“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and A Sixpence in your Shoe.” Brides have heard this rhyme years before they even got the ring. But many are unaware of its meaning. It’s a tradition which comes from an Old English rhyme about the four objects a bride adds to her wedding day attire or carries with her as good luck charms on her big day. These objects were traditionally given by family members but nowadays are worked into the weddings by the brides themselves.
Something Old represents continuity of the past moving into the future. This old item can be an antique, an heirloom, or a sentimental object which represents the bride's past. Ideas to personalize this custom:
- Your father or grandfather’s pocket or wrist watch tied to your bouquet
- Use your mother’s veil or part of her wedding gown
- Incorporate an antique brooch or pin into your hair
- Carry a photo of your parents or grandparents on their wedding day in your clutch
Something New offers optimism for the future and the new life the bride will share with her groom. Although this is the easiest to find, here are some ideas for personification:
- Buy new lipgloss for touch ups throughout the night
- Wear jewelry, lingerie, or shoes that make you feel extra fabulous
- Open a brand new bottle of perfume to use specifically on the wedding day. Whenever you wear the scent after the fact,wonderful memories of your wedding day!
Something Borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness. Some brides use a borrowed item from a long-time happily married couple, but it can also be something borrowed from a friend or other relative who is symbolic of true happiness. This item should be returned to the owner following the wedding day. A thank you note is always appreciated and appropriate when the borrowed item is returned. Ideas?
- Borrow your sister’s veil or headpiece/flower
- Borrow cufflinks from your father or father-in-law to be for your groom to wear. Make sure these are polished or cleaned if tarnished.
- Borrow your best friend’s button down or rope to wear while getting ready.
- Borrow your grandparent’s or long-time family friend’s vintage car for transportation during the day.
Something Blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity. There are unlimited ways the color blue can be incorporated into the wedding day. Keep in mind there are so many shades of blue. If blue doesn’t fit in well with the color scheme, limit the blue and use it in to less visible areas.
- Paint your toenails the palest shade of blue
- Wear fancy blue undies under your dress or during your honeymoon.
- Wear sapphire, tanzanite, opals, or aqua marine jewelry
A Sixpence in Your Shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. This item is sometimes left out of the equation while it largely remains a British custom.
Sometimes traditions can add more of a personalized touch on your wedding day. Having these items involved in your wedding day will allow you to not only reflect on the past, but feel optimistic about your new life with your husband.
XOXO Mindy
