More than a Wedding Tradition

Something old,

Something new,

Something borrowed,

Something blue,

And a sixpence in her shoe.

~ A cute little old English poem from the Victorian era speaks of good luck charms for a bride on her wedding day.  As I researched into the significance of each line, I was surprised to turn up some lovely and meaningful finds.

Something old - to symbolise a continuity with the bride's family and a protection of the baby to come.  This is no ordinary "hand-me-down", but a heirloom with stories and memories from past generations to be cherished.

 The Fashionista

Heather Bullard

Something new - symbolizing optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead.  This could be a new wedding dress or bouquet.  How lovely that it is something blue too!

Les Meringues

Something borrowed - or otherwise "borrowed happiness", which is an item from another happily married bride to share the good fortune.  See the little handkerchief tucked in the folds of the gown?

via White Thread by Richard Israel

Something blue - the color of blue symbolizes purity, love and fidelity and used to be a popular color for wedding dresses.  How about a wedding cake in blue?

Martha Stewart

And whoever said wedding veils had to be white?

Dog n' Bird via Lucy Dylan Weddings

Finally...

Sixpence in her shoe - a wish for good fortune and prosperity and some say to ward against evil by frustrated suitors.  This practice likely dates back to a Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck.

It can't be too comfortable wearing a coin underneath your foot so the idea of embedding the silver sixpence in the front of the shoe is simply awesome.  And the first beautiful pair below was to be given to the Duchess of Cambridge.

 

 The Royal Mint