When it comes to planning a modern wedding, we're happy to say, anything goes. With that said, couples rarely seem to be able to resist adding a hint of tradition to even the most alternative wedding. Case in point, having "something old" on your special day. It's a sentimental and symbolic gesture to honour or pay tribute to someone special in your life, or a moment or time you want to remember, as you embark on an exciting new chapter. In a way, it's to remind you, who and where you come from. If you'd like to embrace this tradition and are looking for sentimental ways to incorporate something old into your wedding attire, we've compiled a list of 9 sweet options for you.
Where did this tradition originate?
The phrase "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is believed to come from a 19th-century English rhyme that originally ended with the words “a sixpence in your shoe.” And legend has it that it's what a bride (or groom if you fancy it!) should have on her wedding day in the hopes of garnering good luck and fertility in her marriage. These days, the tradition is favourted more for its sentimental value. The "something old" is usually an item that is somehow connected to the bride’s family, but there's no rule that says it has to be a family heirloom. There are plenty of ways to include elements of the past. Keep reading for ideas!
1. Wedding Dress
If your mother or even your grandmother's wedding dress fits with your style, consider yourself lucky. Not only are you going to make a huge saving, but you've also managed to find the most tear-jerking way to incorporate your something old into your day. If you'd prefer to pick your own dress, why not wear her veil, or have some of the material from your mother's dress repurposed, sewn into their dress, or used to create a ring pillow.
2. Beloved Jewellery
Jewellery is a huge part of any wedding look and is a very easy way to include something old. You may decide to wear a necklace or bracelet that has been passed down or gifted from a loved one. Alternatively, if you're buying new jewels for yourself, a vintage piece could add to your luck as well as your look.
3. Hair Accessories
Head piece are big news, and a vintage clip or veil, can add a touch of retro glamour to even the most modern dress. Vintage shops are again a great place to search for antique or pre-loved hair accessories. If you're feeling very crafty, then why not create a headpiece or trimming your veil using the lace from a loved one's wedding dress.
4. A Classic Car
Who said the 'something old' had to be worn? Many couples choose to hire a cool classic car for their wedding transport. Not only will you arrive at the reception in style, but think of all the incredible photo opportunities.
5. A Bouquet Charm
A beautiful way to pay tribute to a lost loved one on your wedding day is to place their picture in a pendant or locket and attach it to your bridal bouquet. It's a unique and special way to have someone with you on your big day. It will also make for a precious keepsake.
6. A Memorable Scent
Perhaps your "something old" could be your old perfume!You could even use the one you were wearing when you first meet your other half. A familiar scent can trigger very happy memories, and this is a subtle yet sentimental approach to the tradition.
7. An Old Saying
While there are several benefits to wearing an old pair of shoes on your wedding day like not having to break in a new pair of heels, most brides have a dream pair in mind that they have been yearning for an excuse to buy them. And while the shoes are new, why not have an "old saying" on the soles to tick this box? We love how Charlotte Mills etches this wedding rhyme into the soles of shoes, as well this they come with an original silver sixpence for added fortune!
8. Classic Love Lines
If you're an old romantic at heart, you might want to add a line or two from a classic poem or love letter to your vows, which you can write out on a beautiful piece of stationery to be kept as a keepsake. Remember when Carrie and Mr.Big got married in Sex and the City and he whispered the line "Ever mine, ever thine, ever ours" from a famous love letter written in 1812 by Beethoven? Beautiful!
9. Lucky Garments
No, we don't mean your lucky underwear! But it could be any item of clothing that you wore on a significant occasion or something that belonged to someone you love. Why not use the material to create some of the ribbons for a hand-fasting ceremony, or you can also have the material sewn into your dress or suit. We even had one bride who sewed a patch from her grandpa's old work shirt into the lining of her dress. Yep, that one brought a tear to our eye too...
There are lots more Traditional Irish Wedding Blessings, Toasts, Readings and Vows you might like to include, maybe even the Child of Prague!
