Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Traditions & Rituals "Something Old" Wedding Ideas from Real Brides By Lauren Pardee Lauren Pardee Lauren is a former associate digital editor for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 30, 2019 Close Katie Grant Photography We all know the popular bridal rhyme: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue." Legend has it that if the bride wears items that represent those descriptions, her marriage will be blessed with good luck. Today, it's a time-honored tradition many brides follow for fun, but who doesn't want a little extra luck, too? Whether you're superstitious or not, you'll probably agree that the "something old" aspect is especially meaningful, as couples often look to their loved ones for hand-me-downs or family heirlooms that represent their pasts or heritage. So, turn to your moms, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and cousins for your something old—we'd bet they'll all be willing to contribute a memento from their own weddings to help make your big day extra special. Unsure of how to wear something old throughout your wedding? Make a fashion statement with a vintage piece. Your grandmother's veil, for example, can enhance your ensemble's classic look. Or, add a pop of color to your hair with a stylish clip or pin your mom wore down the aisle on her day. This bride even took the diamonds from her grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother's engagement rings and made them into a bracelet, which she wore at her celebration. If you can't find the perfect something old accessory to complement your wedding ensemble, look to other big-picture moments to display a sentimental keepsake. Try transforming your grandmother's favorite handkerchief by wrapping it around your bouquet or using fabric from your grandfather's lucky shirt to create a ring pillow. A recycled cake topper can even subtly nod to your family's rich history. To give you some inspiration for your something old, take a look at what real brides used to carry on this tradition. 01 of 19 Vintage Veil We Are Bubblerock Connect with your in-laws by incorporating an heirloom from your partner's side into your bridal look. We love how this bride finished off her big-day ensemble with her fiancés great-grandmother's veil. How to Match a Vintage Veil to a New Wedding Dress 02 of 19 Locket Portrait D'Arcy Benincosa A locket is a stylish way to keep those who couldn't attend your wedding with you all day. This groom was gifted a photo of his late parents in an antique necklace, which he wore at the altar. 22 Creative Ways to Display Photos at Your Wedding 03 of 19 Love Story Belle and Beau Fine Art Photography String old locket photos of your grandparents from your bouquet wrap as a way to celebrate their love story while kicking off yours. Trending Now: Long-Stemmed Wedding Bouquets 04 of 19 Inherited Diamonds Ashley Ludaescher Photography Mix your something old with something new by adding the stones from an inherited piece of jewelry to an engagement ring setting you designed yourself. The diamonds on the side of this bride's bauble were taken from a tennis bracelet that her father once gifted her mother. 24 Vintage Engagement Rings That You'll Treasure Forever 05 of 19 Antique Ring Box Erin Kunkel If an antique ring isn't your style, opt for a vintage box as your something old—like this golden bee-topped iteration this bride found at a flea market. Its one-of-a-kind look will add character to your ceremony. Ring Boxes to Have and to Hold Your Wedding Bands 06 of 19 Sewn Patch Nancy Ray Photography This bride's mother sewed a napkin that belonged to her late grandmother into her dress as a way of honoring her. We love how she made this something old even more personal by embroidering the couple's names and wedding date onto the patch. 07 of 19 Bridal Necklace Nancy Ray Photography Every bride in this woman's family has worn the same opal necklace down the aisle. If your relatives have a similar ritual, we suggest opting out of new jewelry and keeping the tradition alive. 40 Delicate Necklaces to Wear on Your Wedding Day 08 of 19 Ring Decoration Rebecca Yale Photography If your grandmother's engagement ring doesn't fit your fingers, secure it to your bouquet wrap as a meaningful something old decoration. This bride did just that as a way of representing her loved one on the big day. The Etiquette of Proposing with an Heirloom Engagement Ring 09 of 19 Presidential Cufflinks Abby Jiu Photography Allude to your hobbies and interests with a something old item that represents your passion. This groom wore a pair of Ronald Reagan's cufflinks from his prized presidential collection on his wedding day. Cool Wedding Cuff Links for Grooms and Groomsmen 10 of 19 Two Accessories Jessica Rieke Photography Don't just represent one side of the family with your something old. This engagement ring once belonged to the groom's mom; on the big day, the bride paired the piece with her family's heirloom wedding band to signal the blending of their two legacies. How to Let Your Guy Know You Want Him to Propose with Your Family Ring 11 of 19 Hand-Me-Down Jewels Erich McVey Saying yes to an inherited engagement ring represents the tight bond you have with your new family. This bride's fiancé proposed with his grandmother's diamond with plans to shop for a new one after his future wife said yes. But, the two decided a new accessory would never be as special as the hand-me-down one. 5 Engagement Ring Rules You Never Knew You Could Break 12 of 19 Metal Boutonnière Teneil Kable Get the groom in on the something old tradition by substituting a part of his ensemble with an antique iteration, like this newlywed did with this vintage metal boutonnière. 64 Boutonnières You Both Will Love 13 of 19 Non-Engagement Bauble Corbin Gurkin Take notes from this bride, who wore her grandmother's engagement ring as a symbolic accessory next to her own big-day sparkler. Wearing an inherited ring next to your own signifies the strong, long-lasting marriage you've always dreamed of. 27 Unique Engagement Rings You'll Love 14 of 19 Cake Topper Teneil Kable Add vintage flair to your big-day confection with the cake topper used at your grandparent's wedding, like this couple did with this 70-year-old piece. The History of Vintage Wedding Cake Toppers 15 of 19 Getaway Car Polly Alexandre Fine Photography Make like this bride and exit your wedding in style in an old sports car. She decorated her dad's 1950s Jaguar—which she grew up riding in—with flowers by McQueens for a festive touch. Wedding Planners Share Their Favorite Ways to Decorate a Getaway Car 16 of 19 Bouquet Wrap Liz Banfield Instead of a modern bouquet wrap, style your arrangement with a fabric swatch that has sentimental value. A handkerchief, which was given to this bride by the groom's grandmother, tied her bouquet together. 20 Wedding Bouquet Wraps We Love 17 of 19 Ancestor Tribute Teneil Kable If your something old is too fragile to be functional, display it on a reception table for guests to observe. The main focus of this bride's setup was a box of 19th-century waxed orange blossoms, which were used as a bridal accessory in 1897. Tips for Honoring Deceased Loved Ones at Your Wedding 18 of 19 Ring Pillow Judy Pak Photography Crafting your ring pillow out of your grandmother's handkerchief is a thoughtful something old idea that can be passed down to other family members. 19 Unexpected Wedding Ring Pillows 19 of 19 Cameo Pin Love, The Nelsons If you want to wear your something old down the aisle, but don't want to sacrifice your dream dress and veil for someone else's, consider a smaller vintage accessory, instead—like a hand-me-down pin. This bride's cameo iteration has been in her family for over a century. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit