Tami Winn Events: Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

There are so many things to remember on your wedding- checks for vendors, gifts for family members, your myriad of bags. But there are four things that traditionally, should never be forgotten. The old adage “Something old, Something New, Something borrowed and Something blue” is a historic wedding custom. What many people don’t know is that the last line of that poem is usually missing. The last line reads: “And a sixpence in her shoe”. Each of these items signify a good-luck token for the bride-to-be. Traditionally, her bridesmaids assist in gathering these tokens. But the prepared bride has several choices to consider for each of these requirements.

Something old connects the bride to her family and past. Since almost every bride that ever gets married follows these customs, it’s getting harder and harder to get creative. But some unique ways to fit in something old into your wedding are:

• Vintage jewelry- earrings, bracelets or necklaces not only can compliment your dress, but can fill this requirement. Even a strategically placed broach can add flair and drama to your ensemble.
• Wearing the veil your mom or grandma wore (or part of it)- this is a sure way to honor the women in your family.
• Signature perfume- your husband-to-be can recognize this scent at 100 paces. Why not wear it on your wedding day and be uniquely you?
• To get really creative, use a piece of fabric from your mom’s dress, your grandfather’s hankie or an antique piece of lace to tie around the stems of your bouquet. You will have the constant reminder of your past giving you strength the whole way down the aisle!

Photo credit: i-weddings.blogspot.com

Photo credit: lifeisartphoto.com

Something new means optimism and hope for the future and the bride’s new life. The most obvious ways to accomplish this item is to count your wedding dress or wedding ring. But anyone can do that. Why pass on an opportunity to go shopping? Get a fabulous piece of jewelry for the occasion- or an expensive pair of shoes. However, having something new doesn’t require you to purchase anything. Using a new sixpence or penny will count. And the fresh flowers you carry on your wedding are new!

Something borrowed is usually a lent item from a happily married friend, which is intended to carry over to the bride’s marriage. But it can be from your mom, sister, aunt or cousin as well. Popular ideas are jewelry, veils and purses. But some fresh ideas are the cake cutting set, toasting flutes or cake toppers. A clan or sorority pin could also be borrowed. Even your shoes could be borrowed!

Something blue can be traced back to ancient Rome where brides wore the color to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity. Virgin Mary has also been traditionally dressed in blue, which in turn symbolized purity. Here is where you can get the most creative. Some fun ideas are a piece of blue Austrian crystal in jewelry or a hair barrette, painting your toenails light blue, blue toasting flutes, blue flowers and blue shoes! Some really fun ways of incorporating a blue element in your wedding is to have your bouquet stems wrapped in light blue ribbon or to have a temporary tattoo in blue hidden on your body. Those are great ways of standing out in this category!