It’s the popular age-old saying that derived itself from an English rhyme and carried on till the modern day (except for ‘A Sixpence in Your Shoe’ as it is predominantly a British custom). Many brides keep with the tradition to wear or carry an item related to the saying as a symbol of luck for their marriage. Don’t panic if it’s never crossed your mind or it’s the last task in your list. After all, it is a superstition that you can choose to believe in or not. And if you do, here’s a quick cheat sheet for you.

Photo credit: Print for Love of Wood 

 

Something Old = continuity. It’s meant to link you to your family or ancestors and your past.

• Do you have a family heirloom that’s been passed on for generations? A hair-clip, a brooch you can clip onto your bouquet, a piece of material from your mother or grandmother’s wedding gown, a piece of jewellery, a hankie?
• Is there an item in your childhood that gives you fond memories? Perhaps a bracelet that you got for your 10th birthday, your favourite hair clip that you’ve kept all these years.

Something New = optimism for the future. It represents prosperity and success in your new life.

• This shouldn’t be a problem as there’s most likely no shortage of ‘something new’ on your big day. Your wedding gown, your shoes, your jewellery, your lingerie, the veil, the garter, your wedding bang and the list can go on.

Something Borrowed = borrowed happiness. This is from a family member of close friend who is happily married so you can borrow their good luck and fortune.

• Instead of buying your own pearl necklace or earrings, borrow it from your Mum or best friend. It’ll also save you some dough.
• You can even borrow your mum’s wedding gown if she was the same size as you when she walked down the aisle or the veil that your best friend wore on her wedding day.
• Only occurred to you just before you walk down the aisle? Get your Mum to lend you her hankie that she was going to use to wipe away her happy tears or the bracelet that she’s wearing.

Something Blue = purity, true love and fidelity. Historically worn by the ancient Romans who thought the colour symbolised love, modesty and fidelity. Blue was also the colour worn by the Virgin Mary which represented purity.

• This could be your garter, the lingerie, your sapphire engagement ring (think Kate Middleton), the sash for your wedding dress, embroidered monogram and wedding date inside your gown, blue crystals underneath your wedding shoes spelling out ‘I Do’, the forget-me-not floral bouquet or even your manicured nails.
• If you’re thinking of this on your wedding day, simply sew a blue string inside your gown or round up the bridesmaids to write a message underneath your shoes in blue.