Traditional weddings or conventional weddings, some brides still want some old-fashion customs. Traditions are based on folk lore, and open to interpretation, and brides should feel free to express the traditions in any way that's meaningful to them - as long as it's in good taste.

Each aspect of the familiar "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" tradition, which is based on an old British rhyme, has special significance.

The something old, which can be a piece of antique lace sewn into the wedding gown or a family Bible used in the ceremony, symbolizes continuity. It signifies that the bride still has a link to the past as she steps into the future.

The something new, expresses optimism for the future and it could be almost anything. Special new lingerie or perhaps a luxury item such as jewelry are just some of the popular choices.

The something borrowed, comes from the old superstition that happiness rubs off. It could be a piece of jewelry, a hanky or other object borrowed from a happily married friend or relative. It is usually something that the bride wears or carries during the wedding.

The something blue, represents purity and fidelity and for some it has religious connotations associated with the Virgin Mary. Traditional expressions of this custom include a blue ribbon on a garter or a blue ribbon sewn into the bride's slip. But modern brides are finding innovative ways of incorporating this tradition. It could be blue sunglasses, a blue cell phone, blue pearls or blue eye shadow.

Adorning the bride with flowers was introduced in Europe by the Crusaders. They believed that a wreath of orange blossoms crowning the bride symbolized fertility.

In Elizabethan times, the garland also attested to the bride's virtue. The flowers were often symoblic varieties such as rosemary (for remembrance).

While flowers today are seldom selected for their symbolism, they remain an integral part of the bride's attire.

The bridal veil has its origins in Roman ceremonies, which were based largely on superstition. The Romans believed evil spirits might be jealous of the bridal couple's happiness and therefore bring misfortune to the pair, so they took eleborate precautions to confuse the demon spirits as to who the intended bride really was. The veil was used to hide her features.

The tradition of the guest book dates back to olden times when a formal record was kept of witnesses in attendance at the wedding ceremony. Originally, witnesses signed directly on the marriage document. Today only the maid of honor and best man sign the marriage certificate and the guest book serves to preserve the names of all loving guests who witness the exchange of vows.

The tussy mussy - a holder filled with nosegay of fresh or dried flowers - originally was used in ancient Egypt to ward off foul odors. In the 19th century it was a symbol of status and affluence. The little cone-shaped posy holders were designed to hang from the bride's finger or belt by a chain.

The bridal garter has always been a special trophy of wedding ceremonies. In olden times, garters were not merely ornamental. They were necessary to hold up silk stockings. In old England it was considered fair sport to try to steal the bride's garters and stocking before the ceremony. In order to prevent such pranks, bridal couples began to throw the garter willingly to all unattached young men present. Even today the garter is a trophy to be treasured.

The bridal purse - usually a small white or ivory satin bag with lace trim - served a practical as well as ornamental purpose.

In many communities the "dollar dance" was a tradition. Male friends and family would "buy" a dance with the new bride and tuck a new dollar into her purse. In this way, the bride acquired "pin money" to begin her new household. Today a check might be discreetly ticked into the bridal purse.