Modern Twists on "Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue"

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Today's Bride

As weddings become more modernized, one tradition that endures the test of time is the bride having something old, new, borrowed and blue and a sixpence in her shoe on her wedding day.

Traditionally, these items were presents from loved ones to bring good luck to the couple that the bride could wear on her wedding day – jewelry from her grandmother that was many generations old, her mother’s wedding dress or the handkerchief her mother carried on her wedding day. Even though carrying on this custom remains a necessity for many brides, couples today are creating new ways to integrate these good luck charms into the wedding day.

Something Old

It symbolizes continuity with the bride’s family and the past.

While many brides opt to wear an item from a relative’s wedding, why not expand the tradition and integrate the “something old” into a larger part of the wedding day, such as the décor? Whether you choose vintage or shabby chic when selecting your wedding style and décor, designing your wedding with antiques will certainly provide your guests with the illusion that they have stepped back in time and an experience they will never forget.

• Antique dressers or desks function great as guestbook tables or food displays, while old-fashioned tables and chairs accompanied with vintage linens create a perfect setting for a rustic wedding theme.
• Vintage postage stamps for all of your stationery items or opt for a vintage getaway car.
• Write down old family recipes and bind into a booklet as wedding favors.
• Display old wedding photographs of deceased loved ones on your décor tables.
• Incorporate old photos into a locket or a brooch. Wear it as a necklace or embed it into your bouquet.

Something New

It represents optimism and hope for the bride’s new life ahead.

A bride’s “something new” can ultimately be represented by any one of the many newly bought items for her wedding day. Traditionally, brides have chosen the wedding gown, shoes or jewelry to fulfill this quest; however, focusing on one key item and perfecting it for all to enjoy will certainly share optimism and hope for all.

• Choose one part of the wedding, such as food or wedding favors, and splurge a little. Make sure you, your groom and all of your guests remember your “something new” forever.
• You could also opt for something more personalized. This could include having your wedding invitation engraved on a decorative plate to display in your new home, or having your wedding vows transformed into a piece of art.
• A wild ride in a new sports car as you exit your wedding is an exciting ending to a wonderful day.
• Burning a new scented candle you and your bridal party personally created during your “girls night out” is a great way to incorporate a soothing scent into your room as you get ready for the wedding.
• If you love DIY projects, create your own floral arrangements or bridal bouquets from wildflowers or your own flower garden.

Something Borrowed

An item from a happily married friend or family member is meant to bring the same happily married bliss to the new bride and groom. It also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. While borrowing a loved one’s jewelry or veil is certainly still an acceptable way to fill the “something borrowed,” tradition.

• A vintage clutch that belonged to a loved one incorporates just enough flair and sophistication to your wedding-day look.
• Borrow an idea from a loved one’s wedding. Dance your first dance to your parents’ wedding song, or replicate your grandparents’ wedding cake.
• Instead of you borrowing jewelry from your grandmother, your fiancé can borrow a wrist or pocket watch from his grandfather.
• Borrow childhood photographs of you and your groom from your parents and create sentimental centerpieces that will bring your mothers to tears.
• Borrow the family Bible and ask your officiant to use it during your ceremony.

Something Blue

Blue symbolizes purity, love, and fidelity.

Because love is one of the symbols of having something blue at your wedding, why not fill your wedding with as much blue and love as possible. You can incorporate blue into your wedding day from attire to décor, from floral arrangements to the wedding meal. Weaving blue into your wedding day will be like weaving love into your marriage!

A few creative ideas include blue tattoos, nail polish, jewelry, blue butterfly hair accessories, blue invitations or escort cards, blueberry pie, blue cocktails or macaroons, blue glassware, tableware or linens or blue birdcage centerpieces.

And a Sixpence in Her Shoe

The wearing of a sixpence in the bride’s shoe signifies wealth and financial security.

Today, many brides substitute the sixpence for a penny. For a modern twist on the sixpence tradition, try one of these unique ideas for good luck:

• Transform the coins into souvenirs for your guests or bridal party. This can be done by turning the coins into charms, necklaces or key chains. You can design specialized coins with your names and wedding date. By sharing these coins with your guests, you are wishing good luck to everyone.
• Tie the coin to the ring bearer pillow.
• Turn the sixpence into a wine stopper.
• Twist the tradition a little and have the groom wear sixpence cufflinks.
• To spice things up a bit, decorate your reception with pennies. Your guests will never forget dancing on a penny dance floor or gazing at penny art sculptures surrounding the room.

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What is your plans for your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in your shoe? Share in the comments below!