Traditions....

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Dating back to the Victorian era, this good luck saying continues to be one of the most significant traditions followed by brides of today. Each item in this poem represents a good luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy.

Jackie Bouvier wearing her grandmother's veil

Something old symbolises continuity with the bride’s family and the past. It is the link between the generations of the family so it is quite common for a bride to wear a piece of antique jewellery which belonged to a relative, or she may carry a handkerchief passed down by her grandmother.

Vera Wang spring 2013 white

Something new means optimism and hope for the bride’s new life ahead. It is also symbolic of the bride and groom creating a new life together which will endure forever. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item but the bride can use anything from her shoes, to her earrings or lingerie for her something new.

Something borrowed is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. It could be a hair piece or jewellery from a girlfriend or something she wore on her wedding day. The item that is borrowed must be returned afterwards.

Valisere blue bra and panty set

Something blue refers back to the Romans when it was said that the blue represents the luminosity of the moon, and therefore, Diana: the Goddess of the moon.  Diana was a protector of women leading some to wear blue to draw her protection.  Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the colour. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular colour for wedding gowns, hence the old proverb “Marry in blue, lover be true.”  In ancient times, blue was sewn into the hem of a bride’s gown to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity.  Todays brides like to have fun with the blue element and choose to wear blue like a statement piece. 

A silver sixpence in the bride’s shoe represents wealth and financial security. This token possibly dates back to a Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe!

These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, BUT if you want the real thing on your wedding day, we’ve found the business for you! You can purchase your own silver sixpence up to 100 years old from Silver Sixpence, and the great news is – they ship internationally!