Something Old, Something New: Wedding Traditions with a Twist

Weddings are full of sparkle, love, and let’s be honest, traditions that sometimes make you go, “Wait, why are we doing this again?” From tossing bouquets to confetti showers, many customs have been passed down for generations.

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🕒 Time to read: 7 minutes

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One of the most iconic? The white wedding dress. It might seem timeless, but it actually became popular thanks to Queen Victoria, who wore white for her wedding in 1840 and started a trend that stuck.

But one of my absolute favourite traditions? The charming little rhyme:

Something Old, Something New,
Something Borrowed, Something Blue,
And a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe.

This sweet British tradition dates back to the 19th century and is all about bringing good luck to the bride. But just because it’s old doesn’t mean it has to feel outdated. Let’s give it a glow up, shall we?

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Something Old

This part of the tradition is all about honouring your roots and celebrating the people and moments that shaped you. It’s a chance to weave a little family history or nostalgia into your big day in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Think sentimental, nostalgic, and a little vintage.

Creative Ideas

• Ride off in a vintage getaway car (bonus points for ribbons and tin cans).
• Recreate a photo from your parents’ wedding day, same pose, same smiles.
• Invite your gran to be your flower girl. Yes, really. It’s a trend, and it’s adorable.
• Include a vintage brooch or locket from a family member on your bouquet handle.
• Wear a piece of heirloom jewellery, like your mum’s earrings or your nan’s bracelet.
• Display old family wedding photos at your reception. It’s a lovely way to include loved ones, past and present.
• Use a vintage cake topper from a family wedding. It adds charm and a story to your cake table.

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Something New

This is your moment to celebrate fresh beginnings and the exciting journey ahead. Whether it’s a new scent, a new tradition, or a new keepsake, this part is all about embracing the future with style and sentiment.

Creative Ideas

• Create a new monogram or logo for your wedding stationery.
• Design matching tattoos (tiny ones count!).
• Create a custom wedding hashtag for your guests to use.
• Wear a brand new perfume that will always remind you of your wedding day; scent is memory magic.
• Buy a new piece of jewellery to wear on the day, and treasure forever.
• Carve a Welsh love spoon as a symbol of love and good luck, it’s a beautiful way to add a little Welsh magic to your day.
• Commission a custom illustration of your wedding venue or a couple portrait.
• Start a new tradition, like creating a time capsule, writing each other a letter to open on your fifth, tenth, or twentieth anniversary.

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Something Borrowed

This part is all about connection. Borrowing something from someone whose love story you admire or whose presence brings you happiness. It’s a lovely way to include others into your own wedding day.

Creative Ideas

• Borrow your parents’ first dance song or a friend’s cake design.
• Stitch your new last name into your dress lining.
• Borrow a signature cocktail from your favourite bar and rename it “Something Borrowed” for the day.
• Borrow a veil, clutch, or hair accessory or accessory from a happily married friend or relative. It’s sentimental, sustainable, and full of good vibes.
• Borrow a family recipe for your dessert table or favours. (your sister in law’s chocolate truffles, anyone?)
• Use a friend’s wedding first dance, and even the start of their routine, get them to give you lessons!
• Borrow a ceremony reading or something you liked from their vows if its meaningful to someone else.

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Something Blue

Blue has long symbolised love, purity, and fidelity, so it’s no wonder it’s part of this lucky little rhyme. But there are so many stylish and subtle ways to bring a pop of blue into your day without it feeling forced.

Creative Ideas

• Have your wedding date embroidered in blue inside your dress or suit jacket.
• Paint your ring finger with pale blue polish.
• Gift your bridesmaids silk blue robes for the morning of photos.
• Use a blue wedding journal to plan your day (and keep it as a keepsake).
• Add a blue ribbon to your bouquet or wrap it around your garter. It’s a sweet, subtle pop of colour that’s easy to include.
• Wear blue shoes or have the soles painted blue.
• Use blue calligraphy or wax seals on your invitations.

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A Silver Sixpence in her Shoe

This final part of the rhyme is all about wealth and good fortune. Traditionally placed in the bride’s shoe by her father, it’s a small but meaningful gesture that can be made even more special with a modern twist.

Creative Ideas

• Use a coin from the year you met or got engaged.
• Or one from the year you’re getting married.
• Visit the Royal Mint and strike your own coin, how cool is that?
• Have the coin engraved with your initials or wedding date.
• Include the sixpence in your wedding shadow box or keepsake frame after the big day.

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Real Life Inspiration: Our Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue Hamper

When my best friend got married, we bridesmaids wanted to surprise her with something meaningful and fun. So, the night before the wedding, we gifted her a personalised hamper that brought the classic rhyme to life in a way that felt totally “her.”

For Something Old, we wrapped up a copy of the Spice Girls Greatest Hits album, her childhood favourite. It was a nostalgic nod to the days she spent dancing around with her sisters and cousins, and we knew it would bring a smile (and probably a singalong) the moment she unwrapped it.

For Something New, we framed the lyrics to her and her partner’s first dance song, Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur. It was a simple but heartfelt keepsake that we hoped would bring good luck and happy memories every time they looked at it.

For Something Borrowed, we each wrote a piece of advice for her, something we’d learned about love, marriage, or simply surviving the wedding planning whirlwind. We typed them up, rolled them into a scroll, and tied it with a ribbon. It was a sweet way to share a little borrowed wisdom from the people who know her best.

And for Something Blue, we added a bottle of celebratory bubbles, dressed up with a powder blue bow. It was playful, pretty, and perfect for a toast with her bridesmaids before the big day.

We tucked everything into a wooden crate lined with soft blue heart tissue paper. It was thoughtful, personal, and full of cariad (that’s Welsh for love), because as we say here at Teacups and Glitter, it’s all in the detail.

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Bringing it all Together

What I love most about this tradition is how flexible and personal it can be. Whether you go all in with all five elements or just pick one or two that speak to you, it’s a lovely way to blend sentiment, creativity, and a little bit of fun into your wedding day. And the best part? It’s a chance for your loved ones to get involved too, whether they’re lending you a treasured keepsake, sharing advice, or helping you hunt down the perfect “something blue.”

So don’t be afraid to make it your own. Mix old with new, blend tradition with personality, and let your imagination run wild. After all, the most memorable weddings are the ones that feel like you.

Let’s Keep the Party Going!

Have you put a modern twist on a wedding tradition? Or maybe you’ve got a brilliant idea for a “Something Blue?” I’d love to hear it! Drop a comment below or tag me on socials with your creative takes.

Take a look at some of my other wedding and hen related posts, and don’t forget to share this one with your bride tribe!