“Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, and Something blue” has been a custom of good luck and fortune with a meaning to each item. The saying is based off an old English poem:
Something old, Something new
Something borrowed, Something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.
-Something old represents the link to the bride’s family and the past.
Items that can be used for this particular part of the poem is a relative’s jewelry, a family heirloom, using a relative’s wedding gown or using the fabric as part of your dress, wrapping a relative’s handkerchief around your bridal bouquet, antique pins or hairpieces, and so much more that has meaning to link you to your family.
-Something new represents the bride’s future and success in her new life ahead.
This item can be absolutely anything new from the dress to your ring, jewelry, shoes, hairpieces, and veils. There are so many things to pick from if it’s purchased new.
-Something borrowed represents friends and family that are there for your special day.
It is something borrowed from a happily married friend or family member whose good fortune is to be passed on to you. Somethings that are borrowed are again jewelry, however it can be anything. Maybe a friend’s ring bearer pillow or a parent’s cake cutting set; as long as it is returned after there are no boundaries.
-Something blue represents love, purity, and loyalty. It is a color that has been connected to many wonderful meanings.
The possibilities are absolutely limitless. There are have been brides who put blue accents on their jewelry, shoes, lingerie, or garter. They have used blue ribbon around their bouquet, blue thread in their dress, or blue nail polish. Some treads that are new are putting blue in a tattoo or getting things printed in blue on the bottom of their shoes.
-Lastly a silver sixpence is often left our, however it represents wealth. It is to be worn in the bride’s left shoe.
Brides have been honoring this tradition for centuries. These items are completely up to you and are only limited by your imagination.
Photos: (1) Bel Air from Sequins Bridal Boutique, (2) Country Garden