Old, new, borrowed and blue: a fresh take on the long-held custom

You’ve probably heard the 19th century bridal rhyme: “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Are you thinking about incorporating the associated traditions into your wedding but want to do so in a modern way? Here are some fresh ideas.

Something old
• Create a display of vintage photos of loved ones
• Incorporate your grandmother’s pearl necklace into your hairdo
• Create a broach bouquet from vintage broaches and jewelry to carry instead of flowers

Something new
• Find some cheeky lingerie to wear under your dress — it can be your little secret
• If you’re not the type to wear jewelry, have rings tattooed on your fingers
• Have a custom perfume blended just for your special day

Something borrowed
• Rent a designer gown instead of buying a dress you’ll only wear once
• Borrow your parents’ wedding song for your first dance
• If a married friend has a similar style to you, ask to borrow her veil

Something blue
• Forget a French manicure and paint your nails bold blue
• Wrap your bouquet with a blue handkerchief or ribbon
• If you’re wearing a ball gown, add a layer of blue tulle

Given how the rhyme ends, why not tape a quarter to the bottom of your shoe for extra luck? Be sure to choose one minted the year you’re getting married. Afterwards, you can save it as a memento and someday lend it to a loved one as their own something borrowed.