Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

The “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition is one that we’ve all heard of but where does it come from?  It hails from an Old English rhyme that actually says: "Something olde, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe."  These items were given to the bride on her wedding day (before she walked the aisle) for good luck.

As planners, couples often ask us whether they should follow this tradition and/or if it's still commonly followed.  Our answer is always the same - it's truly a matter of preference and about half of our couples choose to embrace it.  Before deciding whether it's right for you, we thought we would provide a better explanation on the meaning behind the words.

"Something Old" represents the past moving into the future. Some of our favorite "old" items we've seen incorporated include heirloom jewelry from a bride's relative, a piece of a grandmothers/mothers dress sewn into the bridal gown, and a locket with a relatives photo inside hanging from her bouquet wrap.

"Something New" represents optimism for the future life the couple will share together.  This is typically the easiest option of the tradition as it can be a new dress, new jewelry, a garter or lingerie.

"Something Borrowed" represents borrowing happiness, usually from another happily married couple or a friend or relative who symbolizes happiness in the couple's eyes.  Some of our favorite borrowed items include an aunts gorgeous cathedral length veil and even using a parents first dance song.

"Something Blue" represents love, good fortune, and fidelity.  Some of our favorite blue items included bright blue shoes, a blue sapphire necklace, and a headpiece lightly embellished with blue gemstones.

The sixpence is still a widely performed custom in Britain but not so much here in the U.S.  It is placed in the left shoe before walking down the aisle and represents prosperity for the new couple.

Whether you decide to embrace this tradition or not, we hope this helps you in making your decision!

The People You Will Always Remember, On the Day You Will Never Forget

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special days you will experience in this lifetime. It is a day you hope to share with some of the most important people in your life. But, unfortunately, some of our most loved family and friends are unable to be with us on the big day. Many couples will incorporate a piece of clothing from their loved ones into their gown or suit to symbolize their presence on the wedding day. Whether you wish to use a piece of your grandmother’s dress as your own or sew your father’s favorite handkerchief onto your gown, these seemingly small gestures have a much bigger sentimental meaning behind them. Here are some creative and thoughtful ways to incorporate your loved ones into your special day.

      This bride had her father’s favorite handkerchief sewn on the inside of her dress.

 Credit: Kevin Trimmer Photography

Some couples use a piece of their loved one’s jewelry on the ribbon of their wedding bouquet.
Credit: Shannon Lee Images

You can use the cuff links of someone special as your own on your wedding day.
Credit: Janis Foley Photography