Because it’s such an old tradition, historians differ on the meaning, but they’re in general agreement on the interpretations, with each item given its own symbolism:
- Something old represents continuity and protection for a bride’s future child.
- Something new represents optimism for the future.
- Something borrowed represents borrowed happiness from another happily married couple or bride.
- Something blue represents purity, love, and fidelity and is also meant to ward off the Evil Eye, a curse that could make the bride infertile.
Why do you need something old new borrowed and blue for a wedding?
"Something new" stood for hope and optimism for the future. "Something borrowed" from a happily married friend or relative was believed to bring good luck for the union and even fertility. The color blue was meant to ward off the evil eye, and it also stood for love, purity, and fidelity.
Where did the tradition of something old new borrowed and blue come from?
something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe. This rhyme originated in England during the Victorian Era and symbolized luck for a bride on her wedding day.
Why do you have to have something old something new something borrowed something blue?
The history of something old, new, borrowed, and blue In the 1800s, they believed that wearing these items would confuse the Evil Eye into thinking the bride was already fertile, therefore thwarting the curse, and ensuring successful pregnancies.
Who gives the bride something old new borrowed and blue?
Who Gives the Bride the Four Objects? A bride's something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue are often given to her by her friends and relatives.
Why does a bride wear a garter?
Traditionally, the wedding garter most often symbolizes love and luck. In the Middle Ages it was more tied up with notions of virginity and the consummation of marriage; these days it's more of a fun, lighthearted wedding way to show off the couple's chemistry and interact with their guests.
Why can't a groom see the wedding dress?
Tradition says The tradition of grooms not seeing brides in their wedding dresses started because of arranged marriages. The parents of the bride were afraid that if the groom saw her before the wedding, he would break the arrangement.
Why do you put a penny in your shoe?
Placing a sixpence (or penny) in her shoe symbolizes a life of wealth and prosperity.
Why do you put a penny in a bride's shoe?
In Victorian England, the bride was given a sixpence coin to put in her shoe for good luck. Carrying the coin into her wedding day was thought to attract wealth and it was believed to be most effective if it was placed in the shoe by her father.
Do you wear your engagement ring on your wedding day?
The truth is, like most wedding customs, what you do with your engagement ring on your wedding day is entirely up to you. You can wear it all day, take it off during the ceremony or leave it at home altogether. There is no right or wrong way to go about this, and the decision is entirely up to you.
Who buys the bride's dress?
The wedding party is generally expected to pay for their outfits: the bridesmaids pay for their dresses, while groomsmen pay for their suits.
What should you not forget on your wedding day?
10 Things Not to Forget on Your Wedding DayClothing and Accessories. ... Wedding Bands. ... Marriage License. ... Wedding Day Itinerary. ... Vendor Contact Information. ... Cash. ... Overnight Essentials and Extra Clothing. ... Snacks and Drinks.More items...•
What do brides usually use for something old?
A family heirloom This is the most traditional "something old" and its sentimental value is sure to bring tears of joy to family members' eyes. A family heirloom is one of the best ways to incorporate "something old" tradition into your wedding.
Do brides still do something old something new something borrowed something blue?
The phrase comes from the English rhyme, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe.” Although in present day, the first four items are most familiar, some modern brides still maintain the tradition of putting a sixpence or penny in their shoe.
Why does the bride wear something blue?
The color blue is representative of “fidelity and love's purity.” It was also a popular color to wear prior to the white wedding dress trend. Tavares says it's meant to represent an item to “baffle the evil eye.” Bride Lucy used the rhyme as a way to honor those that love her.
What is the story Something old something new about?
The rhyme "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" dates back to at least 19th century Lancastershire. It refers to five things a bride should wear on her wedding day. They're meant to provide protection for her baby and prosperity for the couple.
Can something old and something blue be the same thing?
Something blue could mean that the bouquet has sprinkles of blue in the flowers. You could even have a blue manicure or jewelry. Something old could be a family heirloom, or your grandmother's necklace.
What is the origin of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue"?
What's the origin of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? The tradition is based on an Old English rhyme that dates back to 19th-century Lancashire. It describes the items a bride should have on her wedding day: "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.".
Who usually gives the bride something old, new, borrowed, and blue?
"Something old" could be a vintage getaway car, "something blue" could be the bouquet, and "something new" could be a gift from the soon-to-be spouse or the bride herself!
What should a bride think about when borrowing an accessory from an important woman in her life?
A bride should think about borrowing an accessory from an important woman in her life, such as her grandmother's earrings or the necklace her mom wore on her wedding day. Does the bride have a bridesmaid who is happily married? She can save money on a veil by borrowing her bridesmaid's. This idea can be taken even less literally and the bride can "borrow" her parents' or grandparents' first-dance song. Having loved ones contribute to the special day will make it all the more meaningful.
What is something blue?
Something blue ideas: This is the part where brides can really have some fun. Traditionally, a bride's "something blue" was a garter, but many modern brides choose to add a subtle pop of blue with accessories like shoes, bags, and jewelry, or flowers, decor, and more. Check out these beautiful blue finds!
What is considered a new item for a bride?
Now for the easy part! Any special new item the bride has bought or received as a gift to wear for the first time on the big day can count as "something new." Think: the wedding band, a pair of comfortable wedding shoes, a pretty hairpiece, or even the wedding gown.
What does the blue color mean?
The color blue was meant to ward off the evil eye, and it also stood for love, purity, and fidelity. And the sixpence was intended to bring prosperity to the couple. (The British coin is no longer produced, but some determined brides still hunt down one to tuck into a shoe!) Bushturkey StudioGetty Images.
What does "something borrowed" mean?
"Something new" stood for hope and optimism for the future. "Something borrowed" from a happily married friend or relative was believed to bring good luck for the union and even fertility.
What does borrowing something from a friend bring?
Incorporating "something borrowed" brings the couple good luck. By borrowing something from a happily married friend or relative, the bride or couple ensures a little of their good fortune rubs off on them. The old-fashioned superstition urged the bride to borrow the undergarments of a female friend or relative with a happy marriage and healthy kids (again with the fertility thing). But, of course, today it's all about honoring a loved one or holding onto something of sentimental value—like your grandmother's wedding hair comb or your mother's diamond earrings—for a touch of good luck as you say your "I dos."
What does the color blue mean?
While wearing or carrying " something blue " was also meant to deflect that pesky Evil Eye, the color blue stands for love, purity and fidelity —three key qualities for a solid marriage. The traditional "something blue" was often a blue garter worn beneath the bride's white dress.
Why do people wear something old?
Back in the day, including "something old" was a sure way to ward off the Evil Eye and protect any future children the couple might have (the Evil Eye was thought to cause infertility in the bride—yikes). But more generally, and on a more lighthearted note, "something old" represents continuity, and contemporary couples use this as a chance to wear a sentimental piece of jewelry or item of clothing belonging to an older relative. Often the parents of the bride will gift her an heirloom before the ceremony.
What does blue mean in weddings?
While wearing or carrying " something blue " was also meant to deflect that pesky Evil Eye, the color blue stands for love, purity and fidelity —three key qualities for a solid marriage. The traditional "something blue" was often a blue garter worn beneath the bride's white dress. But you don't have to wear "something blue" to ward off wicked spirits: Sprinkle blue clematis into the bouquet, pick out a gorgeous pair of blue pumps, find a powder-blue bow tie or use blue ribbon to tie your invitation suites together—just because you feel like it.
What does "something new" mean?
Don't worry about searching far and wide for "something new"—it can truly be anything, including your wedding dress, veil, jewelry and shoes. Couples often tick this box before they even learn this rhyme exists. It's up to you whether your "something new" is a gift from someone else or the result of a treat-yourself moment.
Why do women borrow garters?
In the old days, borrowing something from another happily married woman ensured that the bride would experience similar luck in her marriage. For extra good fortune, the bride borrowed undergarments from a female friend or family member with an abundance of strapping, healthy children. These days, it’s not uncommon for a woman to pass down a garter as a way to honor this custom.
Why do brides wear a penny?
A British coin from 1551-1980, the sixpence represents prosperity for the new couple. The sixpence was commonly placed in the bride’s shoe by her father just before she walked down the aisle—his way of wishing her good luck and wealth in the years to come. Brides today often substitute a sixpence for a penny from the year they were born or the year they met their love.
What is an old object gifted to the bride?
Something Old. Back in the Victorian era, an old object gifted to the bride was meant to ward off the Evil Eye of past suitors who wished her ill. It also acted as a talisman to guard her unborn children.
What is the meaning of "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue"?
The motivation behind the tradition is to bring good luck. So how can you incorporate the beloved rhyme into your ceremony? We looked into the origins and put together various ideas to help you bring the tradition to life.
What is something blue?
Something Blue. Your something blue can be as simple as a blue ribbon pinned to the hem of your dress somewhere within the layers of the gown’s skirt. And that bow can be created out of store-bought ribbon or even a thin piece of fabric from a blue item of clothing that holds sentimental value to you.
What flowers go well with a blue wedding?
Other blue options include royal blue wedding invitations, blue-tinted gemstone earrings or blue blossoms within your bouquet. You can choose something dainty, like blue baby’s breath, especially if you’d rather it be obscured within a larger arrangement. For something bolder, hydrangeas are another way to go.
What is a blue ribbon?
Your something blue can be as simple as a blue ribbon pinned to the hem of your dress somewhere within the layers of the gown’s skirt. And that bow can be created out of store-bought ribbon or even a thin piece of fabric from a blue item of clothing that holds sentimental value to you. If you’re looking for something equally discreet, but an item that will play a practical role, you could opt for a blue garter.
What to do with old costume jewelry?
It can be a thrifted item from a secondhand store. There’s loads of older costume jewelry on offer at vintage stores that you can transport from a long-gone era and store shelves into the present. Perhaps a beaded comb to place in your hair and help affix your veil.
What does "something borrowed" mean?
Something borrowed represents the good fortune of the couple. Many brides borrow earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Handkerchiefs are also a traditional choice. But, don’t forget about Dad! This is the perfect opportunity to include him in your look.
What are some things that are passed down from a family member?
As you probably guessed, the most common items used for this are jewelry and the wedding dress–things that have been passed down from a family member or friend.
