Where Did That Come From?

Ever wonder where the saying something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue came from?

I found that this tradition stems from an old English rhyme:

 “something old, something new, 

something borrowed, something blue 

and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

The objects from the poem represent good luck charms for the bride which are added to her wedding attire and are often provided to the bride by her mom, sister, aunt, or anyone that may be close to her. The thought is that if a bride carries all of these items, her marriage will be happy.

Old represents continuity with the bride’s family and the past, new offers optimism for the bride’s future, borrowed represents borrowed happiness, it is usually an item borrowed from a happily married friend or family member whose fortune in marriage is to carry over to the new bride, and blue stands for purity, love and fidelity. A sixpence in your shoe, which is often left out in today’s culture, is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. It primarily remains a British custom.

So want ideas on incorporating these into your wedding day attire?

• Something Old: Many brides have gotten out of the tradition of wearing their mother’s bridal gown. However, this can still be incorporated into your attire. You can have some of the lace and beading added to your gown. You can also make a hanky that can be carried if you need it. Something old can also be a piece of heirloom jewelry that your mom, grandmother or aunt may want to pass down. The possibilities are endless with this category.
• Something New: This can also be used in jewelry, who doesn't like a nice bracelet, earrings or statement necklace.
• Something Borrowed: Mother or grandmother not quite ready to pass down the heirloom jewelry, why not ask them to let you borrow it?
• Something Blue: The easiest way to pull this element in is by getting a blue garter belt. Definitely a safe measure, but remember the wedding is about you and your character and personality. Be adventurous….why not some blue shoes like the ones pictured by Badgley Mischka? Blue headpiece? Or even blue undies :). 

I have had brides ask, what if you don't have something from each category?

Relax...although joining in the fun of finding something for each category adds to your wedding excitement, you won't be hassled by the wedding fairy if you miss one, two or all of the elements.

I love to join in the fun with my brides to pull elements in from each of the categories, but we know that true happiness comes from the heart and the items should be a symbolism of family support and love in your marriage…

I love thinking out of the box and could spend countless hours thinking about items in each category. We would love helping you come up with some awesome ideas. Contact us at erikaselegance@sbcglobal.net.