Finding something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue

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You’ve witnessed countless brides interpret these words in the same old conventional fashion (the handkerchief is old, the dress is new, the earrings are borrowed and the garter is blue). But this is your wedding, and you’ve never been one to follow the crowd. Take heart. Here are some ideas to make your wedding unique and memorable.

Something Old

If you are pressed for time, you can always throw on a pair of old stockings to take care of this part of the rhyme… but you don’t want to do that. You may be lucky enough to wear your mother’s wedding gown, but if not, the following suggestions will work:

* A vintage engagement ring or wedding band

* The veil your grandmother wore in her wedding

* Antique or heirloom earrings or bracelet
* A tiny vintage purse

* Vintage buttons on your wedding dress

* Your favorite lipstick

* Your signature perfume

* Antique lace tied around your bouquet

Something New

This is where it can get really fun; after all, who could deny you a perfectly sensible excuse to go shopping? Think of the possibilities…

* Your wedding gown

* A veil that makes the dress

* Luxurious lingerie
* A brand new lipstick or eyeshadow

* Jewelry: a sparkling bracelet, earrings or a classic pearl necklace (if not a gift from your groom, then one to yourself — you deserve it)

* The perfect shoes

* Elegant silk gloves

* A glittering tiara (what better time to be princess for a day)

* A silk or cashmere shawl (for a fall or winter wedding)

Just because it’s new doesn’t mean you have to purchase it.

* A brand new penny for your shoe

* Freshly picked garden flowers for your bouquet

Something Borrowed

Your friends and family will be thrilled to help you with this item; however, it may be a bit tricky deciding what to borrow from whom. One of the most traditional choices is also one of the loveliest — borrowing a gown from your mother or grandmother. If that is not an option, read on.

* Mom’s pearl necklace

* The earrings your grandmother wore at her wedding

* The adorable little bag your best friend carried at hers

* Your aunt’s veil or headpiece

* Your sister’s wedding shoes

* Your parents’ (or a friend’s) home for the wedding or reception
* An elegant wrap from your future mother-in-law
* Your grandfather’s Bible or book of poetry

* Money from your parents or his (for the wedding or honeymoon)

Something Blue

We aren’t sure who launched the blue garter craze, but we do know it’s still alive in the 21st century. While a lacy blue garter is a viable option, the following are a few fresh alternatives.

* Blue flowers in your bouquet, such as hydrangeas

* Lingerie with touches of blue

* Ice blue toenail polish

* A dramatic blue-red lipstick

* Tiny blue details, such as flowers, scattered on a long veil

* A delicate pale blue barrette

* A beautiful blue Austrian crystal

* A blues band at your reception

* Shoes! It is getting to be the most popular blue item for brides today.