By Teri Butler, Inspired by the Dress
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe!”
MJ Mendoza Photography
The objects recited in this Victorian era guide for bridal success were usually small trinkets of love that a mother, sister, grandmother or other relative gave to the bride at the eleventh hour, before walking down the aisle to her betrothed.
Something “old” represents continuity and a nod to the past, while something “new” offers optimism for the future. Continuing the legacy of a wedding dress from a mother or grandmother will bring in that “something old” while restyling or redesigning it can be the “something new”.
J & D Photography
Doing this is not limited to brides, as grooms recently also have been known to have their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown included into the festivities.
Brides considering incorporating some portion of a loved one’s gown into her own may be at a loss as to how to do it as the dress may not be a trending style. Here are a few stories of to help motivate and get you started.
India’s grandmother, Frances’, had her wedding dress designed and created in 1952. India’s mother, Cynthia, had restyled Frances’ dress for her own 1984 wedding to India’s father. Sadly, Frances had passed before India’s wedding, so it only seemed fitting to carry on her grandmother’s legacy. She chose to repurpose it to design the five flower girls’ dresses. What better way to celebrate loved ones no longer with us than repurposing a family’s wedding gown and creating flower girl dresses from the vintage fabrics and laces from multiple generations.
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Lindsey’s grandmother had been a New York designer in the early 1950s. When she became engaged, she designed the gown for her ceremony. Seventy years later, Lindsey chose to wear that dress as her rehearsal dinner ensemble. Repurposing a gown and carrying on a legacy is not limited to the wedding ceremony but can be an expression during any part of the celebration.
When choosing to honor those who walked the aisle before you, there is no limit to your imagination to honor this wedding tradition! Speak with an experienced designer who will bring your vision to life.
J & D Photography