A Little History
Did you ever wonder where the traditional rhyme, of what a Bride needs on her big day came from and what it means?
Something Old, Something New,
Something Borrowed,
Something Blue & a Six Pence in your Shoe
This is a traditional Old English rhyme that dates back to the 19th Century…you guessed it, the
Rococo Era!
The Meaning of “Something Old”
Back in the day, including “something old” was a sure way to ward off the Evil Eye and protect any future children the couple might have (the Evil Eye was thought to cause infertility in the bride—yikes). But more generally, and on a more lighthearted note, “something old” represents continuity, and contemporary couples use this as a chance to wear a sentimental piece of jewelry or item of clothing belonging to an older relative. Often the parents of the bride will gift her an heirloom before the ceremony.
The Meaning of “Something New”
This one’s pretty straightforward: “Something new” offers optimism for the future. The couple is about to enter into a new chapter in life, so walking into marriage with “something new” makes total sense. Don’t worry about searching far and wide for “something new”—it can truly be anything, including your wedding dress, veil, jewelry and shoes. Couples often tick this box before they even learn this rhyme exists. It’s up to you whether your “something new” is a gift from someone else or the result of a treat-yourself moment.
The Meaning of “Something Borrowed”
Incorporating “something borrowed” brings the couple good luck. By borrowing something from a happily married friend or relative, the bride or couple ensures a little of their good fortune rubs off on them. Today it’s all about honoring a loved one or holding onto something of sentimental value—like your grandmother’s wedding hair comb, pearls or your mother’s diamond earrings—for a touch of good luck as you say your “I dos.“
The Meaning of “Something Blue”
While wearing or carrying “something blue” was also meant to deflect that pesky Evil Eye, the color blue stands for love, purity and fidelity—three key qualities for a solid marriage. The traditional “something blue” was often a blue garter worn beneath the bride’s white dress. But you don’t have to wear “something blue” to ward off wicked spirits: Sprinkle blue clematis into the bouquet, pick out a gorgeous pair of blue pumps, find a powder-blue bow tie or use blue ribbon to tie your invitation suites together—just because you feel like it.
The Meaning of “Sixpence in Your Shoe”
Often forgotten, the sixpence is the final ingredient in the old rhyme. This British coin is meant to represent prosperity for the couple as they start their lives together. Though the sixpence was decommissioned in the U.K. in 1980, brides who are sticklers for detail can still obtain a sixpence and tuck it in their shoe. Brides on the other side of the pond (that’d be Canada or the USA), often substitute the sixpence for a penny or a coin, which they can put in their shoe or tuck somewhere else on their outfit.
Traditionally, the father of the bride presents her with the sixpence (or the coin) just before she walks down the aisle as a gift of good luck. Some brides make this token extra special by using a penny/coin from the year they were born or the year they met their one-and-only. This token is then passed down from one generation to the next, a beautiful keepsake and sentiment.
This little wedding rhyme can be an entertaining tradition to follow at your wedding in whatever way works for you. Have fun with it as you put the finishing touches on your Special Day!
~ Cheers