:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vintage-inspired-wedding-photo-bride-groom-cake-cutting-katie-gracen-primary-0425-b2076d34abce4c15bcd0696ef807d2f1.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Something-Old-Konstantyn-Zakhariy-5aebece29704407d89384b89bae5ae76.jpg)
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!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/20-spain-elopement-california-ceremony-couple-portrait-car-gina-almonte-0124-f4b9bf5dcd9a44369dc0b68deb17b390.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/heirloom-pearl-necklace-wedding-accessory-love-is-my-favorite-color-0425-0445452691be44f49a7d5091de30de52.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/MaddieNoah_19-43f4294e202140a5b772333a5b0a8850.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/elise-luke_04-dd0427831d564085a30a678d784a2ec3.jpg)
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.
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/05-black-and-white-boulder-colorado-wedding-bride-accessories-sarah-porter-0225-04d45193352c40bb88af58367db1fa0e.jpg)
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 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."
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/06-bychari-mallorca-elopement-bride-portrait-maria-hibbs-1224-e785eb8e41ac4cc9a90b5297ef1a6943.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/45-black-and-white-boulder-colorado-wedding-couple-portrait-sarah-porter-0225-1b42e79182284642bf613b00d8f9114b.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/08-mexico-city-mansion-wedding-cuff-links-eager-hearts-co-0125-935fcf36c46643828fb06a4ea43cbab0.jpg)
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."
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__proteus__59cbef883d68366106063009__11-89043057ea904a7e992d27475f93205e.jpeg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/05-romantic-pink-chicago-wedding-bride-shoes-jewelry-clary-pfeiffer-0724-2500510d1ebe4cbd98885bf6686ec87a.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/malibu-barbie-marie-antoinette-pink-california-wedding-bride-getting-ready-robe-le-vie-0723-a858b9c81abb475b81c735731f36c8a3.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/20-olympic-athlete-rowan-hamilton-little-women-inspired-canada-wedding-ring-bearer-and-flower-girls-mason-neufeld-photography-0824-42074c79a90f49baaa8b45e0d897f252.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Something-Borrowed-Hana-Gonzales-f73391f559334ca6bf932d1d62260dd0.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/lindsey-steven_27-4e71e65fc3d54765a83219b24bd6afad.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/04-modern-cape-cod-wedding-guests-adonye-jaja-1224-1977e945b53a4760989cf14cc0b1f9cf.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/17-desmond-bane-mexico-wedding-bride-accessories-megan-kay-photography-1124-71905d64908f4a8693b258219da051dc.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Lindsey-Connor-07-03acd23dcc78478e8dec12f586321a8b.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/33-redwood-grove-ceremony-california-wedding-couple-portrait-patrick-quezada-photography-0125-183c58514643484ba8c0cf79e074b6ea.jpeg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/16-nigerian-engagement-ceremony-wedding-los-angeles-bride-portrait-janna-brown-1224-a384db20224941dba4b4c626661e7169.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/7-waterfront-seattle-wedding-bride-and-bridesmaids-camera-shi-photography-0524-d1fa747eafd148578637c62b9a65a609.jpg)
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.
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/6-colorful-palm-springs-wedding-something-blue-move-mountains-co-0324-06983f14b0034092af5ae87b1c7eb840.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/5-colorful-palm-springs-wedding-bride-portrait-move-mountains-co-0324-20b83c003f5c43a58e8bd97295b2cae6.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/lucy-cameron_30-a74b16dd5f644dee912046d47ac45730.jpg)
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/05-castle-wedding-france-bride-close-up-sarah-lord-1024-40150175c7c84317aef947befd82c676.jpg)
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.