Something Borrowed, Something Blue: Complete Wedding Tradition Guide (2026)
The Sweet Story Behind "Something Borrowed, Something Blue" (And Why It Still Matters)
You know that old wedding rhyme your grandmother probably mentioned when you got engaged? "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe." I'll admit, when I first heard it, I thought it sounded a bit... well, quaint. But after digging into the history and meaning behind this tradition, I've come to appreciate why so many couples still find ways to honor it today.
Where Did This Tradition Come From?
This charming rhyme actually comes from Victorian England, specifically from Lancashire in the late 1800s. The earliest written mention appeared in an 1871 issue of St. James Magazine. What I love about it is that it captures something really beautiful—the balance between honoring your past and embracing your future. It's essentially a recipe that brides (and now couples of all kinds) followed in hopes of a harmonious marriage.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Isn't this tradition a little... outdated?" And honestly? Some couples feel that way too. There's worry about being too cheesy or doing exactly what everyone else does. But here's the thing—you can make this tradition completely your own and deeply meaningful to you.
Breaking Down Each Piece (And Making It Personal)
Something Old
This represents the best parts of your life before marriage—the experiences, relationships, and memories you're bringing into this new chapter.
Many brides wear a piece of jewelry that belonged to their mother, grandmother, or aunt. I think this is such a tender way to carry your family's love with you down the aisle.
Ideas: A vintage locket, your grandmother's pearl earrings, or even a piece of lace from your mother's wedding dress sewn into your gown.
Something New ideas for Brides
This symbolizes the exciting new life you're building together. It often includes a gift from your partner or their family, but it can really be anything new you're wearing or carrying.
Ideas: Your wedding dress (obviously!), new shoes, a fresh piece of jewelry, or even a new handkerchief monogrammed with your future initials.
Something Borrowed Ideas
Here's where it gets a bit superstitious—the idea is that borrowing something from a happily married friend or family member will transfer some of their marital bliss to you. I find this tradition especially touching because it connects you to someone whose relationship you admire.
Ideas: A bracelet from your best friend, a hairpin from your aunt, or a veil borrowed from a cousin.
Something Blue Wedding
Blue represents fidelity and love's purity. Before white wedding dresses became the standard, blue was actually a popular color for brides to wear! There's also an old belief that blue helps "baffle the evil eye."
One bride I read about, Lucy, did something I absolutely love—she had her friends write sweet messages on the bottom of her wedding shoes with blue marker. How special is that?
Other ideas: Blue underwear (a classic!), a blue garter, shoes with blue soles, or even having your wedding date embroidered in blue thread on the inside of your dress.
A Sixpence in Your Shoe meaning
Back in Victorian times, the bride's father would slip a sixpence coin into her shoe as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. These days, many couples substitute a penny instead. And honestly? You don't have to put it in your shoe if that sounds uncomfortable (because let's be real, wedding shoes are tough enough already!).
Modern alternatives: Tie a lucky penny to the ring bearer's pillow, incorporate a coin into the groom's cufflinks, or place one inside your bouquet wrap.
Making It Work for You
Here's my favorite tip: you can knock out multiple traditions at once! Imagine borrowing a pair of brand-new blue shoes from a happily married friend. Boom—three traditions in one.
The beauty of this rhyme is that it doesn't have to feel stuffy or obligatory. It's simply a framework for incorporating meaningful items and honoring the people who've supported your love story. Whether you follow it to the letter or just pick the pieces that resonate with you, you're creating a connection between past and future that's uniquely yours.
Resources to Explore
If you'd like to learn more about wedding traditions and their origins, here are some helpful resources:
- The Knot's Wedding Traditions Guide (theknot.com/content/wedding-traditions) - Comprehensive explanations of various wedding customs
- Brides.com Wedding Ideas (brides.com) - Modern takes on traditional wedding customs
- Martha Stewart Weddings (marthastewartweddings.com) - Creative ways to personalize wedding traditions
- "Wedding Etiquette For Dummies" by Sue Fox - A practical guide to navigating wedding traditions
- The Victoria and Albert Museum's Wedding Fashion Collection (vam.ac.uk) - Historical context for wedding traditions and fashion
At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you as a couple. So whether you embrace this sweet old tradition or create entirely new ones, what matters most is that your day feels authentically yours.
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