Special Ways to Incorporate Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue into Your Wedding
Looking for unique ways to incorporate the popular wedding tradition into your event? Here are special items you can look for that will be meaningful for you and your loved ones.
Something Old
This can be anything from wedding memorabilia from a family member to the groom’s lucky socks.
Wedding Dress – Or Parts of It
One heartwarming way to incorporate something old is to wear your mother or grandmother’s wedding dress. If you have a different style and still want that particular piece to be part of your special day, ask if you can have the dress tailored, or sew some of the material into your own gown or veil.
Cookie Table
Cookie table history dates back to the 20th century, when people migrated to the Rust Belt for new opportunities. Because of the migration and financial crisis, couples were often too poor to have elaborate weddings. So, they started a tradition of baking cookies from family recipes.
The tradition is still alive today and is an excellent idea to incorporate something old into your wedding. You can have a cookie table or treats for people to take home after the reception. Use a family recipe to celebrate the beloved bakers who came before you.
Vintage Car
An family member or close friend may have a vintage car that makes the perfect getaway. Think of the beautiful photo opportunities and how special it will be for them to contribute to your day.
The Wedding Ring
Buying a wedding ring from a pawn shop or vintage store is a great way to incorporate something old. Although the band’s story is unknown, it’s a beautiful way to start your own with your partner. You might even find a ring unlike any other.
With the average wedding costing $12,000–$30,000, it may be wise to look for an older wedding band so you can spend more money on your dress or venue. You can still get a high-quality ring — it’ll just be more affordable than at a commercial store.
Lucky Garments
Maybe you have a lucky hair ribbon you always wear to big meetings or special occasions. Or, your husband-to-be has lucky socks he wore the first time he asked you out. You can incorporate these unique pieces by sewing the material into your dress or suit.
Something New
These are special ways to carry something new into your union.
Permanent Jewellery
Permanent jewellery is a great way to start your union with a second piece that stays on forever. You can get a bracelet, necklace, or anklet customised and welded.
Matching Tattoos
Of course, you’ll need to get the tattoos before the ceremony to let them heal properly. Or, you could make it part of your wedding celebration and head to the tattoo parlour after your reception.
A Gift for the Groom
Make a small gift memorable for your partner by getting something special for him and having someone deliver it before you see each other at the aisle. It could be cufflinks or a tiepin with your wedding date engraved, or a watch he’s been talking about with a special message at the back.
New Accessories
Make your wedding fun with a new pair of sunglasses or a personalised jacket for the reception, something unique to your style. It could even be a new pair of sneakers with your wedding dress or cute cowgirl boots in your favourite colour.
Something Borrowed
A great way to include the love and luck from family members and friends is to borrow something from them on your big day.
Family Heirlooms
Maybe your aunt has pearls from your great-grandmother and wants this piece of family history to join you in your ceremony. You could wear the pearls or wrap them around your bouquet.
First Dance Song
Share a tender moment with your partner and your parents or a friend by “borrowing” their first dance song for yours. While a song isn’t an object, it’s a great way to incorporate special things from family and friends.
Vintage Champagne Flutes
Your family may have special glasses or flutes that have lasted generations. Ask to have them as part of your reception and make a toast to your future.
Wedding Shoes
Are your feet the same size as your best friend, sister or mom? Maybe you loved their wedding shoes and they match your style perfectly. Ask to borrow them to walk down the aisle.
Something Blue
Blue symbolises purity and fidelity but is also a beautiful accent colour to your special day.
Blue Manicure
Something blue can be on your nails, too. Paint your nails completely blue of any shade or have a slight accent line. If you have a specific colour you want for your nails, a blue gel pedicure can hide under your dress but will look great on your honeymoon at the beach.
Sapphire Jewellery
While you might have a classic diamond engagement ring, that doesn’t mean you can opt for a different stone in your other wedding jewellery. Sapphires are a beautiful deep blue stone that rank 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they are very durable. Whether you go for earrings, a necklace or a bracelet, a sapphire piece is the perfect pop of color.
Lingerie
While it will be a secret between you and your partner — and the bridal party — why not incorporate something blue with luxurious light-blue lacy underwear or lingerie with silk details under your wedding dress? It’s true that matching underwear boosts your confidence and you’ll be honeymoon ready.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue
These ideas are starting points that help you blend tradition into your special day. It’s a great way to incorporate the past, include the love and wishes of your loved ones, and look forward to a beautiful future with your partner.
Author – Cora Gold
Cora Gold is a wedding enthusiast with over six years of experience writing about trends, traditions and more. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.
