Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue: Ideas for the Bride
Quick answer: by tradition the bride wears four good-luck items: something old (a link to family, often a mother's or grandmother's jewel), something new (the life that begins), something borrowed (the love of those close to her) and something blue (fidelity and purity). They are a perfect occasion for mother, grandmother, sisters and friends to give her a gift.
Where the tradition comes from
The custom was born in Victorian England and is now popular worldwide. It is an affectionate ritual: each of the four items is often given or lent by someone dear, and becomes a keepsake of the wedding day.
Something old
The family jewel is the classic: grandmother's brooch, mother's earrings. If there is no heirloom to pass down, a vintage-style piece can start a new tradition: a rhodium-plated pearl necklace or pearl stud earrings, to hand down to a daughter one day.
Something new
Often it's the dress itself, but it's lovely when it's also a gift: the jewel worn at the altar. A bright, precious-looking idea is moissanite set in sterling silver 925, such as the Halo earrings or the tennis bracelet.
Something borrowed
You lend something of your own: a veil, a hair clip, a jewel. A silk stole from the mother or maid of honour also works well to cover the shoulders in church or on a cool evening.
Something blue
Blue can be a hidden detail (a ribbon sewn into the hem) or a visible accessory. Some ideas: the blue crystal and zircon earrings, the bangle with light-blue rhinestones, or a light-blue silk scarf such as the 90x90 geometric floral light blue Laura Fabbri Design to tie to the bouquet or the bag.
Who gives what
Usually something old comes from the mother or grandmother, something borrowed from a sister or the maid of honour, something blue from friends, something new from the parents or the groom. But there are no fixed rules: the meaning is what counts.
Frequently asked questions
What does something old, new, borrowed and blue mean? Old is the link with family and the past, new is the life that begins, borrowed is the love of dear ones, blue is fidelity and purity.
Who gives the bride her something blue? Traditionally friends or bridesmaids, but anyone close to her can.
Does the something blue have to be visible? No, it can be a hidden detail or a clearly visible jewel or scarf.
Can the something new be a piece of jewelry? Yes, it's one of the most loved choices: the new jewel becomes the keepsake of the wedding day.
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