Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Sixpence in Your Shoe. You might know the words but you may be clueless as to why in the world this little rhyme has become a bridal tradition. Originating from an Old English rhyme, these items are likely little tokens of love that close family and friends will gift to you right before your wedding. These items may also be given to you as a bridal shower gift or you can certainly gift them to yourself as well.
Something old represents the carrying on of tradition from generations before and continuity. Something new represents your new start and the future. Something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness and relationships between family and friends. Something blue stands for purity and love. A sixpence in your shoe is a wish for a future filled with prosperity and good fortune … although this last line of the rhyme is largely English and not followed as much in the US.
If you’ve landed on this post, you’re likely looking for a unique and creative idea for your something blue or as a gift to a future bride. Now that you know the symbolism of these items, there are quite a few directions you can go with your choice. Accessories, jewelry, and undergarments are a great option and while we’ve included several of those on this list, we’ve also found some really creative choices like a blue bottle of perfume, blue bridal pajamas, or even a blue pin for a bride’s bouquet.
If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect something blue, you can continue shopping here.
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1. Oscar De La Renta Something Blue Eau de Parfum Spray
(Oscar De La Renta)
While it’s not actually blue in color, this darling bottle of perfume is the perfect way to incorporate your something blue in a unique and different way. The perfume has a clean floral scent that’s not overpowering in any way and can be worn day or night – transitioning nicely from your ceremony to your reception. The bottle is 3.4oz, and very reasonably priced. The bottle is also gorgeous, making it a great option if you’re planning on snapping a few photos of your perfume along with your other wedding day accessories. The best part about purchasing this perfume here is the cost. It’s more than 50 percent off the price you’ll find in department stores. If you’re purchasing this as a gift, consider the gift set of this scent, which includes a mini bottle (.13oz) that can be packed in a wedding day clutch for convenient reapplication. If you’re not a fan of this scent, you can also consider Blue by Ralph Lauren, another highly rated perfume that works nicely as a “something blue”.
Price: $26.15
Buy this “something blue” here.
2. Initials & Date Custom Crochet Lace Handkerchief
(Amazon)
A handkerchief is an inexpensive way to incorporate something blue and is the perfect solution to those happy tears that might creep up on you throughout the day. This one is really inexpensive, especially given that it can be customized with blue embroidery with your initials and wedding date. Many brides opt to wrap a hanky around their bridal bouquet for easy access during the ceremony and to have their something blue with them for both their walk down the aisle as well as their vows. There are quite a few inexpensive handkerchiefs with blue designs, so if this one isn’t your style, you can browse alternative options here.
Price: $9.99
Buy this “something blue” here.
3. Ivory & Sapphire Blue Vintage Lace Garter Set
(Contessa Garters)
If you’re trying to hunt down something blue to carry with you on your wedding day, then tradition is likely important to you. This traditional garter set has two pieces designed with a romantic vintage style. The scalloped stretch lace features a secret blue ribbon hidden on the back of the keepsake garter for the traditional “something blue”. It’s available in multiple sizes from x-small to x-large to accommodate all brides. This high quality garter also works well if you’re purchasing it as a gift, as it comes packaged and wrapped in a gorgeous blue box. If you want to browse some other options, you can shop alternative highly rated blue garter sets here.
Price: $39.95 (7 percent off MSRP)
Buy this “something blue” here.
4. Bridal Something Blue Pajama Set
(Classy Bride)
This adorable pajama set is the perfect pre-wedding outfit. You’ll wake up on the morning of your wedding already feeling like a bride. The pajama set is 100 percent cotton and machine washable. It includes a white flowy tank with “bride” written in a soft blue and itty- bitty girly ruffled seersucker boxers with a satin drawstring. If you’re buying these as a gift, this customized pair is available for the same price but instead of reading “bride” it can be personalized with the bride’s new last name. Check out this adorable blue and white set from Honeydew as an alternative option. If you’re feeling fancy, this Oscar de la Renta silk nightgown is only $68 and is the softest blue.
Price: $39
Buy this “something blue” here.
5. Hanky Panky “I DO” Original Rise Bridal Thong
(Hanky Panky)
Hanky Panky has an entire line of bridal inspired intimates including this “I DO” thong. The two most popular pairs are the light blue thong (pictured above), which is adorned with tiny white Swarovski crystals on the hip that spell out “I DO”, and the white pair with similar crystals in blue, reading “Mrs.” Hanky Panky sizes its panties in one size fits sizes 2-12 so if you’re shopping for these as a gift, you don’t have to worry about figuring out exact sizing. You might want to also consider picking up this Hanky Panky gift set complete with the “I DO” panties and a matching garter, adorned with dainty rosebuds and tiny blue bows.
Price: $31
Buy this “something blue” here.
6. Kate Spade New York Light Blue Gumdrop Studs
(Kate Spade New York)
Blue jewelry and accessories are an awesome place to add a touch of blue without overwhelming your look. Dark blue jewelry can be too much for some brides, which is why we love these pale blue studs. These are so light in color that in some light they almost look like clear crystals. The earrings are 0.75 inches in diameter and come in a signature Kate Spade dust bag. They have comfortable friction resistant backings and are modest enough that you can wear these everyday after the big day.
Price: $32.99
Buy this “something blue” here.
7. Badgley Mischka Women’s Gorgeous Dress Pump
(Badgley Mischka)
Blue shoes are one of the most fun and unique ways to wear that something blue. Blue shoes are certainly a bolder choice and aren’t right for every bride, but if you’re looking for a way to add some color and make a statement, blue wedding shoes are an excellent choice. These are simply stunning, made with a simple and sleek dark blue satin and an abundance of crystal detailing on the heel. If you prefer a lighter blue shade, check out these peep toe pumps. You can shop alternative blue wedding shoes from top brands here.
Price: $185.99 – $265 depending on size
Buy this “something blue” here.
8. Something Blue Crystal Hair Barrette
(Sparkly Bride)
If you’re planning on a hairstyle where a hair comb can easily be incorporated, consider one with some sapphire stones like this one. It’s on the smaller side (measuring about 2.5 inches) so unlike some hair combs, it won’t stand out too drastically. The vintage inspired comb has many intricate details in its design, making it look like it would be much more expensive than it really is. You can check out some alternative hair combs here if this one isn’t your style.
Price: $20.99
Buy this “something blue” here.
9. Waterford Crystal Lismore Sapphire Flute Pair
(Waterford)
Unlike some something blue ideas, this is one that all of your guests will be able to see and appreciate. You don’t need to have blue decor at your wedding to incorporate these gorgeous toasting glasses. Great for a bridal shower gift, or just to purchase for yourself, these are glasses you’ll have forever. The toasting flutes measure 9.25 inches and hold six ounces of fluid. They’re also available in a lighter blue tone if you prefer a more subtle look.
Price: $137.55 (21 percent off MSRP)
Buy this “something blue” here.
10. “Something Blue” Bridal Pin
(Better Than Buttons)
This little pin offers just a tiny touch of blue and can be placed on a bride’s bouquet or her garter belt for a little bit of extra luck on her wedding day. It has four little charms as part of its design – a tiny blue heart is made from a Swarovski crystal, a small white pearl, a sixpence (from the end of the something old rhyme … “and a sixpence in her shoe”), and a small silver butterfly to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. There are a few versions of this pin, each with various charms if you want to explore the other options.
Price: $17.99
Buy this “something blue” here.