Photo by Will Reid

Whatever you choose to use as your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, though, should be well-thought-out and intentional. It’s easy to fall into a “I’ve got my something blue, and that’s the hardest, so I’ll just come up with the rest later” trap and then arrive at your wedding morning without the rest of the rhyme reasoned out. That’s why we’re all for getting these ducks in a row well before your big day.

If you’re asking your parents or your grandparents for something old, you’ll want to approach the topic well in advance - especially if you’re considering an heirloom or something that’s preserved and not taken out very often.

If you’re asking your mom or sister or best friend for something borrowed, you’ll also want to clue them in on your plans pretty quickly. You/they may have to seek out alterations or get their item cleaned before you can use it (like a veil, a pair of shoes, estate jewelry, etc.).

If you’ve come up with your somethings, it might even help to give your photographer a heads up about what they are when you send them over your pre-event shot list (a few weeks prior to your party); doing so can ensure you’ll have them packed up and poised to shine in all of those getting-ready photos.