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

Though many modern couples are choosing to host weddings that reflect their unique love story—veering away from traditional practices their parents or grandparents once embraced—there are still a few customs that are widely accepted and adopted at contemporary nuptials today. Chief among them? Wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue (with a sixpence in your shoe).

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, New, Borrowed, and 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.

"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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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."

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.

A Custom Moto Jacket

Stay cool (in both senses of the word) with a custom wedding jacket, such as a black leather moto. 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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

Fabric From a Relative's Gown

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. However, be sure to check with your family before cutting up any prized heirlooms.

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.

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.

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.

A Wedding Veil

If wearing a whole gown from the '80s is not what you had in mind, try borrowing just the veil from a relative to bestow their marital luck onto your own. Alternatively, you can borrow your best friend's veil to honor your friendship, while scoring a style that may be more current (though we do love a good vintage accessory).

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.