There are so many “wedding traditions” nowadays, I bet you don’t actually know what the history or meanings are of some traditions. The most familiar tradition you’d have heard is the Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Lucky Sixpence in her shoe. Albeit most forget the sixpence element but it’s still the same. According to The Knot, this tradition is relating to an old English rhyme about objects for the bride to include in her wedding outfit or carry on her big day as good luck charms. Usually these tokens are given from your mother, sister or other relatives. Although its usually the maid of honour’s job to arrange this for you, it’s much more common now for brides to just get these themselves. If you are looking for ideas for a family member, friend or even yourself then look no further as I have a few ideas for you to hopefully suit every bride.
SOMETHING OLD
Something Old should be something that
has been passed down your families generation, which represents continuity (or
stability). I was lucky enough to be given a beautiful Chinese Jade ring which
was passed down from my Nana after she sadly passed. It will be my most
treasured item on my wedding day and I will feel so proud to wear it. If you
are struggling for a few ideas for Something Old, and this might sound weird,
but if you have a loved one or family member that has passed you might be able
to get an item of clothing or a handkerchief and tie a piece of the fabric onto
the underlay of your dress.
SOMETHING NEW
Something New can be anything that’s
new, some traditions say that the only thing it can’t be is your wedding dress.
Many grooms buy their bride-to-be a gift which can be used as your something
new and the aim of something new is supposed to bring a hopeful future to the
newlyweds. For my wedding, my something new is some diamond earrings that I was
treated to, I’ve also wanted a nice pair of subtle diamond earrings especially
to wear on my wedding day. Here are a few other ideas of Something New, just
remember when buying something new, to not wear before the big day!
Accessories
Whether it be a new pair of sparkly earrings, a pretty
pearl bracelet, your bridal hair clip or a cute clutch bag to put your lippy
in. As long as its new, it counts.
Beauty
Try to think out of the box when thinking of something
new, maybe treat yourself to a new lipstick or a pretty mirror to pop in your
handbag? Buying something like this maybe more practical as you’d continue to
use/enjoy it after the day.
Shoes
There are many myths about not having
shoes as your something new, but if you’ve bought them especially for your
wedding day then it’s new and it counts. Sod myths.
SOMETHING BORROWED
The idea of Something Borrowed will not
only make the lender a part of your special day but it symolises happiness.
Kate Middleton had the ultimate borrowed accessory on her big day when the
Queen lent her a beautiful vintage diamond tiara. Just wow. However much we’d
like to have our mother-in-law to be to give us a diamond tiara, we probably
won’t get that so instead why not look at something lovely to borrow off a
close family member. Whether it be a dainty anklet lent from your mother (this
is my something borrowed), a wedding veil from a family or friend or even a
pretty brooch to attach to your gown. Anything someone has lent you will be
special, embrace it.
SOMETHING BLUE
I love the idea of Something Blue! I think it makes
weddings a little more creative and quirky. Even if blue isn’t in your theme.
However that’s not to say that you can’t make it look good. Something blue
represents purity, love and faithfulness and even though I am not following
“traditions” at our wedding, this little rhyme is something I will be
following. There are so many creative ideas to implement a little blue
something to your day. Release your inner Carrie Bradshaw and get some stunning
blue shoes, the traditional Carrie blue shoes didn’t really go with my day. But
Navy did, and Navy’s technically blue right? So that was me sold. If you don’t
want as bold of a shoe colour, here are a few other ideas for you.
Garter
Most garters you’ll see nowadays will have a blue
pearl or a blue ribbon on them. If your garter isn’t blue don’t panic it’s
really easy to add a little ribbon or fabric to your garter.
Lingerie
Okay, I admit having a dainty or sheer
dress may mean that having blue lingerie isn’t an option. But you may be able
to add subtle pale blue beading or ribbon to your underwear.
Hidden Ribbon
I saw this idea on The Knot and I
think it’s a super cute idea. Basically you get a little blue ribbon, make it
into a bow and either pin or sew this to the inside of your dress. Viola! Cute,
cheap and effective.
Jewellery
This is quite a popular option now for
brides to be gifted or choose to wear an item of jewellery that has a blue
stone, a blue charm or something blue in it.
Vows
This idea was also seen on The Knot but
I do this this is a really good idea, as its extremely popular to write your
own vow’s why not write them on blue paper/card or with a pretty blue ink?
AND A LUCKY SIXPENCE IN YOUR SHOE...
Okay, so there isn’t really an “alternative” to a
lucky sixpence, as it is what it is. Although many cute shabby chic shops or
wedding shops now stock sixpences in a variety of styles to suit everyone.
Did/Are you following this tradition at your wedding?
What did/are you going to have as your Old, New, Borrowed & Blue?
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