If you are in the midst of wedding planning you have probably heard the saying something old,
something new, something borrowed & something blue... but you might be asking yourself what exactly is
this?
This saying is an old English rhyme dating back to the Victorian Era. The general interpretation is that these items were a recipe for a happy marriage. It was thought to bring luck to the newlyweds by warding off the evil eye and protecting their fertility.
Today, it is still considered one of the most popular wedding traditions followed. Seen less as a
superstition and more as a fun way to incorporate different items of significance into your wedding.
Here is the modern breakdown of this practice:
Something Old
A nice way to include a family heirloom, a piece of jewelry/cufflinks is a popular choice. If you don’t have a family heirloom you can use something vintage, thrifted, or antique.
Something New
This can be something you buy for yourself or gifted to you. If you plan to exchange gifts with your soon-to-be spouse on your wedding day, you could incorporate it as your 'something new'. There are usually quite a few new items on your wedding day that you could classify as something new!
Something Borrowed
This can be combined with your ‘something old’ if someone is lending you a family heirloom on your big day. It’s also a nice way to have someone in your bridal party or a family member lend you something sentimental.
An idea we love is to borrow something from your fiancé/fiancée so you can have a piece of them with you before you say "I Do".
Something Blue
This can be a fun way to add a pop of colour to your ensemble with a pocket square, tie/bow tie, socks, wedding shoes, garter, jewelry or a hidden monogram/quote that is embroidered inside your dress/suit! There are a lot of possibilities with this one, and it could easily tie into an item from any of the other categories.
A Sixpence in Your Shoe
This fifth item is not commonly said anymore but was part of the original rhyme. If you want to opt for this item you could hunt down one of the decommissioned coins or replace it with a penny. You can place the coin in your shoe, or pocket, or have it sewn into your dress/suit. If you want the coin to have a little more meaning behind it, choose one with a symbolic year stamped on it.
If you decide you want to take part in this tradition you can really make it your own, have some fun
with it. And who knows... maybe it could bring you some luck!!
xoxo,
Ellen