Have you ever wondered what the meaning and the origin behind this famous bridal poem was? Well as a wedding photographer, I too was intrigued, as I am with any aspect of the wedding tradition and I did a little research. It’s a poem that’s synonymous with modern weddings, it’s a tradition that is still fiercely followed to this day, despite it’s meaning mostly being lost upon many of the brides I’ve talked to about it.
If I see a bride getting these items ready, I generally try to take a photo of the set before they are worn for posterity’s sake, so I figured it might be interesting to find out why the tradition exists in the first place. Turns out the poem is actually simply a rhyming list of varying other traditions that were in place prior to the poem for various different ways to grant good luck to the bride and her marriage.
The poem dates back to Victorian times, and as I wrote earlier, links a number of older traditions that brides adhere to for good luck. All 4 traditions of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue are purely superstitious in nature with the minor exception that the ‘something blue’ part could relate to the religious colours of the Virgin Mary.
However in Victorian times, brides would choose the colour blue to symbolise faithfulness and loyalty, and was actually the preferred colour of wedding dresses at the time, but that’s another story.
‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’
Something old
Incorporating something old into a bride’s attire was meant to symbolise her connection to her roots, her family and where she grew up. Carrying this with her into her future so that she may draw from her family’s strength in whatever the future has in store for her. Many brides choose to wear a piece of antique family jewelry or a piece of clothing handed down through the generations. In modern times this idea that the ‘something old’ has some connection to family is often forgotten in lieu of some old possession, often shoes or even underwear.
Something new
Just as the ‘something old’ was supposed to link her with her past, the ‘something new’ part of the poem was supposed to symbolise the new life she will have wedded to her new husband. One marketing technique bridal boutiques use when selling their customers wedding gowns is that the ‘something new’ should represent good fortune and success in the bride’s new life, and therefore should be the most expensive thing she’s wearing. Quite often though, aside from the wedding dress the ‘new’ item is the engagement ring, or her shoes.
Something borrowed
Getting ‘something borrowed’ in modern times is often misunderstood as simply ‘borrowing’ something from anyone, be it perfume or some earrings. Often brides accidentally get it right however by borrowing something from their mother or Matron of honour as traditionally the ‘borrowed’ item should be something borrowed from an already happily wedded wife so as to bring a little bit of the good luck she has had in her life into this new marriage. The borrowed item is also there to remind the bride that friends and family are there to support her.
Something blue
Having something blue in the Victorian era symbolised faithfulness, loyalty and purity. All the things the white wedding dress these days represents. The colour blue however relates to the colour of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus in the Christian faith, thereby being the only tradition in the list directly related to organised religion, the rest being a secular tradition. That said however, the colour blue represents these things purely by the nature of its hue, just as red represents danger and gold, wealth.
And a silver sixpence in my shoe
An often forgotten part of the poem ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in my shoe’ is the last of the five traditions which was to place a silver sixpence in the bride’s shoe to ensure wealth in the future. Obviously we no longer use sixpences anywhere outside of the UK, and therefore have largely forgotten this part of the rhyme, but it was there and it may be something you brides out there might like to consider if you’re following the rhyme 🙂
Creative Modern Takes on a Timeless Wedding Traditions
When it comes to wedding traditions that have stood the test of time, “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” is one of the most beloved. Alongside this classic rhyme, another tradition is the act of tying the knot during the ceremony.
Tying the knot traditionally involved binding the couple’s hands with ribbon, fabric or cord to represent unity and commitment. Today, this gesture is being creatively reimagined in modern ceremonies, blending symbolism with personal touches.
Couples are now using this ritual to incorporate meaningful elements from the rhyme:
- Something old – A vintage ribbon passed down through generations
- Something new – A newly crafted cord in the couple’s wedding colours
- Something borrowed – A fabric or sash borrowed from a close family member or friend
- Something blue – A subtle blue thread, charm or detail woven into the knot
This modern interpretation of an age-old practice creates a deeply emotional moment during the ceremony. At SvenStudios, we specialise in capturing these moments in a way that tells your unique story. From the details of the knot to the expressions on your faces, our goal is to preserve your memories with heart and artistry.
If you are looking for inspiration on how to blend traditional elements like “Something Borrowed Something Blue” with meaningful wedding rituals, SvenStudios is here to help turn those ideas into timeless memories.
In addition to the bride carrying Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in her shoe; nestled all over her body would be bunches of herbs to ward off bad spirits. This tradition has been almost completely replaced by the carrying of a bridal bouquet, which has it’s own sets of traditions associated with it.
FAQs
Who gives the bride something old, new, borrowed, and blue?
These special items are usually gifted by close family or friends. Grandparents, siblings, or the bride’s best friend might offer a meaningful token, like a vintage piece of jewellery for something old or a blue ribbon for something blue. Some brides also choose their own items, selecting things that are personal and symbolic.
What are the four things a bride needs?
The traditional rhyme lists the four things a bride should carry on her wedding day:
- Something old – A symbol of continuity and family connection
- Something new – Representing optimism for the future
- Something borrowed – A token from someone happily married to pass on good luck
- Something blue – Signifying purity, love, and fidelity
Sometimes, a silver sixpence in the shoe is also included to bring prosperity and joy.
Can you combine something borrowed and something blue?
Yes, absolutely. A single item can fulfil both roles. For instance, borrowing a blue bracelet, hairpin, or scarf from a loved one is a thoughtful and practical way to honour the tradition. It’s a lovely way to make your wedding day feel both personal and connected to others.
What can I use as something old at my wedding?
Something old can be anything that links you to your family, heritage, or personal past. Brides often choose:
- Heirloom jewellery
- A parent or grandparent’s wedding veil
- A vintage hair accessory or locket
- A piece of fabric from a family wedding dress
- An old ring box or antique keepsake
- Even a classic car or cherished family recipe can carry that beautiful sense of history.
What can a bride have for something old?
From vintage accessories to family treasures, the options are endless. A bride might wear her grandmother’s earrings, wrap her bouquet with a strip of her mother’s dress, or carry a keepsake that holds deep meaning. The best choice is something that feels heartfelt and reflective of your personal story.
