You've probably heard the saying, "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe." But did you know it's an English rhyme from the 1800's? Although the sixpence in her shoe is typically only followed by brides in England, many brides in the U.S. still honor this tradition on their special day.
The tried and true saying has inspired many-a-bride to honor the past and give hope to the future by incorporating these special “somethings” into her traditional wedding. Each item is symbolic:
- Something old is for continuity
- Something new for optimism for the future
- Something borrowed for borrowed happiness
- Something blue for purity, love, and fidelity
The old rhyme inspired us to share some of our favorite ways to incorporate something borrowed into your wedding day.
An Heirloom Wedding Gown or Veil
We know what you're thinking, "My mom was married in the 70's and her dress shows it. That's not my style." Good news! That's what seamstresses and tailors are for. If your mom's dress or veil is still in good condition and you like the material, a talented tailor can transform that outdated dress into the gown of your dreams. Swap those puffy long sleeves with lace straps.
Then, turn her column-style dress into a form-fitting mermaid dress by altering the right areas.
Or, Maybe you want to buy your own dress but you adore the veil your older sister wore on her big day. Complement your unique wedding dress with a borrowed veil.
Add a Vintage Twist with Borrowed Accessories
Vintage is an extremely popular wedding trend and it can help add a unique flair to your special day. Add a classy look to your wedding day style with a swanky stole, a pair of vintage gloves, or a muff if you're getting married in the winter.
A Few of Your Parent's Favorite Things
This can be anything, really. Maybe your mom has a beautiful emerald ring your dad gifted her that perfectly matches your wintery wedding colors. Wear it! Or use your dad's favorite tie to wrap your bouquet.
Does your grandma love broaches? Pick one that complements your wedding day look and pin it to your sash or purse, or better yet – create an entire bouquet out of meaningful broaches.
Drive Away in Style
An item you borrow doesn’t have to be something you wear. Does your dad or grandfather own a vintage car you could borrow for the day? Then, after you've dined and danced the night away, you can drive off in style.
A Song or Reading
Your something borrowed doesn't have to be a physical object, either. Having trouble deciding on a first dance song? Borrow your parent's or your fiancé's parent's first dance song. Maybe it's a classic, like "At Last" by Etta James, or "It Had to be You" by Frank Sinatra.
Maybe you were the maid of honor in your best friend's wedding and loved a certain reading they shared during their ceremony. Borrow it to make your ceremony just the way you want it.
No matter what your something borrowed is, have fun with it! Get creative, think outside the box, and make it unique to you. There are no rules. So, borrow multiple things if it makes your wedding feel intimate and personalized.
