Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Posted by Georgina Bennett on 2nd Feb 2014

The wedding custom of

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe” is an English custom which possibly dates back to the Victorian era.

Each item in the poem symbolizes a good luck token for the bride, meaning she will have a happy marriage:

Something Old: This stands for continuity with the bride’s family and the past.

Something New: This symbolises optimism and hope for the new life ahead for the bride and her groom.

Something Borrowed: This is often an item from a happily married person whose happiness will carry over to the bride.

Something Blue: Blue has been a colour associated with weddings throughout time representing love, good fortune and fidelity.

A silver sixpence: This means wealth and security.

Some ideas to incorporate this tradition in to your day:

Something Old:

Use classic cars for the wedding transport.

Wear a vintage accessory.

Something New:

Wear New shoes, a piece of jewellery or another accessory.

Spray yourself with a new perfume.

Something Borrowed:

Borrow a piece of jewellery to wear.

Borrow a tradition from your parent’s wedding, such as a song or ceremony wording or a reading

Something Blue

Add blue bridal shoe stickersto the bottom of your shoes.

Wear a blue garter.blue-garter.jpg

A Sixpence in Your shoe:

Buy a silver sixpence and carry or tape to the sole of your shoe

Many brides wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue on their wedding day to follow this tradition and to bring good luck. This practice can easily be done with some borrowed and old jewellery, a blue garter and your new wedding dress. However, if you want to add some creativity, there are so many other stylish and fun ways to incorporate this custom too.

We would love to hear how you incorporated this tradition into your day?