Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue History & Buying Guide
The catchy wedding rhyme of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” can be traced back to Victorian English traditions from the late 1800s, with each aspect of the rhyme acting as a wish for a happy marriage. The tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue may have been around even earlier than Victorian times and it is still prevalent at weddings today.
Each piece of the rhyme calls out a specific item many brides and grooms choose to incorporate into their wedding day. In fact, many couples looking to incorporate updated wedding traditions still adhere to this classic rhyme’s guidelines.
Today, the iconic saying of something old, new, borrowed and blue is open to individual interpretation and meaning. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a single item for each component of the once-superstitious rhyme or you’re interested in folding in items that represent several elements of the saying, there are many creative ways to bring this tradition into your special day.
Continue reading our guide to this classic rhyme to learn more about its history and for tips on finding the perfect item to represent each component.
The History of the Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue Wedding Rhyme
This rhyme’s history can be traced back to Lancashire, England with printed references from Victorian times. Its focus is to bring luck to the couple along with warding off the evil eye from their marriage. The tradition of incorporating something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue into the wedding day was initially followed by brides, but today many grooms are choosing to add pieces of this tradition to their day as well.
Something Old for Weddings
The something old of this rhyme shows the symbolism of a bride or groom bringing elements from their life and family into their marriage. Some people believe that this piece of the rhyme also provided protection for children the couple may have.
Something Old Wedding Ideas
Vintage jewelry, such as a string of grandma’s pearls, is one of the best ways to incorporate something old into your wedding day. Other items that can meet the something old component of this rhyming tradition include a cake topper, ring box or veil that may have been used in past weddings by your family or your partner’s family. Choosing an item that represents your family’s traditions is a beautiful way to honor your family history as you embark on creating your own family with your partner.
Something New for Weddings
While something old honors the past, the tradition of bringing something new into your wedding day looks forward to your bright future with your soon-to-be spouse.
This is a very flexible wedding tradition that can be interpreted with a variety of items or themes. In fact, many people regard their engagement rings as their something new for their wedding day.
Something New Wedding Ideas
When it comes to something new wedding ideas with staying power, jewelry takes the cake. A new piece of jewelry that you wear for your wedding day will serve as a reminder of your special day for years to come. There are many bridal jewelry styles that can be worn on the wedding day and long after. You can even design the perfect custom engagement ring as the new item to bring into your marriage.
Gemstone and diamond bracelets, such as our classic emerald style, can incorporate your wedding colors with the tradition of something new. You can also opt for a sparkling pair of diamond earrings, a silver pearl bracelet, sterling silver cuff links, or a classic mini diamond bar necklace to bring something new and stylish into your wedding look.
Something Borrowed for Weddings
The tradition of bringing something borrowed into weddings represents well wishes for a happy marriage. Couples incorporating this tradition typically borrow an item from a happy married couple they know. This is done in the hopes that borrowing a component from a happy married couple will bring some of that good luck to the new marriage as well. It’s a sentimental wedding tradition that can honor loved ones.
Something Borrowed Wedding Ideas
Something borrowed can also be something old, such as a veil, wedding dress, bow tie or even earrings worn by family. More modern takes on the something borrowed tradition include grooms wearing their father’s favorite tie or suit pocket handkerchief, brides using their mother’s favorite clutch purse or couples dancing to a first dance song with deep history for their families.
Something Blue for Weddings
The history of something blue had superstitious meanings of warding off the evil eye. Brides would incorporate something blue into their wedding day to protect their good fortune and even their fertility. Today, something blue is also a fun way to bring added color into weddings. Its modern focus is to bring good luck to the couple.
Something Blue Wedding Ideas
Sapphire jewelry is one of the easiest ways to bring something blue into your wedding day. These classic sapphire stud earrings can be worn by brides or grooms, bringing a touch of blue that will match any outfit. 
Other gemstone jewelry styles with blue gems can bring a soft hue of something blue to your wedding day. This pavé aquamarine ring can add a soft touch of blue while London blue topaz drop earrings bring eye-catching azure shades.
Grooms can also join in on wearing something blue by choosing jewelry such as this tungsten men’s wedding ring, these blue cushion earrings or this symbolic sapphire cross pendant.
Wedding Day Rhyme Tradition Questions
There are many elements to the famous wedding day rhyme that are flexible for incorporating in your special day. We are dispelling any mystery surrounding this tradition with our FAQs about adding something old, something new, something borrowed or something blue to your wedding day.
What does something blue mean?
Something blue is a wedding tradition in which brides incorporate the color blue into their wedding day. Blue represents love, purity and faithfulness. It was also believed to ward off the evil eye, offering protection for the bride and newly married couple.
Why does the bride wear something old?
Today, brides and grooms often choose to wear something old on their wedding day as a symbol of joining their past to their present. It’s a wedding day tradition that can be very meaningful.
Can grooms participate in this tradition?
Absolutely! The tradition of incorporating something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue into the wedding day can be practiced by both brides and grooms. The tradition also fits into LGBTQIA+ weddings for partners of any identity.
What is something blue for a bride?
Wearing blue jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets is a common way to incorporate this color. But some brides also choose to add in blue through their bouquet, shoes, a flower charm or through the color of polish they wear on their nails.
Is this tradition required for modern weddings?
The tradition of incorporating something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue into weddings is not required. Still, many couples enjoy bringing this kind of tradition into their special day. Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner to decide which traditions belong at your wedding.
What is considered something borrowed for a wedding?
This element of the rhyming tradition is open to a lot of interpretation these days. Something borrowed can be a physical item like a fashion accessory or it can be something more experiential like a special song, wedding cake recipe or even a cocktail recipe served at the reception.
Why do brides wear something new?
Brides and grooms can both wear something new on their wedding day to represent the new beginning of their marriage.
How can all kinds of couples incorporate this tradition?
Couples of all identities and faiths are encouraged to incorporate the traditions that are most meaningful to them. While this rhyming tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue was originally intended for brides to participate in, anyone getting married can choose to participate.
Simply choose the elements of the rhyme that you and your partner will enjoy adding to your wedding and express them in a way that feels authentic to you.
Who gives the bride something blue?
This symbolic item is often presented by the bride’s mother or a married close friend. But today, many people can celebrate their loved one with something blue for the wedding day.
Choosing Traditions that Feel Authentic to You
As with all wedding traditions, it is up to you and your partner to choose what best fits your personalities, your culture and your family.
Not every couple will find fun or meaning in the something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue tradition. The fun of planning your own unique celebration is that you’re able to choose which traditions best fit you and your partner.
If you choose to bring this tradition into your wedding day, we offer a wide selection of stylish everyday and designer jewelry to help you bring many elements of this tradition to your wedding.
