“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” This old English rhyme dates back to the Victorian era, and yet its words are still well known today.
Traditional and modern brides alike honor this age-old tradition with its simple advice on how to have a happy marriage. We love hearing the stories of how and why pieces are chosen. Whether it’s a family heirloom, something with sentimental value such as a swatch of fabric from grandmother’s wedding dress, or good luck charms in your wedding bouquet, no two brides ever have all the same pieces!
The last part of the poem gets cut off more often than not, however, the sixpence was a British coin and when placed in the shoe, it represented wealth and financial security. Today pennies are typically substituted, although there are companies that sell sixpence coins solely for this tradition, so there are still brides heeding the full poem’s advice!
Something Old
The first instruction of the poem is for the bride to wear something old to honor the family. This symbolizes a continuity with the past.
Wearing an antique brings the traditions and love of the bride’s family into the new family she will create. Many of our brides will choose to honor their mother, grandmother, or even their great grandmother by choosing a piece of jewelry. There is something incredibly special about a piece of jewelry that has remained for generations, and to honor those past generations is very moving. It is often a string of pearls, but it could also be pendants with diamonds or gemstones, or even a wedding band. It does not have to be jewelry, there are many ways to incorporate something old. Perhaps a piece of one of their wedding dresses sewn into their own dress, an old vintage brooch as a hair accessory or a small old family photo as a charm in the bridal bouquet. Think about the options and choose the most meaningful for you.
Something New
As she begins a new chapter as a married woman, something new indicates hope and optimism for the future. Many of our brides choose their new wedding gown or her wedding band as something new, however, it could be new shoes or jewelry to match her ‘something old’ jewelry, an accessory for her hair, a garter, or even a new fragrance worn on this special day is a lovely idea. The something new item is whatever the bride wants it to be!
Something Borrowed
Borrowing an accessory or other item from a happily married friend or family member symbolizes the passing on of their successful marriage and good fortune to the new bride. It also demonstrates a bond between the bride and the giver, reminding her that she can always depend on her friends and family. Often the borrowed item is a piece of the lender’s own wedding outfit such as a bracelet, handbag, hairpins, or even her veil. This is a great way for the bride to enter her new marriage with the love and support of those closest to her.
Something Blue
For centuries, the color blue has represented purity, fidelity, and faithfulness. As such, most every bride will either wear something blue or carry a blue item as a symbol of this virtue. We have had brides wear light blue wedding dresses, blue shoes, a blue garter, or sapphire necklace and earring set. Some may choose blue flowers or maid dresses as part of their wedding colors, blue nail polish, or have a custom message in blue embroidery sewn inside the dress.
Our store loves the something blue part of this old poem. This year we have started attaching a sweet blue satin ribbon bow on the hanger of the bride’s wedding dress! The bride can choose to keep it on the hanger or attach it to something else. We love seeing the look on the bride’s face when she comes to pick up her dress and sees the blue bow. Their excitement and anticipation of the upcoming event becomes even more real and they see we are honored to be part of it.
A wedding ceremony is a sacred event as the bride begins life with her new husband. It is the beginning of a new family, and perhaps that’s why this poem has lasted so long. It’s about the family you came from helping to guide you into the family you will create. And it continues generation after generation.
Did you participate in this tradition? We’d love to know, contact us so we can put another blog together featuring all the sweet and creative ways!