We’ve all heard the wedding rhyme: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. It comes from an old custom where brides would incorporate one thing from each category into their day.
But where does this saying come from, and what does it actually mean? Read on to find out.
Contents
Where does the rhyme “something old, something new” come from?
Something old
Something new
Something borrowed
Something blue
Sixpence in your shoe
Other wedding traditions
Where does the rhyme “something old, something new” come from?
The saying itself is from an Old English rhyme. It goes like this: “Something olde, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.”
These were all objects the bride was meant to wear or carry with her on the big day. Back in the 1800s, it was thought that these items would bring her luck. Namely: that they would ward off the evil eye—a centuries-old belief in a curse that comes from an evil glare—so she would be healthy and fertile.
The bride would be given these items from the women in her life who were married or had families. Aside from the sixpence: she would get that from her father and put it in her shoe.
While modern society has largely moved on in terms of beliefs, the rhyme itself has stuck. And some couples choose to incorporate these elements into their day for sentimental reasons—or simply just for fun.
Here’s a deeper look into what each of the items mean.
Something old
Your “something old” is meant to symbolise a connection between your past and your marriage. It was once thought to help keep the evil eye at bay.
But today, couples may choose to incorporate something “old” that’s meaningful to them. For example, wearing a family heirloom (often, this is jewellery) or something that once belonged to a relative who has passed away.
Wearing a vintage gown could be another way to connect with the past, whether you’re wearing an heirloom or something you’ve found for the occasion. They also look great and are a sustainable choice.
Something new
This nods towards the new beginning you’re embarking on: your marriage. It marks the start of this exciting chapter, with your person by your side.
Including something new into your outfit is pretty easy: it could be your dress, shoes, jewellery, or any hair ornaments.
Something borrowed
Borrowing something from someone important in your life—whether that’s a friend or family member—is thought to bring good luck.
Back in the day, the tradition was for the bride to wear the underwear of a friend or relative who had a happy marriage and family. The idea was that a bit of their luck would rub off on the bride, in hopes that she would one day have the same.
Today, ideas of what makes a happy life and marriage are much broader. So, this custom can really be what you make it. You might decide to include an item with sentimental value that belongs to someone important to you, for instance.
Something blue
Blue is the colour of the evil eye. So, the thinking goes, by incorporating something blue into your wedding day, you can ward off the bad spirits.
Traditionally, the bride would wear a blue garter under her wedding dress. Modern brides might instead tastefully incorporate blue into their look: either in their bouquet or in a subtle detail on their gown. Pale or baby blues can pair beautifully with a white dress.
Remember that you don’t actually have to wear the item. You could have some blue table decorations or name cards, or use blue ribbon to tie up the wedding favours.
Sixpence in your shoe
This element of the rhyme has somehow been forgotten. If we had to guess why, it’s probably because we stopped using sixpence in the eighties.
That means you likely won’t be able to find a sixpence for your big day. Some couples choose to use a penny instead, should you like to keep up the tradition.
The coin is supposed to represent good luck. It was traditionally given to the bride by her father, just before she walks down the aisle to tie the knot.
Other wedding traditions
But these are far from the only wedding traditions that have stood the test of time. Here’s some popular ones that modern couples include in their day.
Throwing the wedding bouquet
There’s mixed accounts of where this tradition originates from: some say France, some say England, some say ancient Rome. What we do know is this: brides have been carrying bouquets for centuries. And at some point, they started tossing them, with the belief that whoever caught them would be blessed with good luck and happiness.
Today, there’s a superstition that whoever catches the bouquet will get married next. It’s lighthearted and fun—though Hitched reports that now, just one in 10 weddings include a bouquet toss.
Wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand
Here’s a tradition we can trace back to the ancient Romans. They believed that the fourth finger on the left hand was a direct line to the heart—making it the perfect place to put your wedding band.
However, not all cultures follow this tradition. For instance, in some countries (like Greece and Russia), the wedding ring is worn on the right hand instead.
Learn more about how to wear your wedding and engagement rings.
White wedding dresses
Our very own Queen Victoria set this trend—and it’s still going strong. In her time, wearing a white dress for your wedding was seen as non-traditional. She did it anyway, others copied, and the rest is history.
At some point down the line, white wedding dresses became associated with the bride’s “purity” and innocence. While culture and values in modern society have shifted, white is still the main colour of choice for brides.
Though this is, by no means, a rule. You can wear whatever you like while getting married. It’s your day!
Wedding favours
Wedding favours have been around since the 16th century. While there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on which country they originated from—some say England, some say France—the tradition is alive and well.
Back then, wedding guests were offered small bags or lumps or sugar, as a symbol of the happy couple’s union. It was an act of generosity and decadence: sugar was expensive and hard to get.
There’s no set rules on what wedding favours can be today. Some couples give small trinkets, sweets, jams, or keepsakes.
Your wedding venue
Whichever traditions you decide to include in your day, it’s your wedding venue that will set the tone. It should be the perfect backdrop to your festivities.
Kindred is a much-loved West London wedding venue, right in the heart of Hammersmith. We’re known for our warm service and unique interiors: think of a restored 18th century mansion with a modern flourish. We’ve got high ceilings and arched windows, wood-panelling, a speakeasy-style lounge, and more.
Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or large-scale knees-up, we’ve got the space to suit.
Our in-house Hammersmith restaurant, Cellar, will handle the food. We’ve also got a well-stocked private bar on each of our floors.
We pride ourselves on making wedding planning fun. We’ll deal with all the stress, so you can enjoy these special moments with your person.
Have a look through our wedding brochure to learn more about weddings at Kindred. We also welcome you to come and visit us in person, to see the space at no obligation. Get in touch with our team to arrange it.
