Explaining Tradition: Something Old, Something new...

Explaining Tradition: Something Old, Something new... 

What to do with what we do!

We've all heard the saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” but what does it mean and how are current brides still adhering to this tradition? It stems from an old English rhyme and refers to the four things a bride carries with her to bestow good luck on her wedding day. Here are examples of things you could use for each.

Something Old

Something old is symbolic for continuity. It represents the link between the bride, her family and their past. You can symbolize this with a number of items:

– An old pair of shoes
– Childhood pillow for the ring bearer
– Vintage purse to match your gown
– Mother/Grandmother's veil or other article of clothing from their wedding
– Have the wedding at a historic location
– Wear a piece of heirloom jewelry
– Use your parent's cake topper
– Family rosary for the ceremony

Something old can also be a great way to remember a family member that has passed and cannot attend the wedding. You can remember them by wearing an old locket with their picture inside or attach it to your bouquet.


Something New

Something new presages the future success of the bride in her married life. It symbolizes the optimism of their future together. Anything purchased for the wedding could be used to represent “new” but here are some specific ideas:

– A new pair of shoes
– New lipstick
– New charm for a charm bracelet
– New lingerie
– A new piece of jewelry
– A key to your new home in your purse
– A list of special wishes in your purse 

Something Borrowed

Something borrowed represents something valuable to a family member, friend or acquaintance to carry with you on your special day. Something old and something borrowed can sometimes be the same thing. Here are some thoughts:

– Mother or Bridesmaid's jewelry
– Flowers from a loved one's garden
– Your mother's veil, gloves or other accessory
– Your father's handkerchief
– A wedding reading from someone else's wedding


Something Blue

Something blue stands for purity, fidelity and the sacred love between the Bride and Groom. The options for incorporating something blue into your wedding motif are endless:

– Blue garter belt
– Blue manicure
– Blue jewelry
– Blue flowers in the bouquet
– Wedding date stitched in the hem of the dress in blue thread
– Blue shoes
– Blue in your color palette
– Bridesmaid dresses



This loving tradition is this icing on the wedding cake. Its your opportunity to add your own special creativity, style and personality to your wedding day. Why not wear a vintage pair of shoes, break out that new lingerie, borrow your mother's opal pearls and paint your nail's midnight blue? See if the legends true.

xoxo

Chelsea