The traditional wedding rhyme goes: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.
The sweet rhyme describes all of the things a bride should be wearing on her special day to bring good luck to her marriage. This brings up the obvious questions of why have these rules been followed for so long and what are the best ways to sneak, or show off, these into your stunning bridal outfit?
The ‘something old’ is thought to symbolise a tie to the past. This can be anything from an old piece of jewellery to the car you arrive at your venue in. Speak to some close family members and see if they have anything special they wore on their wedding day, such as a veil. This can be a great way of connecting with your family, whilst also saving a pretty penny as veils can get quite costly. People have also paid tribute to lost family members in the form of photographs in the bouquet or lockets. This can add a nice sentimental touch to the person and make you feel as though they are with you on your special day.
Alternatively, you can look at other options. Arriving at the venue in a classic car is a great spin on the tradition that we’ve seen here at Blackstock Country Estate. Plus, if you were feeling cheeky, you could classify it as something borrowed if you’re renting it for the day.
The possibilities are almost endless here. Traditionally speaking all of these pieces were meant to be given to the bride. However, what’s stopping you from treating yourself for your wedding. Buying a new handbag or heels for yourself that will most certainly boost your confidence on the big day is a must.
Alternatively, you could look at items that could potentially become family heirlooms. Think timeless broaches, jewellery or even a pretty hairpiece, anything that you can pass on to your children on their wedding day.
Traditionally, something borrowed was supposed to come from a friend or family member who is happily married. The intention is for the sense of happiness to be transferred over to the bride. This can be as easy as something the friend or relative wore on their wedding day. Think hairpieces, jewellery or shoes, if you’re lucky enough to have a match.
Family heirlooms shine in this role. A piece from a mother or grandmother that she wore on her wedding day can add that little touch of importance to the piece. If one doesn’t exist in your family then why not start one on your wedding day for your children.
It is the thought that the colour blue represents love, purity, faithfulness, and modesty. These are great characteristics that everyone looks for in marriage, so it’s clear to see why the tradition has carried on so long. It is common for brides to wear a blue piece of jewellery on their wedding day or perhaps a blue wedding garter as the piece is hidden. This prevents any colour clashes detracting from the beautiful colour scheme chosen.
Sixpence in your Shoe was meant to be slipped in by the father of the bride before she walked down the aisle. The sixpence stood for good luck and to show that the father wished his daughter prosperity in her marriage. There are many other stories surrounding this, like the groom putting a silver coin in his shoe for good luck, so this part of the tradition is up for interpretation. There are some cute options on sites like Etsy and Amazon where people are selling small boxes and cushions for coins, if you are looking to take part in the tradition.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that you’ll love, then look no further than Blackstock Country Estate. We’ll support you every step of the way and do our absolute best to incorporate any and all of your traditions on your wedding day.
If this sounds like everything you have dreamed of for your wedding then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. And don’t forget, that as of June 2022, we are licensed to hold your ceremony outside in our grounds!
So please either give us a call, email us or fill in our contact form. You can also download our wedding brochure. Or if you think we could be the perfect venue for you, then Book a Private Viewing!