The Best Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue Ideas for Your Wedding

Here's how to creatively blend the past, present, and future when tying the knot.

Bride and groom at their wedding cutting a cake together, with bride in vintage-inspired wedding dress

Photo by Katie Gracen

Though today's couples often host weddings that reflect their unique, contemporary love stories—veering away from traditional practices their parents or grandparents once embraced—there are still a few customs that are widely accepted and adopted at modern nuptials. Chief among them? Following the something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue (with a sixpence in your shoe) rhyme and wearing coordinated items on the big day.

While it's not mandatory to honor all four "something" elements highlighted in the popular rhyme, embracing this tradition is a creative way to blend the past, present, and future on your big day—paying homage to those who came before you, acknowledging your new marital life, and looking towards a future filled with joy and love. But that's not the best part: Embracing this adage provides you with the opportunity to incorporate a myriad of pieces into your wedding wardrobe, from heirloom jewelry to blue accessories and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Here, we break down the meaning of this popular wedding day rhyme, and provide a few ideas to help inspire your own "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." Keep reading for more.

The Meaning of the "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue" Rhyme

Though the exact origin of the "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" rhyme isn't known, the popular adage can be traced back to the Victorian era (the oldest written mention can be found in an issue of St. James Magazine from 1871). As for its meaning? "Something old" is meant to symbolize an individual's pre-marital life (honoring their family's heritage); "something new" pays homage to the future life a couple will build together; "something borrowed" is meant to bring a person good luck; and "something blue" symbolizes fidelity and purity. Typically, members of your family (or your partner) will lend or gift you these tokens prior to the wedding, though there aren't any rules dictating that you can't round up a few pieces on your own.

bride sitting in an antique getaway car while the groom opens the door for her

Photo by Konstantyn Zakhariy

Something Old Ideas

Here's your chance to give a nod to the past. Your "something old" idea can be a family heirloom, a vintage dress, an antique piece of jewelry, and so much more!

Bride and Groom in White Vintage Getaway Car

Photo by Gina Almonte

An Antique Getaway Car

Make your exit in style with a vintage getaway car to incorporate "something old" into your big day. Best of all? It makes for the perfect photo op.

An heirloom pearl necklace featuring an intricate decorative clasp placed on handwritten notes

Photo by Love Is My Favorite Color

A Family Heirloom

Accessorize your wedding-day ensemble with a sentimental family heirloom, like a string of pearls, a tennis bracelet, or diamond earrings. If you don't have a family heirloom to wear, consider starting the tradition with your wedding; simply hold on to your "something old" jewelry for a future bride in your family.

Vintage Bus Photo Booth at Outdoor Cocktail Hour

Photo by Katherine Marchand Weddings

A Vintage Photo Booth

Put a unique spin on the photo booth trend with an old-world-inspired camera that still produces digital prints. Or, go full vintage with an actual film camera. Just keep in mind that these photos will take longer to develop.

Wedding bouquet of lily of the valley and greenery wrapped in white ribbon and finished with a mini locket with old family photos

Photo by Olivia Leigh

An Antique Locket With Family Photos

Keep deceased relatives close to your heart on the big day by including their photos in an antique locket. You can wear it as an accessory as you walk down the aisle, or attach it to your bouquet for a sweet and memorable touch.

Bride in Wedding Dress With Groom in Tuxedo at Altar Next to Colorful Flower Decor

Photo by Jose Villa

Ceremonial Readings

Your "something old" can also be metaphorical, illustrated by the readings you and your partner choose to include in your ceremony. Instead of writing personal vows, choose an old poem, essay, or Bible verse that best explains your love.

Close up of bride in mom's vintage long-sleeve wedding dress with lace trim and pearl buttons

Photo by Sarah Porter

A Vintage Dress

If you tend to favor unique and old-world fashions, why not incorporate your "something old" into your day-of attire? Consider sporting a vintage dress to walk down the aisle, or wear a second-hand designer look for your reception or after party.

photo of a bride holding a white wedding bouquet while wearing a diamond bracelet

Photo by Simply Adri Photography

Something New Ideas

Ready to highlight the bright, new future you and your partner will have? Here are several ideas that'll show your joy for what's to come once you say "I do."

Close up portrait of bride in strapless slip dress with diamond necklace and hair down

Photo by Maria Hibbs

Diamond Jewelry

If you're thinking about getting diamonds for your wedding, go ahead and incorporate them as your "something new" element. Whether you opt to buy diamond earrings, a tennis bracelet, or maybe just another ring to stack with your other baubles, this is the perfect idea to add some luck—and bling—to your day-of wardrobe.

Black and white portrait of bride in diamond tassled custom jacket hugging groom

Photo by Sarah Porter

A Custom Jacket

Stay cool (in both senses of the word) by wearing a custom wedding jacket, such as a black leather moto or a personalized denim jacket. Personalize the back with embroidered words like "Just Married" or both of your initials. We also love the idea of adding the wedding date either to the back, in small print under the lapel, or on the cuff of a sleeve.

Close up of groom in white shirt with initialed cuff links

Photo by Eager Hearts Co.

Unique Cufflinks

For brides or grooms wearing a suit, donning unique, new cufflinks can be the ultimate "something new" idea to embrace. Who knows? Maybe they'll become a future "something borrowed"—or even, way in the future, "something old."

Bride and Groom Holding Hands with Matching X O tattoos on their wrists

Photo by Melissa Marshall

Matching Tattoos

While going in for matching wedding tattoos before you actually tie the knot is somewhat unconventional, it's a great "something new" idea for the adventurous and ink-loving couple. Just be sure to get them done with ample to heal.

Jimmy Choo Pumps with Crystal Details and Bridal Earrings

Photo by Clary Pfeiffer

A Signature Scent

Scent is so closely linked to memory that choosing the right wedding fragrance is like creating a special portal to reliving your big day. Visit your nearest perfume factory to create a fragrance that'll transport you back to your wedding every time you smell the same notes.

Bride in Ruffled Robe Getting Ready for Wedding

Photo by Le Vie Photography

Wedding Lingerie

Your wedding lingerie can easily double as your "something new" since you're likely going to buy new undergarments to fit your ensemble. Just be sure to get properly fitted for your pieces, and try them on with your dress before walking down the aisle, to avoid any last-minute fashion emergencies.

Ring Bearer in Western Suit and Flower Girls in White Dresses Walking Down Outdoor Aisle

Photo by Mason Neufeld Photography

An Embroidered Pillow

One option for anyone who doesn't want to necessarily wear something new is to have the ring bearer carry a custom embroidered ring pillow. A dual-duty item, this will keep in line with the tradition and also ensure the rings stay safe and sound. You can even combine multiple traditions here by incorporating borrowed lace from a relative's wedding gown.

bride holding her grandmother's hand before the wedding ceremony

Photo by Hana Gonzales

Something Borrowed Ideas

If happiness multiplies when shared, wearing something borrowed is a great way to start your marriage. Keep scrolling for a few ideas that you can easily incorporate.

Bride making an entrance

Photo by Allan Zepeda Photography

A Piece of a Relative's Wedding-Day Look

If borrowing an entire wedding gown from your mother or grandmother isn't feasible, don't fret! You can still take pieces of fabric from a family dress and easily incorporate them into your look—perhaps as a lace belt, a chic choker, a garter, or as your veil. Another option? Borrow a smaller element of a family members' big-day look—this bride wore her sister's veil down the aisle.

Simple potted flower decor on beige table with guests in formal attire in background

Photo by Adonye Jaja

The Wedding Venue

There's no grander way to honor the "something borrowed" tradition than with your wedding venue itself. This idea is great for individuals who are looking to save money and host their nuptials in a friend's or relative's home or backyard.

Wedding Vows Next to Perfume, Rings, and Lace Shoes

Photo by Megan Kay Photography

Perfume or Cologne

While fragrance is entirely personal, it doesn't mean multiple people can't wear the same flattering notes. If a special loved one has a signature scent that's meaningful to you, we love the idea of borrowing it for the big day as a means of keeping them close by.

Connor getting dressed

Photo by Gracie Byrd Jones

A Relative's Tie

Wearing your father or grandfather's tie is certainly one way to bring them into the wedding. However, if you're not planning to actually wear a tie to your nuptials, there are other options to incorporate the sentiment. For example, you can wrap your relative's tie around your wedding bouquet, or put it in your pocket (if your dress has them) as a way to keep your loved one close.

Bride in lace and tulle wedding dress kissing groom in grey suit on dance floor under string lights

Photo by Patrick Quezada Photography

The First Dance Song

Do your parents or grandparents share a timeless love story that you hope your marriage will resemble? If yes, consider borrowing their first dance song. You can even make it extra special by inviting them to join you on the dance floor halfway through the melody.

Close up of Bride in wedding dress and veil with pearl earrings

Photo by Janna Brown

Your Mother's Jewelry

With so many bridal jewelry pieces to choose from, you can easily double one of your nuptial accessories as your "something borrowed" piece. Wear earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet that belongs to someone close to you—if there's ever a good reason to raid your mother's jewelry cabinet, this is it.

Portrait of Bride in White Wedding Dress with Straps and Long Veil Holding Pink Bouquet Posing With Bridesmaids in Blue Solid and Floral Dresses Holding Baskets of Colorful Flowers in Front of Ocean

Photo by Camera Shi Photography

Something Blue Ideas

Blue symbolizes fidelity, but it's also a very pretty way to add color to your wedding whites. And while there are tons of ways to incorporate this hue into your big day, here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Portrait of bride in lace wedding dress and bridesmaids in blue dresses

Photo by Jose Villa

Your Bridal Party Looks

If you personally don't want to wear something blue on your big day, have your bridesmaids wear blue ensembles instead. Navy blue and sapphire work best for fall and winter weddings, while baby blue is best suited for spring and summer nuptials.

Blue Heart in Wedding Dress

Photo by Move Mountains Co

Fabric Lining

For more of a maximalist approach, choose a blue fabric for the lining of your wedding ensemble. The hidden verve of color can make for an unexpected touch to the inside of a tuxedo jacket or add a subtle hue underneath a wedding dress' overlay.

Bride in White Gown

Photo by Move Mountains Co

Sapphire Jewelry

You don't have to have a sapphire engagement ring to dawn the gem on your wedding day. Bring in your "something blue" with this dazzling ocean-hued stone as a set of earrings, hairpiece, necklace, or bracelet. Is Sapphire not your thing? Other blue jewelry ideas include aquamarine, blue opal, blue topaz, and turquoise.

Shoe change

Photo by Gracie Byrd Jones

Shoes

Make like Carrie Bradshaw and uphold the tradition by rocking a pair of blue wedding shoes down the aisle. You can also switch to blue footwear during the reception or after-party if you'd like to keep things more traditional for the ceremony.

Bride in White Body Suit With Tull Details and Sleeves and Lace Garter with Pearl Heels

Photo by Sarah Lord Photography & Films

Your Garter

No one ever said your "something blue" has to be visible, right? Add blue lace details or rock a full-on cobalt garter underneath your wedding attire to seal the deal. Another option? Add a small blue bow to an otherwise white garter for a small touch.

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