Keep the Tradition, Make It Yours: How Brides Are Reinventing a Classic.

Photography by: Daniel Lee

Discover the deep-rooted history of “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” and how today’s brides are adding personalized touches with help from expert planners like Tyler Reid.

There’s something magical about wedding day traditions; And perhaps none more charming than the age-old rhyme: “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.”

A phrase whispered from generations past, this tradition remains a favorite among brides-to-be. But where did it come from? What does it really mean? As a wedding planner who loves finding meaning in every detail, I believe this is one of the most sentimental and visually rich traditions a couple can embrace.

Let’s take a deep dive into the origin, symbolism, and how today’s modern brides are keeping it fresh, without losing its heartfelt roots.

The Origin: An English Rhyme Full of Blessings

The full original saying is actually:“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

This Victorian-era rhyme originated in 19th-century England, where each item symbolized a good luck charm or protective blessing for the bride as she entered her marriage:

• Something Old: A link to the past: family, heritage, or a reminder of life before the wedding day.

• Something New: Optimism and hope for the future ahead.

• Something Borrowed: Typically from a happily married woman, this is meant to transfer marital joy and longevity.

• Something Blue: Symbolizing fidelity, love, and purity. Blue has long been connected to weddings and commitment.

• A Sixpence in the Shoe: A wish for prosperity and financial security in the couple’s new life together.

While the sixpence has faded out of modern wedding culture (though some brides still opt for a coin charm or token), the rest of the rhyme continues to live on in gorgeous, meaningful ways.

Why I Love This Tradition

As a wedding planner, I’m always looking for ways to personalize weddings while honoring timeless elegance and this tradition offers a perfect opportunity to do both.

What I love most is that it gives brides room to be thoughtful, creative, and connected to the people and stories that matter most. It also opens up so many beautiful opportunities for photo moments and storytelling:

A vintage brooch from grandma pinned into the bouquet (something old) A custom veil or new earrings gifted by a parent (something new) A bridal hair comb borrowed from a sister or best friend (something borrowed) A blue ribbon sewn inside the gown or wrapped around the bouquet stem (something blue)

Each item becomes a little chapter of her love story—captured in candid moments, bridal portraits, and flat-lay detail shots. These aren’t just props—they’re heirlooms, blessings, and secret smiles.

Creative Ways to Bring This Tradition to Life

Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a luxe ballroom affair, here are modern and stylish ways to incorporate the “Something…” elements into the wedding day:

• Old: Lace from a mother’s wedding gown sewn into your own dress lining

• New: Personalized perfume, a freshly designed monogram, or custom-made shoes

• Borrowed: A friend’s favorite lipstick shade, vow books, or a lucky charm

• Blue: Sapphire studs, a hidden embroidery of your wedding date in blue thread, or even your signature cocktail

Final Thoughts: It’s in the Details

When couples ask me how to make their wedding feel meaningful and visually stunning, I often remind them: "The details tell your story." This beloved tradition is more than just a checklist—it's a built-in opportunity for intentional moments.

Whether you’re planning your own big day or helping a loved one down the aisle, I encourage you to keep this sweet tradition alive. It’s timeless, customizable, and oh-so-photogenic.

If you’re ready to turn “Something Old, Something New…” into a styled, story-driven moment at your wedding, I’d love to help curate the details that will make your day truly unforgettable.

Let’s make magic together. ✨