Wedding Tradition Explained

You may have heard the tradition that on her wedding day, a bride should be wearing, "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue." However, I would be willing to bet that most brides don't know where this tradition came from, nor why it exists. Well, dear readers, this is precisely why you read our blog...to find out the details about industry fads, traditions, new venues, and more!

This tradition came from the poem, "Something borrowed, something new, something old, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe." Thank goodness the last phrase has since gone out of fashion, as that would be a very uncomfortable tradition! Something old is used to represent continuity of the past moving to the future. Something new is to represent optimism for the future and the new life the couple will share together. Something borrowed is to portray borrowed happiness. This item usually comes from a couple who is happily married. Something blue denotes love, good fortune and the bride's purity. In Roman times, for example, blue was discreetly worn as an undergarment (gasp!) or garter. Lastly, if you decide to go with the original poem, a silver sixpence represents good fortune and prosperity.

Want some examples of what you can wear on your big day?

Here is what Kate Middleton wore on her wedding day (only the best examples for our readers!):

Something old: Kate wore lace from the old "Carrickmacross lace-making techniques." Apparently this lace-making practice stems from a 19th-century Irish tradition.

Something new: Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, gifted their daughter a pair of diamond earrings by London-based Robinson Pelham. These gorgeous earrings were made to match her beautiful tiara.

Something borrowed: Speaking of her tiara, her 1936 Cartier Halo tiara was lent to Kate by her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. (There are definitely perks to royalty!)

Something blue: Kate had a blue ribbon interwoven into her gown, similar to how a blue ribbon was drawn on the Middleton coat of arms to symbolize her singlehood. (According to Time, artists will now remove that blue ribbon from the crest and impale Kate's shield into the middle of Prince William's coat of arms. How romantic!)

In case you don't come from (or marry into) royalty, here are some more cost-effective ways to keep the tradition.

Something old: heirloom jewels like rings, earrings, bracelets; classic car for wedding day transportation; your grandmother's veil; antique lace tied around your bouquet; childhood pillow for ring bearer's pillow; host the wedding at a historic location

Something new: wedding gown, jewelry, custom perfume designed for the bride, makeup, lingerie, shoes, tiara (this one is easy!)

Something borrowed: jewelry from a family member, flowers from grandparent's garden, charm from a family member hooked to bouquet, veil from a friend, home of friend or family member for the ceremony or reception

Something blue: flowers, lingerie, barrette, shoes, makeup, earrings, party favors, toe nail polish

Silver Sixpence: buy a silver sixpence for the wedding, get a mint coin to carry, use an old coin from the couple's heritage

And don't forget, items can be used for multiple classifications!