Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Ideas for your wedding day!

“Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed,

Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe” – Old English rhyme

Often cited to brides and grooms-to-be as they plan their wedding, this old rhyme refers to a wedding tradition where a bride or groom includes all of the above as forms of good luck charms! While a sixpence in your shoe is usually excluded from the rhyme, the catchy first four lines have made it hundreds of years without any change.

Whether you’re into traditions or not, it is definitely a fun thing to do, and sometimes can be a special way for family members and friends to be a part of the wedding. It’s also a lovely way to creatively honor your past, present, and future as you embark on this wonderful new adventure.

If you’re a little lost on what exactly should represent something old, something new, something borrowed, or something blue, we’ve got some ideas for you!

woman and woman riding wooden swing in front of rock 1459583 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - The National Wedding Directory

The Symbolism Behind It All.

Each of the four items are meant to represent something about your relationship to each other as well as your community as a whole. In fact, it’s said that ‘something old’ is meant to symbolise your pasts, and also a chance to honor your family ancestry and heritage.

‘Something new’, meanwhile, symbolises fresh starts – like a new marriage – and your future life together. ‘Something borrowed’ again calls back to family and friends, and how we can borrow happiness, wisdom, and love from our loved ones as we find ways to define what that can mean for ourselves.

Lastly, ‘Something blue’ is traditionally a symbol of fertility, fidelity, and purity. Blue is a colour that reflects steadfastness and commitment, and is especially fitting when undertaking a vow of matrimony, if you ask us!

When thinking of what exact items you want to use to represent each of the four parts of this rhyme, keep in mind that members of your family (or your partner) might lend or gift you with any of these prior to the wedding. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with collecting a few pieces of your own if you’d like!

women s white sleeveless dress 2122350 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - The National Wedding Directory

Something Old.

1. A Family Heirloom

This is one of the most popular ways to incorporate something old into your new beginnings! A family heirloom, particularly something wearable, is a lovely way to harken back to your family history.

2. Vintage Jewellery

Don’t have family heirlooms on hand? No worries! Vintage jewellery can be found easily at antique stores or even on websites like Etsy. Whether you choose a dainty brooch or a statement necklace, vintage jewellery has a charm that is really hard to beat.

3. An Old Poem

If you’re a bride who enjoys a bit of pretty prose, quoting an old poem in your vows is a beautiful way to include something old in your wedding. You could even have your favourite old poem hand-written in beautiful penmanship and displayed as decor!

4. A Vintage Car

We love the idea of a vintage getaway car to whisk you away post-wedding. They also happen to be impressively photogenic, and can even double as a unique location for your wedding photos! Vendors like Sweet Rides Australia and Very Nice Classics Wedding Cars offer a variety of sleek vintage cars, whereas Krusin Kombis can provide some really cute Kombis for the adventurous couple!

5. Your Favourite Childhood Toy

If your mum has kept some of your childhood toys, it could be a really sweet gesture to include them in your wedding. You could pick something small, like a little teddy bear that can be tucked into your wedding bouquet. Or you could go big, like a vintage doll pram that can be used for decor.

6. A Souvenir From Your First Dates.

This is an incredible sweet way to bring something special and sentimental to both of you as a couple. Whether it’s a couple of printed out selfies, or a movie ticket stub, or maybe even a little matchbox from a restaurant, this little token is a great reminder of how far you’ve come as a couple.

silver colored ring on black textile 1352783 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - The National Wedding Directory

Something New.

1. The Wedding Gown

This is a pretty obvious one, and some might even say it’s a cop out, but surely your brand new wedding dress can represent this part of the phrase? No matter what style of wedding dress you choose, it is sure to be one of the most meaningful pieces of clothing you’ll ever don in your life, so it makes sense for it to be your special something new!

2. Fresh Flowers

Whether you tuck a fresh cut rose in your hair, or a wee daisy in your bridal bouquet, fresh florals are a beautiful way to represent something new. Make it a little more special by having your groom tuck the same flower in his pocket too.

3. A Small Gift

If you’d like to get your family or friends involved in this wedding tradition, try asking them to get you something small that you can integrate into your special day. It could be a discreet piece of jewellery from your mum or mum-in-law, like a dainty bracelet or anklet. Or it could be something from your wedding party, like a group photo of you and your bridesmaids.

4. A New Perfume

Your wedding day is a great excuse to try a different scent! If you’re used to a more delicate fragrance, maybe you can try a bold scent instead. If you usually go for musky scents, maybe try a little more floral aroma. If you are after a new perfume but aren’t sure how to choose the right one for you, Lore Perfumery can help you find the perfect scent for your big day with their one-on-one wedding perfume consultations!

four assorted perfume glass bottles 965989 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - The National Wedding Directory

Something Borrowed

When thinking of something borrowed, the first question you need to ask yourself is: who will you borrow this item from? Well, the best thing to do is to borrow from someone who is close to you. Friends and family would be flattered if you want to borrow something of theirs that has meaning to you!

1. A Small Accessory

Whether a piece of jewellery or even a purse, you can ask female relatives and friends to borrow a beautiful piece from their collection! This is doubly useful because you’ll get to have a gorgeous accessory that not only holds meaning, but also might have been something you couldn’t have afforded otherwise.

2. A Bridal Veil

As far as veils go, most looks remain in style for decades. So it makes sense to borrow one from older relatives. As a plus, vintage veils are often a lot more intricately designed and embellished, so you could end up with a stunning, one-of-a-kind headpiece that is sure to capture everyone’s attention!

3. The Groom’s Cufflinks

If your groom wants to get in on this tradition, ask him to borrow some cufflinks from a friend! This is a great way to inject a bit of personality and humour as well, especially if said friend decides to lend him something a little bit kitschy.

4. A Relative’s Wedding Dress

We’ve seen quite a few brides honoring their older female relatives by donning their wedding dresses for their own special day. If you have a mum or grandma who has kept her wedding dress in good nick, consider tailoring that dress for yourself, and maybe even surprise them with a ‘first look’ on the day!

woman in white bridal gown meditating 157757 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - The National Wedding Directory

Something Blue

If your wedding’s colour theme involves the colour blue, you’re in luck! Your work is done. However, if there are no blue hues to be seen at your wedding, then here are a few discreet ways to incorporate this colour into your wedding.

1. The Garter.

The light blue garter is a classic choice when it comes to adding something blue to the mix! A little sexy and cheeky, a lacy garter can also be something for your new spouse to discover on your wedding night.

2. Sapphire Jewellery

This beautiful blue stone is so eye-catching, and happens to symbolise love and commitment too. Perfect for a wedding, we say! Use sapphire stones in your wedding jewellery as a subtle nod to the ‘something blue’ part of this tradition.

3. A Handkerchief

As a good luck charm, a pretty handkerchief tucked inside your wedding dress bodice is pretty subtle! Alternatively, you could have it tucked into your groom’s blazer pocket. Whether you go for a vintage light blue kerchief, or a one-of-a-kind square with both your initials on it (in blue thread, of course), this is a really lovely way to include this meaningful thue in your big day.

4. Your Shoes

If you are wearing a long gown, chances are that most guests will never set eyes upon your shoes. But even if they did, wouldn’t it be fun to surprise them with an unexpected flash of blue? Whether it’s bright blue heels, a light blue sandal, or even blue sneakers, we love the idea of sneaking in your something blue this way!

Picture 1 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - The National Wedding Directory

A Wedding Tradition With Meaning

While we know that wedding traditions aren’t for everyone, there is something fun about the idea of using these items as a representation of you, your friends, your family, your commitment, and your relationship.

Whether you’re looking for something old, new, borrowed, or blue, The National Wedding Directory has got you covered! Choose from our list of amazing Australian vendors to make your wedding planning an absolute breeze.

man and woman holding each other s arms while standing on 3209258 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - The National Wedding Directory
  • No comments yet.
  • Add a comment