Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue is an old tradition, but one that’s still definitely being incorporated into today’s weddings. It’s a lovely tradition that gets a couple and their family thinking about how to include sentimental items in a wedding outfit or accessories.
Photo: Bears Collective via 1920s Speakeasy Wedding Shoes: Charlotte Mills
The personality of a bride or groom can really shine through the lovely things they choose.
I have rounded up some simple ideas to get you thinking about your something old, new, borrowed and blue. No matter your budget, style or planning timescale, there will be an idea for you! Plus I’ll share ideas for grooms and the meaning of this historic good luck tradition.
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Something old,
Something new,
Something borrowed,
Something blue,
And a silver sixpence in your shoe
📌 Top Tip – You could have dual-purpose items, which count as more than one element of the tradition too.
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Something Old
- Don a vintage outfit
- Wear your favourite shoes
- Paint your nails in your best varnish
- Choose sentimental jewellery from your jewellery box
Photo: Camilla Lucinda via Authentic Mismatched Country Festival Wedding
- Wear your glasses
- Scour vintage haberdasheries for a vintage ribbon to accessories for your dress or bouquet
- Wear antique gloves
- Use a family heirloom such as a watch or pocket watch
Photo: Wildflower Photo Co. via California Ranch Wedding
Something New
- Your shiny new outfit or accessories
- A gift from your loved ones or fiance on the day
- Engrave a new message on an old classic
- Wear a cheeky garter
Photo: Jessica Hill Photography via Wes Anderson Wedding Ideas Garter: To Be Adorned
- A new haircut or colour
- New makeup or hair products
- Fresh perfume/aftershave bottle
- Get a tattoo to mark the day
Photo: Fairclough Studios via Gamekeeper Inn Wedding Tattoo Station: Doris Loves
Something Borrowed
- Borrow accessories (veil/ tie/pocket square/shoes/cufflinks etc)
- Ask for brooches or lockets to adorn your bouquet/buttonhole
- Borrow a fun cover-up such as a jacket, coat or cardigan
- Borrow a friend’s cute clutch bag/wallet/purse
- Have a friend lend a hip flask
Photo: LJM Photography via Romantic Coral Summer Wedding
Photo: Katherine and Her Camera via Marie Antoinette Wedding Ideas Ring Pillow: To Be Adorned
Something Blue
- Use a blue ribbon to tie your bouquet/buttonhole
- Wear a blue outfit or accessories
- Use blue flowers
Photo: Photography34 via Powder Blue Country Rustic Wedding
Photo: Landon Jacob Productions via Columbia South Carolina Wedding Flowers: MinnieBees
- Go daring and wear blue make-up
- Wear some blue wellies for those muddy field portraits
- Don blue tights or undies
Photo: Wyldbee Photography via Lancashire Country House Wedding Bag: Katie Loxton
- Choose blue accessories (bag/tie/pocket square/cufflinks)
- Pop a blue crystal or button in your pocket/bag
- Carry a blue coloured drink
Photo: Erica Hawkins Photography via Two Part Wedding Cufflinks & Tie Clip: Etsy
Photo: Kim Williams Weddings via Bright Barn Wedding
- A la Carrie Bradshaw, wear blue shoes
- Or blue socks
Photo: Matt + Lena Photography via Poland Barn Wedding Shoes: Loeffler Randall
And don’t forget the sixpence in your shoe!
Photo: Charlotte Mail Photography via Walled Garden Yurt Wedding Shoes: Carvela
Something Old New Borrowed & Blue Meaning
So what exactly is the meaning behind the tradition “something old, new, borrowed and blue“? It’s a historic English rhyme and tradition that’s been around for hundreds of years. Let’s break it down in detail.
- Something Old – represents continuity in the couple’s marriage
- Something New – represents optimism for the new marriage
- Something Borrowed – is a gift of good luck from another happily married couple
- Something Blue – symbolises purity, fidelity and love
- Sixpence In Your Shoe – symbolises future prosperity and good fortune
Something Old New Borrowed & Blue Ideas For Grooms
Something old, new, borrowed and blue traditionally was for brides. But seeing as we’re in the 21st Century, it’s imperitive to be inclusive and represent all couples. Of course, grooms can get involved in this good luck tradition and so they should.
Here are some ideas for grooms:
- Something Old – watch/ring/bracelet/earrings/necklace/cufflinks/flask/hankie
- Something New – accessories/jewellery/outfit/tattoo/aftershave
- Something Borrowed – accessories/jewellery/watch/wallet/pen/ring box
- Something Blue – tie/pocket square/socks/buttonhole/cufflinks/outfit/shoes
- Sixpence In Your Shoe
And that’s a wrap! All the ideas you need for your something old, new, borrowed and blue. I wish you all the luck in the world for your future marriage too.
