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 fragrance you wore when you first met your partner or one that draws up fond memories for both of you. 

Vintage Getaway Car 

Drive away in style and check off your ‘something old’ with a vintage car. Lend a classic car from a loved one or hire one for the big day, making your grand exit in a vintage car is truly unforgettable and makes for a stunning photo opportunity.

Image by Aleisha Edwards.

Unique Something New Ideas 

New Jewelry 

Looking for an excuse to treat yourself to a new staple jewelry piece? From earrings to necklaces, your wedding is the perfect excuse to hit ‘purchase’ on those items that have been sitting in your cart for ages. Not only will it enhance your look, but it’ll also make for a sweet keepsake. 

Image by Daniel Lopez Perez.

Custom Wedding Jackets 

For those planning a wedding in cooler weather, purchase that stunning bridal jacket you’ve probably seen all over Pinterest. Whether you envision an edgy leather jacket or a custom denim jacket, it’s a fun ‘something new idea that’ll keep you stylish and warm.  

Personalized Cufflinks 

Planning to wear a suit on your wedding day? Elevate your look with new cufflinks. There are countless designs out there that feature a quirky design or can be personalized with initials, a picture of your pets, or the wedding date These are another great keepsake to wear after your wedding to reminisce on a day that means so much to you.

Image by 4K Wedding.

Signature Scent

While fashion and decor leave a lasting impression, don’t underestimate the power of scent. A particular fragrance can instantly evoke memories of your wedding day long after the day is over. That’s why we love the idea of picking out a fresh new wedding perfume or cologne specific to your wedding. 

Reception Outfit Change 

Who says you have to stick to just one outfit? It’s your wedding day, your rules. If you want to buy a stunning new outfit to switch things up for your reception, go for it! Not in the mood fora mini white dress? Opt for a vibrant jumpsuit that you can move around in.

Change up Your Hair 

If you’re in the mood to go one step beyond a reception outfit change, switch up your hairstyle for something fresh. We’ve seen countless couples choose a daring cut before the party began, and we love it. Transforming your hair is a fun and exciting ‘something new’ idea that’ll kickstart your marriage in an unforgettable way.

Image by Lilly Red.

Signature Lip Color

We know not everyone is ready for a drastic hairstyle change. For something a little less permanent,, pick outa signature lip color. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new with your makeup on the big day. Plus, you can wear that shade again for special occasions, bringing back the memories of your wedding day.

Wedding Lingerie 

From lace and frills to full-coverage support, what you wear under your gown can be just as special as the gown itself. Treat yourself to new wedding lingerie that makes you feel like your most beautiful self on your special day. 

Tattoos 

For those seeking a more permanent “something new,” consider getting tattoos. Take it a step further by having a tattoo artist at your reception, allowing your guests to get tattoos as well. It’s a fun keepsake and provides unique entertainment that’ll make your wedding truly unforgettable.

Now that you have your something old and something new ideas sorted, it’s time to complete the tradition by deciding on your something borrowed and something blue. If you’re unsure of how to incorporate blue into your wedding, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our something blue guide, packed with ideas to infuse the color into your celebration.

Image by Ariana Tennyson.