Wedding Traditions: Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue Ideas
Every bride wants her wedding day to feel meaningful, timeless, and personal. One of the most beloved traditions is the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” rhyme. Each item symbolizes a wish for your marriage: continuity, optimism, shared happiness, and fidelity. While this tradition is classic, it’s also incredibly versatile, perfect for brides who love to plan every detail while adding personal touches. We have put together some fresh ideas to help you honor this sweet tradition on your own wedding day!
Something Old
“Something old” represents continuity and your connection to the past. This is your chance to honor family traditions or incorporate heirlooms that carry sentimental value.
Ideas include:
Wearing a family heirloom, like your mother’s necklace or grandmother’s brooch.
Old wedding photos can be placed inside a small photo locket and wrapped around the bride’s bouquet or attached to the groom’s boutonniere. Additional photos can also be framed and displayed as part of your ceremony or reception decor.
Repurposing a loved one’s gown: one of our past brides transformed her mother’s wedding dress into a stunning reception dress, blending tradition with her own modern style.
Photographer: Linden Bloom
Something New
“Something new” symbolizes optimism and the exciting new chapter you’re about to begin. This is often easier to personalize because it reflects your taste and style. Ideas include:
A brand new accessory you’ve carefully chosen to match your wedding day look.
Custom wedding shoes or a piece of jewelry designed just for your day.
A new tradition, like lighting a unity candle together during the ceremony.
Photographer: Sprayberry Studio
Something Borrowed
“Something borrowed” represents shared happiness and the support of loved ones. This is a wonderful way to incorporate friends or family into your celebration while honoring meaningful connections.
Ideas include:
Jewelry, hairpieces, or veils borrowed from a close friend or family member.
A favorite book, poem, or reading included in your ceremony, borrowed from a loved one.
A special accessory from a recently married friend, symbolizing good luck and shared joy.
One of our past brides borrowed a beautiful veil from her best friend’s wedding day, adding a sentimental touch that made her ceremony even more meaningful.
Photographer: Our Ampersand
Something Blue
“Something blue” represents love, fidelity, and purity. Traditionally subtle, it’s an opportunity to infuse a pop of color in your wedding day details. Ideas include:
Blue shoes or jewelry for a playful, but elegant touch.
Incorporating blue flowers or ribbon into your bouquet.
A small blue charm sewn into your gown or bouquet ribbon, keeping it close but personal.
Photographer: Ashley Blair
The “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition is more than just a fun rhyme, it’s a way to weave sentiment, personal style, and meaningful connections into your wedding day. Whether you choose classic heirlooms, thoughtful new accessories, borrowed treasures, or subtle blue accents, these small details can make your celebration truly unforgettable. For brides who love to plan and want a seamless, meaningful wedding day, embracing this tradition ensures that every step down the aisle carries intention and love, all with a personal touch.
