10 Ideas for Something Old

The adage "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is well-known. But did you know that an Old English song is the source of this ancient custom for brides? It begins similarly and concludes with "and a sixpence in your shoe." I like wedding trivia. JK Googled that. I'll share some of my finest designs for these lucky charms over the summer. First up? Anything ancient, signifying continuity or a connection to the past.

1.) Take the rhyme literally and put a penny from a significant year in your life in your shoes. My mother wore a penny from 1983 in her wedding band. Fortunately, she has retained that penny ever since. With a penny from 2013, I could wear it in my shoes when I got married. I'm hopeful my daughter will one day carry on this tradition!

2.) Visit one of the hip vintage shops in the city to find a retro outfit for your rehearsal dinner.

3.) Rent an ancient classic car to drive you from the ceremony to the reception or to utilize as your getaway vehicle at the end of the evening, much like Lindsay and Tim did.

4.) At your ceremony, read aloud from a well-known work of literature. Think about poets like John Keats or William Blake, as well as authors like Jane Austen and William Shakespeare.

5.) Dry your happy tears with a handkerchief from your baptism or christening gown throughout the day.

6.) Gather various old brooches and have them crafted into a unique bridal bouquet. This is what my sister did when she got married. We collected every pin we could find for months by visiting flea markets, thrift shops, and even eBay. Then, for the actual assembly, we enlisted the assistance of a friend who makes jewelry.

7.) Some children own pillows, while others (like me) have plush animals or blankies. A miniature version of your childhood favorite might be constructed for your ring bearer to take down the aisle if you're in the same club. A BONUS GUIDE: However, don't attach the rings to it! Make sure the best man is in charge of keeping those secure.

8.) Use the cake knives or champagne flutes your parents or grandparents used for their wedding. My best friends Ashly and Sean designed their own cake using the same cake topper from Ashly's great-grandparents' 1937 wedding. A BONUS TIP AFTER THIS! It might double at your borrowed object!

9.) Put on a unique piece of jewelry passed down through the generations in your family. A great aunt's pearl necklace around your neck, your grandmother's wedding ring on your right hand, or even having your new husband wear your grandfather's pocket watch.

10.) As with Heather's wedding to Zach, sew parts of your mother's gown into your own. Even better, put on your mother's outfit! I was blown away by Stephanie's (you must recall her AMAZING engagement photo shoot!) identical action. She wore her mother's wedding gown to her rehearsal after updating it with assistance from Claria Boutique. The entire process became an excellent opportunity for the two to bond as they went to each fitting and personalization together. It is truly one of the most charming concepts I have ever encountered. Thank you for sharing the pictures, Stephanie!

Are you continuing the Something Old custom? Which one will you get? Watch for fresh, borrowed, and blue ideas soon, and share your thoughts below!