Today

From the white dress to tossing the bouquet, wedding days are full of tradition and old-fashioned romance.

The rhyme 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' has been long-respected and followed. Each item holds a different meaning, here we demystify the tradition and suggest some ideas to start your new life with all the luck in the world.

Something Old
This represents the bride's link with traditions, history and the continuity of her family.

• Your mother's wedding band worn on your right ring finger
• Your grandmother’s pearls
• Your husband-to-be can carry an (empty!) antique hip flask from a relative

Something New
Signifies optimism, hope and good fortune in the bride’s new life and is often representative of something the bride is adapting or changing for the marriage.

• The key to your new home
• Your new name
• Lingerie
• Or the all important new dress!

Something Borrowed
A reminder to the bride that her family and friends will be there when help is needed. The item is usually borrowed from a relative or friend who is in a happy relationship with the hope that their luck in love will be passed on to the bride.

• A charm from a bracelet
• Pearl earrings - asking your mother-in-law might be nice (and diplomatic) move
• Lace handkerchief
• A piece of hired jewellery from somewhere like the Art Café.

Something Blue
The colour symbolises fidelity, loyalty and purity. This can be difficult to represent, but often a small piece of blue ribbon sewn inside the dress can be effective and discreet.

• Blue ribbon garter
• Sapphire ring
• Blue ribbon around the base of your bouquet

….the last, and often forgotten line of the poem is 'and a silver sixpence in your shoe' which signifies an abundance of emotional and financial wealth in your life - and we're sure you can work that one out on your own!

SOURCE: Living North Weddings