A popular, western custom of bringing good luck, protection, abundance and purity to the couple is to have “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Here are creative ideas for ways to have these in your wedding (not just on the bride):
SOMETHING OLD:
- Use an old photo of a departed loved one in a frame pendant tied to the bouquet
- Turn mom’s veil into a bouquet wrapper, or her dress into a fancy handbag or handkerchief
- Pin an old brooch to the bouquet or your dress, or inside the dress
- Put an old penny or dime in your shoe (borrow it!)
- Rent an old style limo, or borrow dad’s cool old muscle car or grandma’s shiny old Cadillac
- Use antique furniture to decorate for reception
- Play classical rock, jazz, blues, country or symphony music
- Dance with grandparents and elders, get your photo with them!
- Antique jewelry from vintage stores and antique shops or online
- Groom can follow another old tradition of giving his bride a (vintage) pearl necklace
- Bride can give him antique/vintage cuff links or wristwatch
SOMETHING NEW:
- New dress or shoes, new hairbobs, makeup, flowers, etc
- Groom can give his bride a NEW pearl necklace
- Bride can give new men’s jewelry or new baubles to her bridesmaids
SOMETHING BORROWED:
- Copy a quote or prayer from your parents’ wedding vows
- Borrow your loved one’s dress or accoutrements
- Use mom and dad’s cake cutter/server
- Rent your dress or tuxedos
- A coin in the bride or groom’s shoes
- Acquire earrings or bracelet or hairpiece and return it later
- Borrow parents or grandparents’ cake topper
- Accept someone’s handkerchief
- Rent a nice (old, new or blue) car for the occasion
SOMETHING BLUE:
- Azure neckties, socks, shoes or pocket-squares for men’s attire
- Embroider with colbalt thread a date/initials inside your clothes or a hanky
- Powder blue dress for bride or her attendants
- Sky blue garters and/or flowers are popular
- Navy napkins, runners, glasses or menus on reception tables
- Blue favors… blue candy or blue wrapper condoms, maybe
- Nail polish or toe polish, and/or blue eyeshadow
- Teal ribbons on bouquets
- Bluish paper or ribbons on gifts or envelopes
- Cobalt getaway vehicle instead of white
In a hurry, need it fast and cheap? Borrow an old safety pin, rip off a bit of new, blue paper or fabric and pin that inside your clothes.
~ author, Margo Ross Sears has written over 1,400 wedding ceremonies as www.beachpeopleweddings.com
