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“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.”
You must have heard this traditional rhyme that’s as old as time, but have you ever stopped to think about what it really means, or how it can inspire your big day?
This old rhyme is actually a tradition that offers guidance on what a bride should wear on her big day to bring good luck and ward off evil. Rooted in English folklore, it’s a sweet blessing for a joyful marriage. The idea is simple: each "something" in the rhyme represents an item the bride should carry or wear on her wedding day, which is believed to provide protection during the ceremony and symbolize a bright future ahead.
Curious about the origins and meaning of this interesting custom? Keep reading to discover its origins, explore creative ways to honor this tradition and get inspired to make it meaningful in your own way.
This famous wedding rhyme has its roots in 19th-century England and comes from a time when people were really into a little bit of luck and magic, especially for big occasions like weddings. Each “something” in the rhyme was a symbol of good luck and protection for the couple back then.
For instance, “something old” represented a connection with the past and was believed to provide protection for the baby to come. “Something new” was a symbol of a bright future ahead. “Something borrowed” brought luck, happiness and blessings from a family member or a friend and “something blue” stood for purity and fidelity. The sixpence at the end was a little wish for prosperity.
Though the world has changed a lot since then, this traditional rhyme has stuck around. Weddings have evolved but the desire for good luck, lasting love and a meaningful celebration has always been the same. This tradition offers a fun and creative way to honor the past while wishing for good luck and a happy future. It connects the couple to centuries of history, folklore and family roots and adds personal significance to what can sometimes feel like a whirlwind event.
The beauty of this tradition lies in how flexible and personal it can be! Brides get to decide what each “something” means to them and how to incorporate it into their wedding day. It could be a family heirloom like a piece of jewelry, a hair accessory, a detail in the bouquet or veil or even a fabric swatch sewn into the dress. In the end, it’s all about finding those details that feel special to you and celebrating this cherished tradition in a way that’s meaningful to you.
“Something old” is about paying tribute to your roots and keeping a sense of continuity between your past and your future by bringing them together. You can think of it like a symbol of appreciation to family heritage, which reminds you of the love and support that brought you to this moment. The bride is thought to carry forward family traditions and blessings, which are believed to extend to her future family, including any children they may have.
One of the most popular ways to embrace “something old” is by incorporating heirloom jewelry into your wedding look. For example, you could wear your grandmother’s necklace, your mom’s favorite bracelet or even a vintage brooch or handkerchief that’s been in the family for years. As those pieces carry the stories and memories of the people who mean the most to you, you get to honor this tradition with a meaningful keepsake special to you.
If you don’t have a family heirloom to incorporate, vintage jewelry is also a great option to fulfill the “something old” part of the rhyme. A vintage-inspired round cut ring or a pair of milgrain detailed hoops is a stylish and creative way to bring a sense of the past into your celebration.
"Something new" in the rhyme represents looking ahead with hope and excitement for your future together. It stands for fresh beginnings, new adventures and the start of a beautiful chapter in your life, just like your wedding day. Carrying something new with you on this big day means stepping into a bright, shared future together.
“Something new” is often realized with a gift given by loved ones. However, you might also choose to mark the occasion with something a bit unexpected, like a new tattoo or a sleek new accessory you get for your partner, such as cufflinks or a watch.
This is the perfect chance to add some modern touches to your big day. You might consider custom-making your own jewelry, which gives you the chance to create something new to cherish forever. Contemporary statement pieces, like a pair of sleek diamond earrings or a minimalist cuff, can also subtly bring that extra bit of excitement and freshness to your wedding look.
Blue is the color of love, loyalty and purity, which makes it the perfect symbol for your wedding day. Naturally, it found its way into this cherished tradition, too. It’s a beautiful way to symbolize trust and faithfulness as you start this new chapter together.
When it comes to incorporating “something blue,” your options are endless. For a subtle touch, you can include blue flowers or a blue ribbon in your bouquet, add blue embroidery to your dress or even wear blue nail polish. It’s a sweet and fun way to carry a piece of love and loyalty with you as you walk down the aisle.
Jewelry that brings in “something blue” is also a versatile option that works no matter your style. Blue jewelry such as pieces with sapphire, aquamarine or blue topaz is a beautiful choice to tie in this tradition while giving you a keepsake to cherish long after the big day.
“Something borrowed” is a way of carrying a little piece of your loved ones with you as you say, “I do.” You basically borrow something from someone you care about, like a friend or family member, so you can bring their happiness, love and blessings into your marriage. It’s a beautiful reminder that your big day is also a celebration of all the people who’ve supported and loved you along the way.
The item you borrow doesn’t have to be grand or flashy though; it’s the sentimental value that matters most. Many brides borrow items like their mom’s veil or a dear friend’s hair accessory. Borrowed jewelry is also one of the most classic ways to fulfill this part of the tradition. Wearing your mother’s pearls, your sister’s bracelet or grandma’s ring will allow you to carry their love and energy with you throughout this big day.
The sixpence in the shoe is the final piece of this traditional wedding rhyme, and it has to do with good fortune and prosperity. While many parts of the rhyme can be interpreted in different ways, the sixpence is the most specific one.
Historically, it began as part of a dowry, where the bride’s family would offer silver coins to the groom’s family. Over time, the custom shifted and fathers started giving a sixpence to their daughters before walking them down the aisle. This little coin was traditionally placed in the bride’s left shoe and symbolized wealth and financial security for the couple.
Although dowries are a thing of the past, the sixpence tradition has remained as a sweet, symbolic gesture. If you want to incorporate the whole rhyme, including the sixpence, there’s plenty of room to get creative. You can tuck another coin into your shoe as a meaningful substitute, maybe one from your birth year or a lucky penny. A small lucky charm, like a tiny horseshoe or a charm engraved with a special message, can also be a fun and personal twist.
You can be as creative as you want while adapting this old custom to your wedding day. You could even combine the traditions into one meaningful piece. For example, you could borrow a vintage family heirloom, like a brooch or a pendant with a blue gemstone, and incorporate it into your look as both “something borrowed” and “something blue.” Or take an old stone, like a sapphire from a cherished family ring, and have it set into a custom-made necklace or bracelet for “something old” and “something new” all in one.
No matter how you choose to incorporate these “somethings” into your big day, it will feel special and unique to you. After all, these traditions aren’t just about luck or superstitions, they’re about weaving your personal story into a timeless ritual and creating memories that will be treasured and remembered for generations to come. Whether you're using a special piece of jewelry, a sentimental keepsake or just a lucky charm, may it bring you a lifetime of love, happiness and prosperity.