“Something old, something new; something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.?”
Many brides love to follow this tradition, which is said to date back to Victorian times. If you’re one of the many brides who want to follow this tradition on your wedding day, here are a few suggestions.
“Something old”
To wear something old is to link the past with the bride and her family. It shows the importance of heritage and roots. “Something old” can be:
- A locket that has been in the family for a long time. The bride’s mother may decide to pass on to her daughter the locket her mother gave her on her wedding day.
- The wedding dress itself. Again, some families consider it tradition to have the daughters wear the wedding dress worn by their mothers on their wedding day.
- Earrings, bracelet, necklace or any other jewelry that have been with the bride’s family for a long time.
- The headband worn by the bride’s mother on her own wedding day. Wouldn’t it be nice if the bride wears the same headpiece her mother wore?
- The family Bible. In some wedding ceremonies, the couple is asked to provide one. If you have a Bible that’s been with your family for a long time.
“Something new”
To wear something new is to hope for a good life and success. “Something new” can be:
- The wedding dress, if the bride chooses to have a new gown fitted for her
- Shoes
- Wedding veil or headdress
- Any jewelry recently bought and given by the groom
“Something borrowed”
To wear something borrowed is to believe that the bride’s family and friends will always be available to lend a hand whenever she would need it. It is usually something from the bride’s family or one of her closest friends. “Something borrowed” can be:
- The bride’s best friend’s lucky charm bracelet
- The mother-in-law’s jewelry
- A friend’s or relative’s brooch
- A handkerchief
“Something blue”
To wear something blue is to enter into marriage with a faithful and loyal heart. In biblical times, blue symbolized purity. “Something blue” can be:
- Blue garter worn under the wedding dress
- Blue flowers or ribbons on the headdress, veil or bouquet
- Blue undergarment
- A hint of blue eye shadow
- Blue hairpins
“and a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe”
In Victorian times, to put a silver sixpence in one or both shoes before the wedding meant wealth in money and love. For the “silver sixpence in your shoe” any coin will do!
Copyright 2005, Andrea R Britt. All rights reserved.
