Originally posted at Zilo Rings

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While gearing up for your big day, you’re faced with endless advice, suggestions, questions, and decisions to make. Throw in antiquated traditions and old wives tales, and the whole ordeal can be a bit overwhelming. For instance, every bride-to-be knows that she is supposed to have something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe – as the old poem goes. This Victorian tradition was built around superstition and good luck charms. It seems silly and out of touch to most of us, but once you think about what each item represents, it can actually be a charming addition to even the most modern wedding.

Incorporating the Four Somethings (as they are often called) in your ceremony is a great way to show both your appreciation for where you came from, as well as your excitement and hope for the future. It’s also an amazing way to include your loved ones in a special and personal way, without having to add yet another person to your wedding party. Besides, even if you never owned a rabbit’s foot or slept with a dreamcatcher above your bed, having a few lucky pieces at the biggest event of your life can’t hurt, right? Sure, putting a silver sixpence in your shoe is likely going to do as good of a job at making you wealthy as throwing salt over your shoulder will at warding off evil, but it’s a fun part of an old tradition that adds sentiment and enchantment to your wedding day.

We at Zilo Rings put together this infographic to help you decipher what this tradition is really all about. We also wanted to take some of the stress out of your wedding planning, so we included some of our favorite ways that modern brides have gotten creative with integrating the Four Somethings in their wedding garb. If you have trouble viewing the infographic, you can find all of the details in the text below. Congratulations on your new adventure!

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue: A Guide for the Modern Bride

“Something old, something new,

Something borrowed, something blue,

And a silver sixpence in her shoe”

Whether you’re superstitious or just looking for a fun and creative way to incorporate tradition into your wedding attire, here’s some ideas to inspire your special day. Something Old

Why?

Something old symbolizes continuity from your old life to your new one. Carrying something old from a loved one shows where you came from, and that you’ll take that experience with you always.

How

Always choose something from an ancestor, whether it be your mother’s wedding dress, your grandmother’s vintage veil, or some antique heirloom jewelry that you have converted into a modern hairpiece.

Our Favorite

Take an antique locket, and place photos of friends & family members who have passed away inside. Wear it around your neck or tie it to your bouquet, so your loved ones can join your celebration in spirit. Something New

Why?

Something new is a representation of your hope and optimism for the future. It shows that you are looking forward to your new life with your spouse.

How

Your something new should be something that represents your commitment to your new marriage. Your wedding ring may serve as such, or some people choose to have a lucky penny minted in the year of their wedding.

Our Favorite

Take your mother and new mother-in-law shopping for matching jewelry that you can all wear on the wedding day. It’s a special way to celebrate the union of your two families. Something Borrowed

Why?

This good luck charm symbolizes happiness. A bride borrows something from a happily married couple in hopes that the couple’s happiness in marriage will rub off on the newlyweds.

How

Think of a couple whose relationship you admire. Whether friends or family, asking them to borrow an item for your ceremony will show them how much you respect their marriage. This could be a veil, garter, or jewelry that was worn by a bride whose relationship you would like to emulate.

Our Favorite

This doesn’t just have to be something borrowed from a bride. It can be from a groom, as well! Ask a man whose marriage inspires you to borrow his tie to wrap around your bouquet. Something Blue

Why?

Before white wedding dresses came on the scene, the traditional wedding dress color was blue. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue as a symbol of their love and fidelity.

How

This one is easy! Though you may not choose to go with the traditional blue wedding dress, you can add a pop of color to your gown with a blue sash or blue shoes. Blue flowers in your bouquet will also do the trick.

Our Favorite

Since blue represents love and fidelity, a fantastic way of wearing it is to sew your wedding date in blue into the lining of your dress. Plus, if you plan on passing the dress down, it makes the dress all the more special for future generations. Sixpence In Her Shoe

Why?

The silver sixpence is a symbol of prosperity. Placing one in your shoe is supposed to give you and your partner financial wealth and security throughout your marriage.

How

Here lies a dilemma. Not only is this an English currency, but it is an English currency that no longer exists. It stopped being circulated in 1980, and the coins were only made of silver until 1947. Luckily, there are several online retailers who sell authentic silver sixpence for the specific purpose of use in weddings. Resources

BrideBox

Borrowed & Blue

Zenadia Design