Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.

So this is the famous saying that every bride knows and follows to the tee, but where did it originate from and what is the meaning behind it? This good luck saying has been shortened over time and was traditionally ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue an...’. The famous phrase dates back to the Victorian era hinted at in the rhyme by the silver sixpence. Each item in the poem represents a good luck token for the bride – if she carries them, it is said her marriage will have good fortune and be fulfilled with happiness.

‘Something Old’ is meant to symbolise continuity from the bride’s past. It represents a desire to stay connected to your own family even after you established a family of your own. The ‘something old’ theme also represents the tradition of passing down family values. Things you can use for the something old theme are: jewellery from your mother, grandmother or great-grandmother.

‘Something New’ is meant to symbolise optimism and hope for the future. It represents good luck and success for the couple’s future married life. It conveys the message that you and your husband are creating a new union that will endure the test of time. This tradition is pretty much covered by the time you have chosen your wedding gown, flowers or rings!

‘Something Borrowed’ is meant to represent to the bride that friends and family will be there for her on the special day and in the future when help is needed. “Borrowing” is especially important, since it has to come from a happily married woman, thereby lending the bride some of her own marital happiness to carry into the new marriage. Items you can use for this tradition include jewellery from your mum or friend or perhaps even a cake cutting set your parents had.

‘Something Blue’ in ancient times is the symbol of faithfulness, purity and loyalty. Often a blue item is the garter and in olden times the couple wore blue bands on the border of their wedding attire to denote, love, modesty and fidelity. Another way to wear something blue is to include a blue flower in your headdress or theme your wedding flowers in blue.

‘Sixpence in her shoe’ represents luck, fortune, wealth and financial security. A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967. It was made of silver and worth six pennies. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be worn in the left shoe. Many companies now sell keepsake sixpence pieces for weddings.

Brides have been honouring the something old, new borrowed, blue tradition for centuries. Although these items are supposed to bring good luck to the bride, they are also just a fun tradition that gives the bride an opportunity to honour people close to her on her wedding day.

So brides now you know what this cute little poem means you can start to gather all your own good luck charms!!