have a “blue” monogram inscribed into your wedding gown
- Wear a “blue” garter
- Have the bustle in your dress made with “blue” ribbon
- Wear “blue” shoes

Photos left to right, top to bottom- Eyes 2 See photography, Martha Stewart weddings, Etsy, Style Me Pretty

What something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue are you incorporating into your wedding day?