Every wedding starts from a history. For most love weddings, you have a story of the twists and turns that led to this moment. And if you don’t have these moments, you may have seen your parents’ marriage or someone close. So, you go into your wedding with hopes, dreams, and promises for the marriage.
Even if you do not believe that these extras bring some luck, it would be nice to have something handed down to you from your loved one in your new home.
Whether you’re planning a gay, lesbian, transgender, or opposite-sex wedding, there’s one tradition that you don’t want to miss- something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
After all, who wouldn’t want to start their marriage off with a little extra boost of luck, right? Sure, it’s a bit superstitious, but all of the best traditions are!
If you’re struggling to find a way to incorporate each part of the rhyme into your own ceremony, read on for our favorite tips and recommendations.
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Table could not be displayed.Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue Wedding Ideas
We’ve all heard the saying before; something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. It’s a long-standing tradition dating back to Victorian times that’s still practiced to this day. Each part has a different meaning, they are:
- Something old – helps you stay connected to your family and heritage.
- Something new – Will help you gain good fortune in your life
- Something borrowed – Your friends will always be there to support you
- Something blue – A symbol of loyalty and faithfulness in your marriage
Lastly, you can have a silver sixpence in your shoe (if you can find one) which wishes you wealth on your new journey.
Whether you believe in the meanings or not, it’s always nice to follow some traditions. So here are some ideas on how you can do that in the 21st century, with extra help from the internet.
Something Old ideas
Something old also reminds you of love –pure and true. There might be rough and sad days, but your love will stand true and overcome all difficulties just like something old. Also, it reminds you that some people hold wisdom from long years of experience.
So, if you are stuck and do not know how to handle a situation, ask for help. Love and unity are the legacies of families. Therefore, when you feel alone and sad in your marriage, you can seek love and wisdom in the comfort of your extended family.
Usually, this is a family heirloom passed down through generations. However, we know this isn’t possible for everybody.
Even if your “something old” isn’t from your family, you can personalize it. You can order this piece before your wedding and make some memories with an elderly loved one. This way, you can pin such memories to that piece and remember your loved one when you see that piece.
If this is the case, it’s just time to get creative. First, it can be something of your own that you’ve just had for years. If that doesn’t work, though, here are a couple of great ideas I love.
Amazon seller creates repurposed jewelry from old buttons, like the one pictured above. They do ship abroad. The most amazing thing about Amazon is that you can message local sellers, and explain your specific needs. Most are completely accommodating.
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Something New
This is a little bit easier to complete, especially with the internet on our fingers. However, don’t just buy anything – this has to be special. It’s very likely people will ask about your old, new, borrowed, and blue, and you want to be ready with a good tale.
Something that takes center stage could be a great contender for the something new choice. If you’re both going with wedding suits instead of dresses, how about a new tie, like the one below. You can buy each other one of these, and then you can hold onto them forever.
Something new could also be shoes, earrings, hair clips, and cuffs. It’s entirely your choice, just make sure it’s brand new and shiny.
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Something borrowed
If you’re renting a tux (or even a dress), technically this one is covered. While this isn’t necessarily something I can overtly help you out with, something borrowed is so lovely.
The internet can technically let you borrow items – some fashion stores allow you to rent various pieces of clothing or jewelry. So, if you’re really struggling to find something to borrow that will match your style or theme, that is always a choice.
Let us know what kind of items you borrowed for your wedding day, we’d love to know.
Something blue ideas
I have a few suggestions on what you can have for something blue. It’s such a gorgeous and varied color, that belongs everywhere.
Remember, if it doesn’t match your style, that’s totally fine. You can make your something blue item hidden or covered. Many people decide to make their something blue stand out. Become a statement piece in its own right.
Whatever you decide, I’ve made choices.So, here are my favorite blue items that you can rock on your wedding day. Bonus- if you choose to buy any of them, they fit your “something new” too!
1. A blue hairclip
I don’t think this one needs much explaining – it looks stunning, and adds so much to the big day. Even with just a little twinkle.
A sapphire blue hairpin like this is also the perfect accessory for anybody born in the month of September – it’s your birthstone.
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2. A blue garter
Obviously, this one is a lot more hidden – it still totally counts though. Garters are a great way to incorporate something blue. This super delicate, lacy one is lovely.
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3. Blue bottle openers
Actually, your something blue doesn’t have to be on you – it just has to be at your wedding. So, this something blue bottle opener could be absolutely perfect. You can also personalize it.
This is an amazing conversation creator, too. When people ask where the something blue is, you can hint at the need for a drink.
On that note, you can also make your plates blue or even your confetti. It still counts and it will still symbolize that loyalty. Traditions are beautiful.
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4. Blue Embroidered Handkerchief
An embroidered hanky is always a good pick, as you can tuck it pretty much anywhere. I love this one pictured above. It’s simple and elegant.
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5. A Personalized Blue Charm
If you want something a little more unique, this charm is subtle yet beautiful. Have it engraved with your initials and wedding date. After the big day, keep it on your keychain!
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6. Old, New and Blue Pin
This beautiful pin from Amazon hits everything except “borrowed.” Where it proudly on the outside of your dress or tuck it underneath inside, totally up to you.
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7. A Silver Sixpence in Your Shoe
While this part of the rhyme got a little lost along the way, if you want to include it Etsy is- again- your best source. Most sellers are in the UK and shipping can be pretty crazy for something that’s worth roughly 3.5 cents. However, there are some US sellers, like this one, that is a bit more reasonable.
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Final Words
Well, there we have it. A guide on the (arguably) most well-known wedding tradition. Whether you proudly display your “something old, new, borrowed and blue” items or tuck them away, taking part in this tradition helps connect you to every bride and groom that’s ever come before. Well, at least since the Victorian era!
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I’m a freelance journalist/writer/content marketer with BA Hons in Journalism.
Last update on 2026-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
