Queen Victoria made the White Dress synonymous with all things wedding, so are you surprised to read that this little lucky ditty came into popularity in the Victorian Era? Yes, the Victorians sure knew how to throw a wedding and its thanks to them that we recognise and continue so many nuptial traditions. This superstitious verse is English in origin and verbalises a culture rich in wedding folklore and custom to five simple lines. Following the advice of each line is thought to secure a happy marriage.
'Something old
Something new
Something borrowed
Something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe"
"Something old" symbolises bride's family and her past.
Something new
Something borrowed
Something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe"
"Something old" symbolises bride's family and her past.
"Something new" symbolises hope for the bride's new life.
"Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. Historically it used to involve wearing the underwear of a woman who had survived a trouble free pregnancy and labour. Nowadays you can borrow anything from anyone. Just remember to give it back.You have a year to do so, after that it's unlucky.
"Something Blue" is perhaps the most important part of the verse. You see, blue was understood to mean the colour of truth, fidelity, and purity.All highly valued traits for a bride and a marriage. Infact, blue dresses were considered the height of fashion before Queen Victoria set the trend most definitely for white. The need for something 'blue' and the values it symbolises have never gone away.
A silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents financial security. Dating back to the Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe.Today an 1887 Sixpence is considered to be extra lucky as it was minted in the year of Queen Victoria's Jubilee.
Old Ideas:
The old is often combined into a sort of remembrance for a relative who has passed away. In that case, miniatures photos are lovely, as are buttons from old shirts, strips of fabrics from the same or personal items such as watches, brooches, earrings, etc. All of these can stand alone as part of your bridal outfit or can be tucked into, on or around your bridal bouquet.
"Something Blue" is perhaps the most important part of the verse. You see, blue was understood to mean the colour of truth, fidelity, and purity.All highly valued traits for a bride and a marriage. Infact, blue dresses were considered the height of fashion before Queen Victoria set the trend most definitely for white. The need for something 'blue' and the values it symbolises have never gone away.
A silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents financial security. Dating back to the Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe.Today an 1887 Sixpence is considered to be extra lucky as it was minted in the year of Queen Victoria's Jubilee.
Old Ideas:
The old is often combined into a sort of remembrance for a relative who has passed away. In that case, miniatures photos are lovely, as are buttons from old shirts, strips of fabrics from the same or personal items such as watches, brooches, earrings, etc. All of these can stand alone as part of your bridal outfit or can be tucked into, on or around your bridal bouquet.
- A miniature printed photograph of your parents on their wedding day tucked into your bouquet
- Lace or a snippet of fabric from your mother's (or grandmother's) wedding dress pinned to the inside hem of your dress
- Buttons taken from the shirt of a grandparent
- Brooch worn as a hair piece
New Ideas:
This is probably the easiest item to follow; after all, much of what you have on your day will be new. However I always think it's so nice when the groom gifts the bride an item on her wedding morning that she can wear as her new thing. I have seen this a lot with earrings and it's so romantic because as well as having a new thing, you have something you can wear indefinitely after the wedding and perhaps even pass down as a 'something old' heirloom in the future.
- Earrings, bracelet or brooch
Borrowed Ideas:
As a wedding planner, I have a pearl pendant necklace that I wear for just this purpose. It's a simple single akoya pearl on a 18kt gold matinee length chain. Pearls go with everything and my 'lucky' pearl necklace has seen a lot of love in its life. And travelled too as it often gets returned to me from the honeymoon locale. I just don't think you can go wrong with pearls and in fact, I have 3 of the same, on rotation. It's just such an elegant fix.
- Pearl necklace
- Safety pin
Now, if you're a bridesmaids and it's just minutes until aisle time and there's nothing borrowed going around (or a bride who doesn't want to clash her jewellery with yours), there is an old superstition that you can lend the bride a safety pin. I have no idea where this came from, but apparently its a thing. And I've seen it done quite a few times. So now you know. Always keep one handy. It's surprising how many brides can't settle on the right borrowed thing just when they need it. Call it nerves or just a dislike for wearing other peoples stuff. You can save the day with this simple solution.
Of course, it is your wedding so there's no reason not to throw superstition to the wind and play around with your own version of this sweet wedding day verse. Have you come across those variations, like 'something to hold, something new, something beverage, something to brew' and variations thereof popping up at weddings? they're out there and there's no keeping them back. Love it or loathe it, it's there for you to make of it whatever you will. Or won't.
Blue Ideas:
I am loving the trend for having blue petticoats or tulle layers (think gorgeous soft billowy ballerinas, not those scratchy stiff tutus from ballet class) sewin in under dresses. They show just a swish of blue as you walk. Then there's the old fashioned but oh so true option of embroidering your husband's name on the hem of your dress. Another version of this is to stitch a heart shaped piece of fabric onto the inside of your dress which has been taken from a garment of his, such as a blue shirt. I've seen some blue manicures around and in the right hue, its nowhere near as garish as it sounds. A tiny satin bow stitched somewhere on your dress s always sweet as are blue shoes and blue bouquets. Nowadays you can even find blue champagne to toast your wedding day arrival.
Blue Ideas:
I am loving the trend for having blue petticoats or tulle layers (think gorgeous soft billowy ballerinas, not those scratchy stiff tutus from ballet class) sewin in under dresses. They show just a swish of blue as you walk. Then there's the old fashioned but oh so true option of embroidering your husband's name on the hem of your dress. Another version of this is to stitch a heart shaped piece of fabric onto the inside of your dress which has been taken from a garment of his, such as a blue shirt. I've seen some blue manicures around and in the right hue, its nowhere near as garish as it sounds. A tiny satin bow stitched somewhere on your dress s always sweet as are blue shoes and blue bouquets. Nowadays you can even find blue champagne to toast your wedding day arrival.
I know what you're thinking, 'yeah, but is there a pinterest board?' YES OF COURSE THERE IS.
