You've probably heard someone mention the old wedding rhyme before your big day:
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe."
This charming tradition has been part of wedding ceremonies for generations, but many brides slip into their wedding dress without really understanding what it all means.
The rhyme comes from Victorian-era England and was believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, with each item representing different blessings for your marriage.
What started as a superstitious ritual to protect brides from the evil eye has transformed into one of the most beloved wedding traditions worldwide.
Whether you're planning a traditional ceremony or putting your own modern spin on things, understanding the history behind these five elements can help you decide how to incorporate them into your special day.
And if you fancy following the tradition completely, you can even get a beautiful 2025 sixpence coin ring from Mintique of Cambridge to tick that final box with style.
The story behind the famous wedding rhyme: "Something Old, Something New ..."
This beloved wedding tradition stems from Victorian England, where brides carried special items to ensure good fortune. The complete Old English rhyme promised protection from ancient superstitions whilst bringing luck to new marriages.
Victorian origins and timeless traditions
The complete wedding rhyme originates from Victorian-era Lancashire, England.
Victorian brides took this Old English rhyme quite seriously. They believed each item would ward off the evil eye - a curse that could make brides infertile.
The wedding tradition served multiple purposes:
- Something old represented continuity with family
- Something new symbolised optimism for the future
- Something borrowed brought luck from happily married friends
- Something blue stood for love, purity, and fidelity
- A sixpence promised prosperity
Modern couples have adapted this centuries-old custom beautifully. You might wear your grandmother's pearls as something old, or choose blue flowers for your bouquet. The tradition now extends beyond brides - grooms often incorporate blue ties or borrowed family cufflinks into their wedding attire.
How the rhyme spread across the world
The charming wedding tradition began in 19th-century Lancashire before making its way around the globe. British emigrants carried this beloved custom with them as they settled in new countries.
North America was amongst the first regions to adopt the tradition. Colonial communities embraced the rhyme as part of their wedding celebrations. The practice quickly became popular across both Canada and the United States.
As the British Empire expanded, so did wedding customs. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa all welcomed the tradition into their marriage ceremonies. Local communities added their own special touches whilst keeping the core rhyme intact.
Commonwealth countries particularly embraced the custom. India, Malaysia, and other former colonies blended the tradition with their own wedding rituals. This created beautiful fusion ceremonies that honoured both cultures.
The tradition's appeal lies in its flexibility. You can adapt it to fit any cultural background or personal style. Modern couples often incorporate local elements whilst maintaining the original spirit.
The belief in warding off the evil eye through these special items resonated across different cultures. Many societies already had similar protective customs for brides.
Internet and social media have helped spread the tradition even further. Wedding blogs and Pinterest boards showcase creative interpretations from couples worldwide. The rhyme now appears in weddings across Asia, Africa, and South America.
Today, you'll find variations of this lovely custom in nearly every corner of the world.
"Something Old" – A connection to the past
The "something old" tradition creates a meaningful bridge between your family's history and your new marriage. This cherished element allows you to carry the love and blessings of previous generations into your wedding day.
Symbolising continuity and family history
The something old tradition represents continuity and protection for your future family. It connects you to your roots whilst stepping into marriage.
The tradition also honours those who can't be with you on your special day. Many brides tuck photos of deceased relatives into their bouquets or wear inherited jewellery.
Popular symbolic meanings include:
- Continuity - connecting past and future
- Protection - warding off negative energy
- Family bonds - honouring your heritage
- Blessings - carrying forward good fortune
Ideas for including 'Something Old' in your day
Family heirlooms make perfect "something old" choices. Consider your grandmother's wedding ring, a vintage brooch, or antique earrings passed down through generations.
Clothing items work beautifully too. You might wear your mother's veil, carry her wedding handkerchief, or sew fabric from her dress into yours.
Jewellery options:
- Vintage necklaces or bracelets
- Antique sterling silver coin rings
- Inherited watches or cufflinks
- Victorian-era wedding bands
You can get creative with less obvious items. Use vintage fabric for your bouquet wrap, display old family photos at the ceremony, or incorporate historic coins into your accessories.
Some couples choose meaningful readings or songs that connect to their family history. Others use vintage cars for transport or incorporate old family recipes into their wedding breakfast.
The key is choosing something that feels personally meaningful to you and your family's story.
"Something New" — Optimism for the future
The "something new" tradition represents hope and excitement for your fresh journey as married partners.
A fresh start as a married couple
Your wedding day marks the beginning of an entirely new chapter. The something new element celebrates this milestone with genuine excitement.
Something new offers optimism for the future because you're stepping into married life together. This tradition acknowledges that marriage brings fresh experiences and adventures.
Traditional meanings include:
- New beginnings and fresh starts
- Hope for happiness ahead
- Positive energy for your marriage
- Excitement about shared dreams
Your something new doesn't need deep meaning. It simply represents the wonderful newness of becoming married partners.
Many couples naturally fulfil this tradition without realising it. Your wedding dress, shoes, or jewellery often count as something new.
Modern ways to add 'Something New'
Today's brides have countless creative options for their something new. The beauty lies in choosing items that feel meaningful to you personally.
Popular something new choices:
- Wedding dress or accessories
- New jewellery or wedding rings
- Fresh flowers in your bouquet
- New perfume worn only on special occasions
- Matching items for both partners
Modern brides often choose practical items they'll treasure beyond the wedding day. Consider new earrings, a special watch, or even new lingerie.
Creative alternatives include:
- New experiences like dance lessons together
- Fresh manicure in a special colour
- Brand new wedding shoes
- Recently purchased home décor for your first married home
The key is selecting something that makes you smile and represents your excitement about married life ahead.
"Something Borrowed" — Passing on good fortune
The borrowed item creates a special connection between past and future happiness. This tradition focuses on borrowing from someone whose marriage you admire.
The belief behind borrowed items
The borrowed piece should come from a happily married friend or family member. Something borrowed brings the couple good luck by transferring their successful marriage energy to you.
Your mum, sister, or best friend might offer their wedding jewellery. A grandmother's pearl necklace carries decades of love and commitment. These pieces hold memories of happy marriages and loving partnerships.
The key is choosing someone whose relationship you truly admire. Their borrowed item becomes a symbol of hope for your own marriage. You're not just wearing their jewellery or accessory - you're carrying their good fortune with you.
Popular borrowed items include:
- Wedding jewellery (earrings, necklaces, bracelets)
- Hair accessories or combs
- Handkerchiefs or pocket squares
- Watches or cufflinks
Borrowed ideas for your wedding look or décor
Jewellery remains the most popular choice for something borrowed. Your mother's wedding earrings or your grandmother's brooch work beautifully. These pieces often photograph wonderfully and feel meaningful to wear.
Hair accessories offer another lovely option. A vintage hair comb or headpiece from a relative adds elegance to your style. Many families pass down beautiful pieces through generations.
Wedding décor can include borrowed elements too. Your aunt's vintage cake stand or your friend's beautiful vases create meaningful touches. Family photo frames or candlesticks add personal history to your celebration.
Clothing accessories like gloves, shawls, or handkerchiefs work perfectly. A borrowed silk scarf can become part of your bouquet wrap. Vintage cufflinks make excellent borrowed items for grooms.
Remember to discuss the borrowing arrangement clearly. Confirm when you'll return the item and how you'll care for it during your wedding day.
"Something Blue" — Loyalty and love
Blue holds deep meaning in wedding tradition, symbolising love, purity, and faithfulness between couples. Modern brides have countless creative ways to incorporate this meaningful colour into their special day.
The colour's historic meaning in marriage
The tradition of something blue represents love, purity and fidelity — three qualities that Victorian couples believed were key to a solid marriage. Blue was chosen specifically to ward off the evil eye, which people thought could bring bad luck to newlyweds.
In Old English tradition, blue stood for loyalty and faithfulness. These weren't just pretty ideas — couples genuinely believed that wearing blue would protect their marriage from harm.
The most traditional choice was a blue wedding garter worn beneath the bride's white dress. This hidden touch of blue stayed close to the bride throughout her wedding day. The garter placement made the tradition intimate and personal, something just for her.
Blue also connected to religious meanings. The colour was associated with the Virgin Mary, linking it to purity and divine protection. This made it particularly meaningful for Christian weddings in centuries past.
Stylish ways to add blue to your wedding
Today's couples have moved far beyond hidden garters. You can sprinkle blue clematis into your bouquet or choose gorgeous blue shoes that make a statement. Blue nail polish gives you a subtle nod to tradition that only you might notice.
Jewellery options include sapphire earrings, blue topaz necklaces, or vintage brooches with blue stones. These pieces become treasured keepsakes you'll wear again after your wedding day.
Clothing choices work brilliantly for modern weddings. Grooms can wear powder-blue bow ties or blue cufflinks. Some brave brides even choose blue wedding dresses as their something blue statement piece.
Small details can incorporate blue beautifully. Try blue ribbon on your invitation suites, blue candles at your ceremony, or blue embroidery inside your dress. Even blue hair accessories or a blue clutch bag work perfectly.
The beauty of this tradition lies in making it your own — whether that's a tiny blue charm sewn into your dress or bold blue bridesmaid dresses surrounding you.
"And A Sixpence In Your Shoe" — A token of luck and wealth
The full traditional wedding rhyme includes "and a silver sixpence in your shoe" as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Many modern brides overlook this fifth element, though creative alternatives like specially crafted rings help keep this Victorian tradition alive today.
Why the sixpence is often forgotten
Most people only know the first four lines of the wedding rhyme. The complete Victorian-era verse actually ends with "and a silver sixpence in your shoe."
This tradition comes from England, where brides would place the coin in their left shoe for maximum luck. The sixpence represented wealth and financial security for the new couple.
Why it disappeared:
- Sixpence coins stopped being made in 1980
- Many wedding planners don't mention it
- The rhyme gets shortened in popular culture
The original meaning was quite powerful. Victorian brides believed the silver coin would bring prosperity to their marriage. Some theories link it to Scottish customs where grooms placed coins under their feet for good fortune.
Making the tradition modern with the 2025 Sixpence coin ring
Since original sixpence coins are hard to find, creative alternatives help modern brides honour this tradition. Some couples use any small silver coin, whilst others find vintage sixpences online.
Modern options include:
- Vintage sixpence coins from antique shops
- Small silver charms shaped like coins
- 2025 sixpence sterling silver coin rings for contemporary brides
- Family heirloom coins passed down through generations
A silver sixpence in her shoe might feel uncomfortable during a long wedding day. Many brides now wear the coin as jewellery instead. Ring versions let you carry the tradition's meaning without the practical issues.
The beauty of this tradition lies in its simplicity. Whether you choose an original coin or a modern interpretation, you're connecting with generations of brides who hoped for prosperity and happiness in marriage.
One ring, four traditions
A single sixpence coin ring can fulfil all four wedding traditions whilst serving as your actual wedding band. The 2025 British sixpence combines historical significance with modern craftsmanship to create a meaningful piece you'll cherish for decades.
How the 2025 Sixpence coin ring ticks every box
Your sixpence ring covers every element of the traditional wedding rhyme in one beautiful piece. The coin itself represents something old - carrying decades of British history and the original intention of bringing prosperity to couples.
The ring setting makes it something new for your wedding day. When you wear it alongside your engagement ring, you're creating a fresh start whilst honouring the past.
Something borrowed comes from the cultural heritage embedded in the sixpence tradition. You're borrowing from generations of brides who trusted this symbol for good fortune.
The something blue element appears subtly in the silver's natural patina and tarnish that develops over time. Some couples add a tiny blue gemstone accent to make this connection more obvious.
The British Sixpence sterling silver coin ring transforms the forgotten final line of the rhyme into wearable art. Instead of tucking a coin in your shoe, you're wearing it as your actual wedding band.
A wedding keepsake you'll treasure forever
Unlike traditional wedding bands, your sixpence ring tells a story every time you look at it. The coin's date marks a specific moment in British history, connecting your marriage to something larger than yourselves.
Practical benefits include:
- Comfortable daily wear
- Conversation starter
- Unique alternative to high street rings
- Customisable sizing and finish
The sterling silver construction means it will age beautifully with your marriage. Small scratches and gentle wear patterns become part of your ring's character over the years.
You can wear it alone or stack it with your engagement ring for a layered look. Many brides choose to have the coin's year match a meaningful date - perhaps when you met or got engaged.
The ring becomes a family heirloom that future generations can treasure. Your children or grandchildren might continue the tradition, creating a beautiful cycle of love and history.
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