Image by Elizabeth Grant.
You’ve chosen your wedding dress and accessories, hired your vendors, and sorted the decor, but something still feels incomplete. It’s probably time to sort out your ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue’ for your big day. Incorporating this tradition into your wedding can add that extra special touch, regardless of your religious beliefs or personal preferences.
This popular tradition is meant to bring good luck and honor the different stages of your life. However, the requirements can be quite vague. If no particular items jump out at you–like a cherished family heirloom–it can be challenging to decide what to include. While we already have unique ideas for your something blue, we’re not stopping there. Here are a few ideas for your something old and something new to complete your look.
Sweet & Sentimental Something Old Ideas
Passed Down Wedding Dress
Wearing your mother’s wedding dress or incorporating elements of a loved one’s gown into your custom dress is a heartfelt way to honor the ‘something old’ tradition. You can also use lace from a family member’s dress as a sash or belt, or repurpose vintage buttons as unique accents. Looking for a modern way to wear your mom’s gown? Have the dress remade as a reception dress or rehearsal dinner outfit (just make sure to ask her if she’s alright with you making alterations).
Vintage Veil
If you’ve found your dream wedding dress but still want to add classic details, consider wearing a vintage veil. Whether it’s a treasured heirloom passed down from a loved one or a unique find from a thrift store, incorporating a vintage veil into your look will add personality and check off the ‘something old’ box.
Family Heirloom
When you think of a family heirloom, a specific item may come to mind. Incorporate that cherished piece into your wedding. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a handkerchief, a watch, a brooch, or a hair comb, these subtle and delicate touches add a meaningful layer to your personalized celebration.
Image by Par La Mer Photography.
Antique Lockets With Family Photos
One meaningful way to honor loved ones who have passed is by wearing antique lockets with their photos. If you’re wearing a suit, you can add the locket to your boutonniere or place it in your suit chest pocket. For those carrying a bouquet, work with your florist to incorporate the locket into the bouquet design.
Military Tags From Loved Ones
Incorporating military tags into your wedding adds a special touch to honor loved ones, especially if you have a military background. You can use them as a bouquet charm, display them on a memory table with photos of the loved ones they belong to.
Perfume or Scent
Your ‘something old’ doesn’t have to be a tangible object—it can be your old perfume! Consider using the f