Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed…

A recent post discussed fun and stylish ways to incorporate something blue into your wedding day attire. So, what about the rest of the cliché? Well, here are a few ways to fulfill the rest of this old rhyme.

What does it mean?

This saying is believed to have originated in Britain during the Victorian era. Each item is supposed to bring the bride good luck. Something old represents the bride bringing her past into her future. The item is usually associated with family, and it represents a continued family relationship after marriage. Something new symbolizes hope and optimism. This represents the bride’s dreams for her future life. Something borrowed is an item from a married family member or friend. It is supposed to bring good luck to the newly married couple.

Something Old

Old is a tricky word. Does old mean a few years old, or does it mean half a century old? Honestly, it is up to you. You may choose to wear a piece of jewelry that is only a few years old, or you may wear an heirloom from your great-great-great Aunt Sally. Here are just a few ways to incorporate something old into your wedding day.

Wear a piece of jewelry your parents gave you as a little girl
Carry a handkerchief given to you by a family member
Clip an old brooch to your bouquet
Wrap an old strand of pearls around or in our bouquet
Use an old piece of fabric to wrap your bouquet
Wear a family member’s veil
Wear a family member’s wedding gown
Wear a family member’s headpiece
Wear a hair accessory you loved as a little girl (even better if you use to wear it while playing wedding)

Something Borrowed

Usually, something borrowed can be from a family member or friend who is already married. The difference between something old and something borrowed is that the something borrowed has to be given back. If the item is given to you to keep, it doesn’t count. Here are just a few possibilities.

Borrow wedding jewelry
Borrow a wedding gown
Borrow a veil
Borrow a headpiece
Borrow shoes
Borrow a silk flower bouquet
Borrow a brooch to attach to your bouquet
Borrow hair accessories

Something New

Something new is the easiest part of this cliché. Most of the items you will wear on your wedding day will be new. Just in case you need a reminder, here are a few things that might be new on your wedding day.

Your wedding dress
Your shoes
Your veil
Your headpiece
Your jewelry
Your garter
Your bouquet

And a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe

The complete saying goes “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” A sixpence is a British coin worth six cents. This item symbolizes wealth and financial security. According to several sources, the coin should be placed under the left foot. Today, many brides choose to place a penny or dime in their shoe. If you want a traditional sixpence, some companies sell keepsake coins for weddings.

What suggestions do you have? We would love to hear your ideas.