Something Old
Wedding tradition states that you should have something old, new, borrowed, and blue. My next few blog posts will give some ideas for each of these, starting with something old. The something old tradition is meant to symbolize continuity with the bride's family and the past. It should be something from someone who was (or is) happily married. The thought is that the luck of happiness will transfer to the new bride.
Here are some ideas for that something old:
A grandparents hankie - you can either put it in your purse to use when you tear up, or you can wrap it around the base of your bouquet.
A piece of jewelry - you can wear the jewelry. If you don't want to wear it, if it's a necklace you could wrap it around the base of your bouquet. If it's a ring you could have the florist wire the ring into the bouquet. That way it doesn't necessarily stand out, but yet you know it's there. Or if it's a brooch, that can be pinned to the inside of your dress. A hairpin can be used in your hair.
Borrow a clutch from someone to use on your wedding day.
Take a button from one of your father's or grandfather's jackets and sew it inside your dress.
Take a love letter sent from your grandfather to your grandmother and tuck it inside your purse.
Your mother's wedding dress - most brides don't want to wear their mother's wedding dress as it is most likely outdated. However, if your mother will allow it, cut off part of the dress and make it into either a money bag for the dollar dance or a hankie or even into a garter.
Your mother's veil - if you don't want to wear your mother's dress, maybe wear her veil. Birdcage veils were in style years ago and now they have come back into style.
Your grandmother's garter from her wedding.
You could buy a new locket and put a picture in of your happily married grandparents. That way you can cross both something old and something new off your list!
You could carry your grandparent's bible down the aisle.
If you really don't want to wear your "something old" down the aisle, you could always use your parent's or grandparent's cake knife and server or toasting glasses from their wedding.
Those are just a few ideas for something old. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments!