The Meaning Behind ‘Something Old’ — Why Vintage Pieces Matter
By The Lilac Tree
Every bride has heard the age-old rhyme:
“Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue…”
It’s a sweet, familiar tradition — whispered from mother to daughter, sewn into bridal gowns, and tucked inside bouquets. But there’s something quietly powerful about that first line: something old.
This phrase, more than any other, speaks to continuity. It reminds us that love doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it blooms from roots. And in a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, it’s a beautiful reminder of the enduring charm of the past.
Why ‘Something Old’ Still Belongs in Today’s Weddings
At its heart, something old symbolises connection — to family, to heritage, to the generations who came before. It brings depth to the day. It’s your grandmother’s lace handkerchief, a mother’s earrings, or a veil worn by a beloved aunt. And sometimes, it’s a delicate detail quietly sewn into your look — like a vintage button, a reused jewel, or a ribbon passed down with care.
It isn’t about age — it’s about meaning.
Vintage Pieces Tell Stories
That’s why I created The Vintage Collection here at The Lilac Tree. Each headdress in this small, exclusive range is made using genuine vintage components — from 1930s rhinestone trim to 1950s costume pearls, and sparkling brooches from the 1960s.
Every piece is a story revived. A forgotten clasp becomes the centre of a floral vine. A pair of 1940s earrings finds new life nestled into a bridal comb. These aren’t just accessories — they’re future heirlooms, made with care and rich with soul.
“I wanted to give vintage treasures a second life — to create something new with a past.”
A Modern Take on an Heirloom
The Aston Tiara
Not every bride has a family heirloom to wear — and that’s okay. Through my bespoke service, I work with brides to craft something that feels like an heirloom. Whether that’s incorporating a loved one’s trinket into a headpiece, or simply designing with a vintage aesthetic in mind, I love helping brides create pieces that hold emotional weight.
And if you do have a vintage brooch, veil, or piece of jewellery you'd like to use, I can gently weave it into a custom design. It's a beautiful way to keep a loved one close as you walk down the aisle.
Old Meets New
Weddings are full of joyful contradictions — ancient vows said in modern chapels, borrowed lace paired with brand-new heels. That blend of old and new is where the magic lies.
Vintage details offer a softness and depth that mass-produced sparkle just can’t match. They whisper, they shimmer, they carry echoes of laughter from another time.
So whether it’s a delicate pearl from the 1950s or a freshly handcrafted piece inspired by Art Deco elegance, let your “something old” be something truly yours.
Interested in a Vintage or Bespoke Headdress?
If you're drawn to the charm of vintage jewellery or would love to incorporate something meaningful into your bridal look, I’d be honoured to help bring your vision to life.
- Explore The Vintage Collection
- Discover Bespoke Design Options
- Contact Me for a Consultation
Because something old, when made with love, becomes something unforgettable.