White_Gold_Wedding_Ring

Something Borrowed & Something Blue: Meaning And Ideas

Wondering what’s the deal with the something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? We’re breaking down this popular wedding tradition and giving team bride some ideas on what to gift the soon-to-be Mrs!

A wedding ring

What’s The Origin of Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?

This tradition originated in Victorian England. It’s based on an old English rhyme, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.” 

While it’s historically a primarily western Christian tradition, many brides worldwide have fallen in love with the custom and have added their own unique twist to it to suit their wedding day. 

The History of the “Something Old, Something New” Rhyme

This rhyme symbolizes luck for a bride on her wedding day, with each “something” representing an item to be given to the bride before she walks down the aisle. It’s meant to signify the hope of a new and fruitful beginning while simultaneously incorporating tradition in a meaningful and fun way for both the bride and her nearest and dearest. 

So, what are the four different somethings you might want to add to your special day? Let’s pick apart the different popularized meanings of each element, and we’ll give you some of our cutest suggestions on what to gift your favorite bride-to-be. 

The Meaning Behind Something Old

The meaning behind “something old” is an item that ties to the bride or the couple’s past. It could be a trinket they want to bring into their marriage that represents a part of their non-married life. Or, for the bride, more specifically, an item with significant meaning from their past. This often includes a piece of jewelry worn by the bride’s mother or grandmother. 

Wedding couple

The Meaning Behind Something New

The meaning of “something new” stands for hope for a bright and happy future as a couple. It also represents the start of a new journey for the bride and the couple. This is by far the easiest gift to shop for. In many instances, this may include the bride’s wedding day attire items, from the dress to her hairpiece, bridal jewelry, and even the wedding ring. It could also include a gift from the groom or the groom’s family. 

The Meaning Behind Something Borrowed 

The meaning behind “something borrowed” is a little more superstitious as it’s believed that borrowing an accessory or trinket from a happily married relative or friend will help the bride bring good luck and fertility into her new marriage. 

The Meaning Behind Something Blue

Blue stands for strong love, fidelity, and purity, and it’s also a popular color for the bride to wear before the wedding. The meaning behind “something blue” comes from believing that the color blue wards off the evil eye. Traditionally, the bride’s garter would be their blue accessory. 

Who Gives The Bride Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue?

In some cases, the bride’s family and friends may decide on their own who will give her the various objects. However, it’s not uncommon for the bride to ask for specific items from specific people. There aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to this special tradition, and it has the potential to be unique to every bride and wedding. 

Something Old Ideas

“Something old” can be a sentimental piece of jewelry worn by the bride’s mother, grandmother/grandfather, or any individual they love. It might be their chosen person’s wedding ring, veil, or even their old wedding dress. Many brides incorporate pieces of fabric from their mother’s dress into their own. There’s a new trend of adding their “something old” item, like an old photo, into their bouquet as a tribute to lost loved ones. 

Something New Ideas

Anything bought new can be a gift for the bride on her wedding day, whether it be the shoes, hairpiece, jewelry, or even the dress she wears. Most brides appreciate new bridal jewelry, and this gift can come from one or even multiple people who want to spoil her. Try a group gift,  especially if she’s eyeing a pearl jewelry set or matching diamond jewelry pieces.

 If you’re in charge of getting the “something new” item for the bride, it’s always a good idea to find out what bridal accessories she’s dreaming of for her big day. 

Something Borrowed Ideas

Since this one is more for the bride to think about, the special woman in her life can help ease the stress by gathering several “something borrowed” items for her to choose from. Suppose she’s not lacking in the accessories department. In that case, the bride could always borrow her parent’s first dance song, a traditional toast to make at the reception, some marriage advice from her closest ladies, or something as simple as perfume! 

Something Blue Idea

Go ahead and have a blast with “something blue.” Here, the bride can add a touch of blue to her wardrobe, from blue shoes and blue hair pins to a blue garter. If she’d prefer to keep the blue off her person, blue flowers can always be added to her bouquet or the wedding decor. 

Most brides might prefer to get their pop of blue from their jewelry. You could incorporate the “something new” and “something blue” by gifting the bride-to-be some blue gemstone jewelry. And there are plenty of blues to choose, from blue sapphire earrings to aquamarine necklaces and blue topaz bracelets. Whichever shade of blue the bride wants, she can have it! 

FAQs

  1. What is the saying something borrowed something blue? 

The saying comes from a 19th-century Victorian-era rhyme.

  1. What are the four things brides need?

A bride needs something blue, something new, something old, something borrowed, and a sixpence in her shoe.  

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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The One With The Friends Reunion Jewelry

The Friends reunion is upon us and we’re jumping up and down with glee! (Sorry, Mr. Heckles) To celebrate, we’ve put together Central Perk-worthy jewelry to match the most iconic Friends outfits. *clapclapclapclap*

Monica Geller, Rachel Green, and Phoebe Buffay sitting on the couch in wedding dresses drinking beer and eating popcorn.

Whether or not these Friends have been on a break is simply a moo point. They’re back, it’s happening, OH. MY. GOD.

The fashion of the Six is, in many ways, as legendary as they are – and good news, it’s still in style! With just a bit of accessorizing, you’ll be ready to star in your own 2021 remake of the series. 

So read on for hand-picked pieces, perfectly suited for the Friends reunion. You know we know you know you’ll love it!

Friends Reunion Jewelry: Phoebe Buffay

The Bohemian Look + Vine Motif Diamond Ring

Phoebe is the only one of the Friends who truly aced Bohemian style. Especially in the early seasons, Phoebe’s earthy outfits flowed as fluidly as her free spirit. If you’re a fan of her Friends outfits, you can perfectly set them off with a touch of nature-inspired shine. 

The Orange Coat + Emerald-Cut Citrine Necklace

18K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Citrine And Diamond Necklace

Phoebe is the queen of quirky Friends outfits. Her style is bold, colorful, and oh-so-memorable – and it’s as snatch-uppable as her and Rachel’s apothecary table from yore. It’s the “as seen on the street” style that we aspire to. So what’s more worthy of Phoebe Buffay’s muppet-orange (and still on-trend) coat than an eye-popping, honey-gold, go-big-or-go-home citrine statement piece? 

It’s not Pottery Barn, it’s James Allen. *hair flip*

The Lavender Wedding Dress + Amethyst and Diamond Ring

Phoebe has a lesson for all brides: Do your day in your own way! On her wedding day to her lobster, Mike, she passed on the traditional white dress for something a bit more…Phoebe: a lavender silk beauty. We’re sure she would go for a unique wedding ring as well, like this dainty amethyst design:

Friends Reunion Jewelry: Ross Geller

The Leather Pants + Tantalum Men’s Wedding Ring

We’re not even going to ask if you remember these pants, because we know they’re burned into your brain. You couldn’t forget Ross’s leather pants if you scrubbed your memory squeaky-clean, Monica-style. They were tight. And they deserve a similarly sleek, uber-sexy ring.

That Sweater + Pink Sapphire and Diamond Earrings

Oh, Ross. Who could forget that sweater. An unfortunate mix-up meant that he and his date showed up wearing the exact same swirling pink top. If any lemonade can be made out of these lemons, it’s with the help of these inspired diamond and pink sapphire earrings. Perfect for wearing on your next date. *wink*

Friends Reunion Jewelry: Rachel Green

The Strapless Yellow Dress + Citrine Drop Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Geometric Citrine And Diamond Drop Earrings

Rachel’s strapless yellow dress is one of the Friends outfits we would totally rock today. Slim, detailed, and butter-yellow, it’s a look that’s held up incredibly well throughout the years. If you love this figure-hugging dress, you’ll love the slim profile of these citrine and diamond earrings. Trust us, they’re about to be your favorite sparklers.

The Football Outfit + Platinum Bezel-Set Engagement Ring

As we watched the Friends head out for the Geller Cup, all we could think about was which ring would hold up against all that tackling. So for all you athletes and movers and shakers, here’s a professional tip: a platinum bezel-set ring will hold up best against the daily wear you put it through. The next time you’re fighting for a troll doll nailed to a two-by-four, think bezel.

Rachel’s Plaid Skirt + Ruby Sugarloaf Necklace

You think of Rachel Green, and this is the outfit that pops into your mind. If you needed a reason why 90’s fashion is coming back around, Rachel’s skirt/sweater combo is it. And one piece that’s a perfect complement to Rachel’s plaid skirt is – clearly – a criss-crossed ruby necklace. 

Friends Reunion Jewelry: Joey Tribbiani 

All The Clothes + All The Sapphires Necklace

Joey does have his moments of genius. Remember the time when Chandler stole the chair cushions, so Joey exacted his revenge by wearing ALL of Chandler’s clothes at once? Touché. 

This colorful outfit mash-up deserves nothing less than a sparkling necklace featuring every type of colorful sapphire you can find. Sapphires don’t only come in blue; this gemstone necklace features pink, yellow, and white sapphires! It’s the ideal piece for when you can’t decide which stone is your favorite. Could this necklace BE rocking any more sapphires?

Friends Reunion Jewelry: Monica Geller 

The Red Tank Top + Ruby and Diamond Earrings

Monica’s outfits tend to be two things: high-waisted and simple. And for anyone who’s listening, that formula works. One of her classic styles is also the easiest to recreate nowadays: a ruby-red tank top and old school blue jeans. For a modern add-on, may we suggest some minimalist, yet sparkling, ruby and diamond earrings?

Friends Reunion Jewelry: Chandler Bing 

The Bowling Shirt + Tantalum Men’s Wedding Ring

Chandler’s style has always been…Chandler. But this particular black-and-white number is sweet for the double-take, and couldn’t be any more perfectly suited for this channel-set honey. This is a men’s wedding band that’s anything but boring.

More Bright and Beloved Jewelry

  1. Celeb Jewelry Lookalikes of the 2021 Oscars
  2. Jewelry of the 2020 Oscars
  3. The 2019 Met Gala Jewelry Lookalikes
  4. Celeb Engagement Ring Inspiration

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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