Wedding Traditions: Something Blue

Did you ever wonder where the Bridal tradition....
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a lucky sixpence for her shoe... came from?

Well, a lot of people do. This cute poem is an old tradition dating back to the Victorian Age, But a lot of the Brides I meet with each week are still plan on following this sweet tradition in a modern way

A HUGE shout out to the wonderful bloggers over at Bridal Pearls of Wisdom 

We wanted to share their take on this fabulous old tradition.... 

Check out their Blog when you have a minute~

"Something old". These words symbolize CONTINUITY with the Bride's family and past. Some beautiful ideas for this include a cherished piece of jewelry from Grandma, a brooch from a favorite family memeber, a keepsake hankie from Mom's Wedding day or an antique piece of lace stitched into the hem of her gown.

"Something new" represents OPTIMISM and HOPE for the Bride's future and what lies ahead for her. Now speaking from a woman's point of view, aren't we always optimistic when buying something new? That is certainly true and can be easily achieved through the new purchase of a Wedding gown, a gorgeous pair of sparkly earrings and bracelet (pictured left, courtesy of A Beautiful Touch), fabulous high heels (courtesy of something old, something new blog) or something very sweet and sentimental. The list goes on and on...

"Something borrowed" portion of this poem is supposed to be obtained through a happily married relative or friend, whose good fortune in marriage hopefully will carry over to the Bride. Many of "my" Brides find this to be the most challenging aspect of this traditional poem, I think because of style differences or preferences. They often borrow a pretty purse, a small piece of antique jewelry or a sentimental item such as a small family heirloom that has emotional value to the Bride.

Now, as for the "something blue" item of this poem, the color blue has been connected to Weddings far before the Victorian Age. In ancient Rome, Brides wore blue to represent LOVE, FIDELITY and MODESTY. This calming hue has also been chosen by early Christians to dress the Virgin Mary. Therefore, PURITY, is also associated with this color. And this last fact, which I find very interesting, is that before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for Wedding gowns. Think about this proverb, "Marry in blue, lover be true".
The modern Bride can be extremely creative with finding her "something blue". There are plenty of contemporary and trendy, as well as traditional items to choose from.


And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents WEALTH and FINANCIAL SECURITY. A sixpence was a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1697. Back in Scottish custom, a groom put a silver coin under his foot for good luck. It should be in the LEFT shoe for the best possible luck! Today, a copper penny is sometimes substituted, although sixpence can still be found and used. 

I LOVE it! Informative and eye opening! Here are a few modern ways that you can incorporate the "blue" tradition into your wedding ensemble.

 Blue Hued Jewelry is always a Popular idea.. Gotta love gorgeous jewelry!

Photo Source Pintrest

I love this sweet vintage ring!  Ring source Lost & Fawned

Source Pinterest Images

An easy way to add a bit of blue is to add blue flowers to your bridal bouquet. 

Pretty and guaranteed to be noticed. 

Source Pintrest Images

 Something a little more subtle is to add blue under the dress... crinoline..undies.. 

garter....and other undergarments. 

 Photo Source Pintrest
Blue shoes are very in! Go bold or sparkly or suede but don't forget your blue shoes.

Source Pintrest Images

 This is darling and it makes for such a sweet picture. The date sewn in blue in the wedding dress lining.  

Source Pintrest Images

 How much do you love this idea? Get your bridal party to sign the bottom of your shoes in blue ink. 


So there you have it! The tradition of the cute little poem that we have all grown to know and love but always wondered what it meant? Now you know, so you can start collecting and implementing your good luck tokens!!!

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