So, at first thought, ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue’ just seems like an old school wedding tradition that has totally worn out its wear. And we get it, it’s not a critical part of the wedding picture – getting married without them doesn’t mean your day will be cursed or your future will be destined for failure – not by any stretch of the imagination. But like other things that give your day a sense of ceremoniousness, in a sort of “without your old, new, borrowed, and blue, were you even a bride?” kind of way (and let’s be clear about this, you absolutely are, that’s not conditional), this wedding prescription is just lots of fun. Brides look forward to planning out their ‘somethings,’ and when they get stuck or need some new inspiration, they can turn to the closest people to them to source something special.
The cool thing about the wedding-ism in this day and age, is that there truly is no formula to honor it: the old, the new, the borrowed, the blue, they’re all up to you and your own interpretations. They don’t have to be woven into your wedding ensemble, they don’t even have to be noticeable to anyone but you, and to be honest, they don’t even have to be tangible – for instance, maybe you and your fiancé dated and broke up years ago and then got back together and engaged shortly after. Your relationship and decision to wed, then, can be your something old and something new. It makes sense, it’s meaningful, and better yet, it’s modern.
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.
Granted, all of the props and products in our Style Me Pretty Collection are something new, but if you use them for your own wedding day and then pass them on to your siblings, cousins, friends (maybe even your own daughter one day, decades from now), you can keep the something old and something borrowed alive and well!
We mentioned before that this wedding tradition doesn’t have any boundaries or limitations, and it’s absolutely true; that said, when it comes to ‘something old,’ we think a piece of jewelry that was, perhaps, worn by your grandmother or mother on their own wedding days (or maybe even when you were born!) is the perfect tribute. It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate something vintage or classic into your modern wedding day look.
This category is probably the easiest of the four, because anything that you get in your role as the bride is probably new: your engagement ring, your wedding planning paraphernalia, your wedding dress, if this is your first wedding, your being a bride is something new – as is your new last name (if you’ll be taking one!)! But something new can also relate to trends you’ll be embracing on your wedding day (be it neon signs, hanging installations, etc.).
Like something old, something borrowed involves collaborators – from your blood relatives to your new family-in-law, close friends to your soon-to-be spouse him/herself. Maybe you’re borrowing your mom’s veil, maybe you’re wearing a hair pin that your MOH wore when she got married, or maybe you want to buy something to really show those special pieces off… or happily pass along over the years. #Sisterhoodofthetravelingdresshanger, anyone?
This category may not be the easiest, but it’s probably where you can be most creative. Consider dropping hints to your hunny about something blue for the gift he or she gets you (the wedding morning gift exchange is another thing that doesn’t have to happen, but it’s sooo nice if it does!), treat yourself to some statement blue-hued jewels or shoes, or ask your girls to get in on it with their own blue jewelry or pretty powder blue nails (to match white or vanilla-toned bridesmaid dresses?). You can even do a duo of blue French macarons or meringues for your favors… guests will love being part of your traditions!