As the popular old folklore goes, brides who wear something old, new, borrowed and blue will bring good luck to her and her groom on their wedding day and for the rest of their lives together as husband and wife.

Although it’s not entirely understood exactly where this long-standing wedding tradition came from, it’s said to be traced back to England sometime in the 19th Century (Victorian Era), and was believed to be a good luck charm for all young couples.

Whether it’s true or not, the superstitious side of most brides has kept it alive this long, and it doesn’t seem like this tradition is going to be fading off into history anytime soon. 

Something Old

Wearing something old is meant to link the bride’s future with her past — remembering where she came from and celebrating her new life from this day forward.

I’ve heard of brides pinning an old family heirloom such as a brooch or locket to the inside of their dress close to their heart or tying it to their bouquet ribbon. Some will even carry a tiny trinket such as a guardian angel, pocket watch or any other sentimental token to remind them of loved ones lost.

Something New

Wearing something new represents hope and looking forward to a bright and prosperous future for the bride and her husband.

Typically, a bride’s ‘something new’ is her newly purchased dress, veil or wedding rings. Other items such as a new tiara, hair accessory, piece of jewelry or even a new bra also work.

Something Borrowed

Borrowing something from a happily married close friend or family member is believed to pass that marital happiness onto the bride and her husband.

I’m assuming that borrowing something from someone who isn’t necessarily happy in her marriage won’t bring you bad luck, but really, are you willing to take that chance? My advice is to borrow from someone who is happily married even if it’s just a bobby pin or lipstick, just to be safe.

Brides typically borrow jewelry, shoes, hair accessories or even veils from their friends and family members.

Something Blue

For centuries, the color blue has been viewed as a symbol of love, fidelity, loyalty and good luck. Brides will wear a blue handkerchief, garter, brooch or other jewelry, or will tie a blue ribbon around their bouquet. Even something as simple as wearing blue toenail polish or eyeshadow will work.

The last — and often forgotten — verse  of this tradition is: And a silver sixpence in her shoe. A sixpence was a British coin minted from 1551 to 1967 and was worth the same as six pennies. Most brides nowadays don’t put anything like that in their shoes, but if you’re really looking for that extra spark of good luck, maybe sticking a nickel or a penny or two in there can’t hurt. Happy Weddings! 

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