Episode 07: Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

Episode 7 of The Bouquet Toss is all about the tradition of the bride carrying something old, new, borrowed, and blue on the wedding day! Learn where this tradition came from and some unique ways to incorporate it into your big day. Subscribe to The Bouquet Toss Podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app!

Listen to Episode #07: Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

You’ve heard the old rhyme right? Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue are the objects brides are “supposed” to have with them on their wedding day. Dive into the history behind this wedding tradition, and learn about the fifth detail that used to be part of the rhyme! This tradition is one most brides still include in their weddings today. We’re discussing tons of great options for each detail, ways to incorporate them into your attire and decor, and alternative ideas for achieving the same sentiment!

Where did the tradition of something old, new, borrowed, and blue come from?

According to Reader’s Digest, the mantra started as a Victorian-era rhyme that came out of the English country Lancashire. It describes the four (technically five) objects a bride should have with her on her wedding day for good luck, and brides have been following this custom for centuries. 

The traditional wedding rhyme goes: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.

Let’s explore the significance and meaning behind each of these items:

SOMETHING OLD

According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, “something old” stands for continuity and also symbolizes your lives prior to when they became intertwined and offers a chance to honor your family heritage.

Something Old ideas:

• An antique piece of jewelry from your family
• Old locket, maybe an heirloom, and put pictures of family in it
• frame photos make a photo collage at the entry of your reception
• You can find old windows at flea markets, yard sales, resale shops, or consider renting pieces from a vintage rental company.
• Old vintage blue “getaway” car
• A parasol can be used for photo props, as a wedding accessory and even as wedding decor. Have a stack of parasols out for your guests at an outdoor wedding, so they can protect themselves from the sun.
• Old bottle of wine to enjoy at the reception

SOMETHING NEW

“Something new” reflects your future shared life together and shows optimism for the future. Look forward, an item that you will carry with you into your married life.

Something New ideas:

• Piece of jewelry from your new spouse or family member
• Treat yourself moment?
• Matching jewelry for you and your bridesmaids, MOH, and Mom?
• Monogrammed handkerchief for ceremony tears

SOMETHING BORROWED

“Something borrowed” symbolizes borrowed happiness, and typically means incorporating an item belonging to a family member or dear friend for good luck.

In old times, “something borrowed” was sometimes the undergarment of a woman who already had children. Legend says that wearing this would confuse the Evil Eye into thinking the bride was already fertile, and would therefore thwart any curses on a bride’s womb. This is also the same reason brides stand on the left at weddings, in case you were wondering.

Something Borrowed ideas:

• a piece of heirloom jewelry from a family member
• Veil from a family member’s wedding
• Broach on pin
• Wrap your dad or brother’s tie around the bottom of your bouquet
• Decor from the wedding of a bride who already tied the know
• “Something borrowed” doesn’t have to be a tangible object. For example, you may borrow the song your parents used as their first wedding song, and use it as yours!
• Borrow your wedding flowers by renting from Something Borrowed Blooms
• Rent your wedding jewelry from Happily Ever Borrowed or Little Things Borrowed

SOMETHING BLUE

“Something blue” symbolizes love, fidelity, and purity. From garters to jewelry to patches sewn into your wedding dress, there are many ways to incorporate the color blue into your wedding day ensemble.

Something Blue ideas:

• Blue shoes under the dress
• Jewelry with blue accents 
• Blue ties for grooms or blue suits
• Bridesmaid dresses that are blue
• Blue florals
• A blue belt added to the dress
• Wear a blue wedding garter
• Sew your wedding date in blue into the lining of your dress
• You could even include blue into your wedding day manicure!

A SIXPENCE IN YOUR SHOE

The sixpence is a silver British coin that was meant to be a symbol of prosperity. It was also meant to act as a barrier against evil performed by frustrated suitors. Though the sixpence went out of circulation in 1980, if a bride is so lucky to find a sixpence to put in her shoe, she uses it as a wish for good fortune and prosperity. 

Where do you get the items for something old, new, borrowed, blue?

Members of your families may lend or gift you with any of these lucky tokens prior to the wedding, but there’s no rule saying you can’t also round up a few pieces of your own.

You can choose to have these items present in some aspect of your wedding day or you can wear them to keep them with you throughout the celebration. But don’t stress over this old-school guide for bridal success– you should only take on traditions that feel meaningful and aligned to you.

The objects in the rhyme aren’t meant to dictate your wedding style or inspire a hunt for the perfect “somethings.” Just like with any tradition or trend, you can feel free to toss this ritual if it feels like too much pressure or work. 

How to make this tradition work for you:

• Talk with your bridal party, your family, and friends about what they may have that you want to borrow. They may also be planning to get you something new!
• Try to work these items into your decor, this could help make those decisions easier.

Remember, you don’t have to do all of them or any of them! It’s just another one of those traditions that is meant to bring good luck to your wedding day and future marriage. If you’re not superstitious, you’re good to go.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Make Your Own Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Pin – Something Turquoise
• Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue Bracelet or Bouquet Charm
• Reader’s Digest: Origin of the tradition
• BRIDES history of the Old, New, Borrowed, Blue tradition

As with everything we discuss here on The Bouquet Toss, it doesn’t *really* matter what we think, it’s about choosing what works for YOU and tossing the rest!

We want to know what YOU think about the something old, new, borrowed, and blue tradition and if you plan to incorporate it into your wedding plans. Join us in our private community where we’re discussing this, or visit our Instagram page to comment on the post about this episode!

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