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Updated Mar 06, 202515 "Something Old," "Something New" Ideas for Your Wedding Day
There are several places to source items for this age-old tradition including from loved ones or your wardrobe.
If you're getting married soon, you may be on the hunt for "something old," "something new" ideas. This common wedding tradition entails the person getting married wearing something old, new, borrowed and blue on their big day. The "something old," "something new" history dates back to 19th century Lancashire and is said to be inspired by an Old English rhyme about good luck charms. It's one of those wedding traditions from around the world that sets the stage for a fun and meaningful wedding day. Luckily, it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, but does require a bit of thought. You may also be stuck for ideas if you're gifting "something old and new" to someone in your life getting married.
We've curated a list of "something old," "something new" and "something borrowed" ideas whether you're the to-be-wed or need gift inspiration. Check out our "something blue" ideas to round out your list.
In this article:
"Something Borrowed" Ideas
Just as it sounds, this part of the wedding tradition and superstition is about rocking "something borrowed" on your wedding day. The idea is that these items will bring you good luck as you enter this important new phase of your life. When looking for ideas for "something old and borrowed," consider items from a parent, friend or sibling.
1. Vintage Watch
A "something borrowed" idea to consider is a vintage watch. It can be sourced from someone you know and used to accessorize your wedding look. If you want to add a sentimental touch, ask your parents if they have a watch from their parents or grandparents that you can wear. Traditional wristwatches are an option, but so are pocket watches and lapel pins.
2. Hairpin
Another accessory that can fall into the "something borrowed" category is a hairpin, embellished comb or anything similar. Perhaps your great aunt kept one that she wore on her wedding day that you can wear on yours too.
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3. Sentimental Handkerchief
A handkerchief can be a sentimental item borrowed from a grandparent or loved one. It can be hidden in your bouquet, passed to you if waterworks ensue during the ceremony or wrapped around your wrist. Another way to use a handkerchief is to sew it on the inside of your dress so that you're wearing it in a way that's not so obvious.
4. Pictures of Loved Ones
"Something borrowed" doesn't necessarily have to be worn—it can be an image of loved ones who have passed away. Some people choose to borrow pictures of their late loved ones and place them somewhere at the wedding venue so that they're present in spirit. A photo wall at the reception is a way to add a modern touch.
"Something Old" Ideas
Your "something old" item on the wedding day is usually symbolic of your connection with the past and family. This item can be yours or something gifted from a family member or close friend. Keep in mind the item also doesn't have to be visibly worn—it can be hidden or on display, depending on your preference. This category of the "something old," "something new" tradition can fit into any vintage wedding ideas you have if that's the aesthetic you're going for.
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5. Family Recipe
If you plan on serving food at your wedding, consider using a treasured family recipe for one of the courses. It could be a recipe for a favorite drink, dessert, appetizer or a dish that you traditionally have for a special family holiday or occasion.
6. Brooches
Similar to a hairpin, brooches can be used on your wedding day as a "something old" idea. If you have one, consider putting it in your hair, on your dress or inside of your bouquet. Or go all out and use it as inspiration for your entire bouquet.
7. Vintage Car
Ever dreamed of riding off into the sunset with your partner after your wedding in a vintage car? This may be your opportunity to do so and give your wedding an old-money wedding aesthetic while you're at it. Consider hiring or borrowing an old car and using it before or after the wedding for pictures or your getaway.
8. Heirloom Locket
A locket can be a symbolic item, especially if it's an heirloom. Use a gifted locket from a family member to hold childhood images of yourself and your partner, a favorite image of the two of you or a special relative's wedding photo.
9. Ring Box
Use a vintage ring box to hold your wedding bands that you'll exchange at the altar. It may be an old box from another sentimental piece of jewelry or one you get from a loved one.
10. Vintage Attire
A wedding dress or outfit can be brand new but it can also be your "something old." Consider wearing a parent's wedding clothes or shopping for a vintage piece in a consignment shop or marketplace.
"Something New" Ideas
"Something new" ideas represent the commitment to a new future after getting married. This might be the easiest one of the three since the person getting married can get it on their own. Also, weddings typically come with buying new items be it your shoes, dress or tux. "Something new" ideas for a bride could also be a new gift from your partner.
11. Wedding Day Attire
The dress or shoes you wear can count as "something new." This is easy to pull off if you already planned to buy them for the wedding day.
12. Garter
If you're including the garter toss American wedding tradition in your reception, this can be a "something new" item to wear on your wedding day. (Bonus points if your garter is blue.)
13. Undergarments
Oftentimes people get wedding shower gifts like new lingerie. Your wedding day may be the time to pull out one of those gifts to wear under your wedding clothes. There's nothing stopping you from also buying yourself new undergarments or using something new your partner bought you.
14. Veil
Some people choose to wear a veil that's been passed down from older generations or one from a happily married friend. However, you can opt to buy a new one to tick off your "something new" box or have one custom-made to perfectly complement your attire.
15. New Perfume
Smelling good is just as important as looking good when you're getting married. Consider buying a new scent for your wedding day. For an extra special touch, try a scent that's different from what you would usually go for to leave a long-lasting impression.
