Why Do Brides Wear Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue on Their Wedding Day?

Whether you're the mother of the bride in a wedding like Ree Drummond was (here's the latest on her daughter Alex Drummond's elegant ranch wedding), an attendant, a guest, or a member of the soon-to-be-married couple yourself, a wedding is an opportunity to partake in all kinds of special traditions. You may have heard, for example, that brides should wear (or carry) "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" on their wedding day for good luck. But you may also have some unanswered questions about the famous rhyme. Where does this very specific list of seemingly unrelated trinkets come from? What's the meaning behind each item? And—the fun part—what are some creative ways modern brides can make the tradition part of their big day?

For centuries, brides have included something from each of these categories in their weddings. And while abiding by the list certainly isn't a requirement for a happy marriage, it can be a meaningful way to incorporate cherished people, objects, and memories into your special day. Keep reading to learn about how this whole "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" thing got started and to get some fun, creative ideas for honoring the tradition today.

What's the origin of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?

The tradition is based on an Old English rhyme that dates back to 19th-century Lancashire. It describes the items a bride should have on her wedding day: "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe."

What's the meaning behind each object?

The exact meaning behind each trinket isn't totally clear, but there are some popular theories. "Something old" represented a tie to the past. "Something new" stood for hope and optimism for the future. "Something borrowed" from a happily married friend or relative was believed to bring good luck for the union and even fertility. The color blue was meant to ward off the evil eye, and it also stood for love, purity, and fidelity. And the sixpence was intended to bring prosperity to the couple. (The British coin is no longer produced, but some determined brides still hunt down one to tuck into a shoe!)

Who usually gives the bride something old, new, borrowed, and blue?

Traditionally, these objects are cobbled together from female relatives and friends. But again, there are no hard and fast rules here. "Something old" could be a vintage getaway car, "something blue" could be the bouquet, and "something new" could be a gift from the soon-to-be spouse or the bride herself!

Something old ideas:

This is an opportunity to get creative with subtle throwback touches, like wearing a piece of vintage jewelry or incorporating some fabric from the bride's mom's wedding gown into her own. (For inspiration, check out these pics of Paige trying on Ree's wedding gown from 1996!) Many brides also use their "something old" item to pay tribute to lost loved ones, like by tucking an old photo into a locket or bouquet as a reminder of someone who is with them in spirit.

Something new ideas:

Now for the easy part! Any special new item the bride has bought or received as a gift to wear for the first time on the big day can count as "something new." Think: the wedding band, a pair of comfortable wedding shoes, a pretty hairpiece, or even the wedding gown.

Something borrowed ideas:

A bride should think about borrowing an accessory from an important woman in her life, such as her grandmother's earrings or the necklace her mom wore on her wedding day. Does the bride have a bridesmaid who is happily married? She can save money on a veil by borrowing her bridesmaid's. This idea can be taken even less literally and the bride can "borrow" her parents' or grandparents' first-dance song. Having loved ones contribute to the special day will make it all the more meaningful.

Something blue ideas:

This is the part where brides can really have some fun. Traditionally, a bride's "something blue" was a garter, but many modern brides choose to add a subtle pop of blue with accessories like shoes, bags, and jewelry, or flowers, decor, and more. Check out these beautiful blue finds!