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Writer's picturePamela Lewis

Make "Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue" All About You.


Peach peony wedding bouquet and rings at Historic Hampton House 1908

Honor timeless traditions for tying the knot while celebrating "something you."


Blend timeless traditions with a personal touch for your wedding day. Many modern couples are creating ceremonies that reflect their unique stories, yet some customs remain popular—like the classic "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" (and a sixpence in your shoe). This rhyme dates back to the Victorian era, with the first mention appearing in St. James Magazine in 1871.


While following every "something" isn't required, it's a lovely way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a joyful future. This tradition allows you to incorporate meaningful items—heirlooms, blue accents, or unique gifts—into your wedding attire.


Here's a quick look at each element's meaning:

Something old, new, borrowed and blue

Ready to make this rhyme your own? Let these ideas inspire your perfect blend of tradition and personality. Keep reading for more.


Something old, new, borrowed and blue

"Something Old" Ideas 

Here's your chance to give a nod to the past. Your "something old" idea can be a family heirloom, a vintage dress, an antique piece of jewelry, and so much more!


Vintage Wheels

Exit with style in a vintage Vespa scooter, tandem bicycle, or restored car. Don't forget the "just married" signage and instructions so your photographer can be ready to capture your final getaway.


Wear Heirloom

Does your or your partner's side have a family heirloom like a strand of pearls or diamond earrings to wear on your wedding day? If not, shop for something vintage to create your own heirloom to proudly wear and then pass it down.


Capture Memories

Have your photographer shoot with actual film for an unmistakably timeless feel, or supply Polaroid cameras for your guests throughout the wedding to capture all the little moments (and have a keepsake).


Tune In

What are some of your or your partner's favorite songs or artists from the past? Have your DJ craft a playlist of music you both love from eras past or hire musicians to play live for a vibe like no other.  


Make the Cut

Adding a touch of "something old" to your cake with heritage decorations, colors, or even a retro cake topper is a super sweet nod to the past, or make the first cut with a vintage set of cake servers.


Dress Up

Consider wearing vintage on your wedding day or sew a piece of your mom or grandmother's dress on the underside of yours. Choosing a vintage dress for your rehearsal dinner is also a cool way to bring your personality to the celebration.

Something old, new, borrowed and blue

"Something New" Ideas 

Ready to highlight the bright, new future you and your partner will have? Here are several ideas that'll show your joy for what's to come once you say "I do."


Custom Stemwear

Cheers to you and your partner for making this leap and celebrating with custom champagne flutes featuring your new initials or your wedding date.


Original Artwork 

Hiring a live artist to capture your wedding day is a new way to celebrate the day. Watch as it comes alive on the canvas for both you and your guests, and then treasure it as a heirloom for years to come.


Special Jewelry 

Add some extra sparkle to your "something new" with gorgeous jewelry to wear on your wedding day and beyond. Add custom engraving to the piece that's meaningful to you and your partner.


Something Permanent

Getting matching tattoos is a major commitment, but one you can do with style and truly make your own. Keep it simple while being bold in showing your lasting love.


Custom Cufflinks 

For brides or grooms wearing suits, donning custom cufflinks can be the ultimate "something new" idea to embrace. Maybe wear your new spouse's initials on one side and yours on the other? Get creative and make them yours.


Signature Scent 

Link a mental memory to relive your wedding day with a signature scent. Either shop for something special or create a custom scent featuring the flowers you choose for your bouquet or highlighting the seasonal blooms surrounding your wedding date.


Ready Wear

Get something new to wear while getting ready on your wedding day. Pick out something comfortable for getting your hair and makeup done, but also something that makes you feel beautiful before wearing your dream gown.


Keep reading for more of something old, new, borrowed and blue.

Something old, new, borrowed and blue

"Something Borrowed" Ideas 


Borrowing something special from friends and family to start your marriage adds bonds from your loved ones on your wedding day. If not a piece from friends or family, borrowing something from the past is a way to honor your new future. Keep scrolling for a few ideas that you can easily incorporate.


Small Details 

Look to your or your partner's family's wedding archives and draw inspiration from their special days. Incorporate the decoration style of your grandmother's wedding cake into your own, bring your partner's parents' wedding colors to yours in bridesmaid looks, or incorporate flowers used in your parent's wedding into your bouquet.


Serving Style

Borrow a serving set from friends or family to cut into your wedding cake, or use vintage serving plates for your reception.


Veil Share 

If wearing a whole gown from the '80s is not what you had in mind, try borrowing just the veil from a relative to bestow their marital luck onto you. Alternatively, you can borrow your best friend's veil to honor your friendship while donning a style that may be more current and genuinely personal.


First Dance

Do your parents or grandparents share a timeless love story that you hope your marriage will resemble? If yes, consider borrowing their first dance song for your DJ to play. You can even make it extra special by inviting them to join you on the dance floor halfway through the melody.


Heritage Bling

With so many bridal jewelry pieces, be selective in choosing "something borrowed". Wear earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet that belongs to someone close to you from your grandmother, sister, best friend or future mother-in-law.



Something old, new, borrowed and blue

"Something Blue" ideas   

Last but not least, something blue is so new. Everything from nails to cake or shoes can be done in unique ways that are "so you."


Mail Magic  

Start soon and feature your tone of blue in your wedding invitations, whether in the paper color, subtle imaging, or even in a custom watercolor design. Remember to carry the tone you choose into more elements of your celebration to tie it all together.


Blue Digits  

Incorporate tones of blue to your tips with everything from a mini French to the palest blue almond-shaped nails. Feel inspired to wear just a touch of color, but remember to choose a shade to coordinate with your bouquet.


Stylish Favors  

Add personality to your guest favors with a shade of blue you love. Gift tinted macaroons or cookies with your new initials in blue, or box up some beautiful sweets in beautiful, blue packaging.


Feature Footwear 

Kick up your style with a touch of blue to your wedding shoes. Whether you love satin pumps in Tiffany blue or custom-colored sneakers, have fun and love your walk down the aisle.


Want to start planning your ideas? Book a Historic Hampton House 1908 tour, and let us help you get started on a wedding that's new and totally you.


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