The rhyme “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe” comes from Victorian-era England. Historically, it was believed that if the bride was given one of each item to adorn on their wedding day, they were safe from the “evil eye” and protected from infertility, but there are also ways to modernize this tradition.
The original “something old” represented continuity, but Brides says this can be modernized into “Something [that] symbolizes your lives prior to when they became intertwined and offers a chance to honor your family heritage.” You can sew part of your mother’s wedding dress into yours, wear a family heirloom, or create a playlist that features old and new songs.
The classic rhyme's “something new” represents hope for the future, a timeless theme for weddings, and this item can be a pair of new shoes for the bride or something that involves both the groom, such as personalized wedding vows. Couples have also personalized this tradition by gifting each other a new present, such as a watch, bracelet, or love letter.
“Something borrowed” is traditionally given to the bride from a married couple to transfer their good luck to the newlyweds. In the past, the bride may have borrowed “the undergarment from a woman who already had children” (yikes), but now you can be gifted a piece of jewelry from your grandma or the veil your mother wore for her wedding.
Blue was once the color of love and fidelity, and “something blue” can be as simple as baby blue flowers or a navy ring box. The whole “something old, something new” tradition would definitely be fun for brides who are looking to do a little extra, or for those who are superstitious and want to make sure their wedding goes well.