Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
And a silver sixpence in her shoe!
Most of us are familiar with the little wedding ditty above and some might have even laughingly tried to follow it on their wedding day. But have you ever wondered how it came about and what each section of the poem means?
This sweet little Victorian wedding tradition brings love, happiness and luck to the new bride as she joins her groom in a new life together. Here, I’ll be breaking it up across five separate posts to show you how you can incorporate it into your wedding easily, modern or vintage!
Something Old Tradition
There are several interpretations of the Something old tradition. Some say it refers to wearing or carrying an item belonging to a happily married woman so the happiness from that marriage can be “transferred” to the new bride. Sounds familiar? It’s just like the Chinese wedding tradition where a happily married couple should install the marriage bed to ensure their marital bliss rubs off the new couple too! Interesting how traditions cut across culture and time only to end up having the same purpose behind it!
Other interpretations includes the link and the connection the bride has with her past and her family, the desire the bride has to maintain her close family ties even after she has married, the values the bride is bringing into her marriage and perhaps the life the bride is leaving behind.
Something Old In Your Wedding
Most brides today aren’t superstituous anymore but it is still a nice tradition to follow. There are many easy ways to incorporate this into your wedding and below are just a few.
Wear a wedding gown belonging to your mother or grandmother. Sandra Bullock did it in The Proposal and vintage weddings are the current trend at the moment! You might have to make alterations though but the knowledge that you’re walking down the aisle in the very same gown your mother wore adds that extra special touch to your wedding.
Pin a favourite brooch or carry special item from your parents or grandparents to your gown or floral bouquet. Its a subtle but nice way of bringing something old with you.
Perhaps you can’t wear your mother’s wedding gown so why not wear her veil? There is nothing more beautiful than vintage lace that has been aged and softened by time to frame a lovely bride’s face on her wedding day.
Some families have jewelry or keepsakes that have been handed down from parent to child and through the generations. Wearing a little ring, earrings or perhaps medals that used to below to your grandmother, mother or granfather is a wonderful way of remembering them on your wedding day.
Even a little handkerchief or hair clip belonging to your grandmother counts! So just think back of what is most precious to you that symbolises your family love for you and incorporate it into your wedding for that special feel only you know. Look out for the next post on Something New!
With Love,
Elle
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