Something old, Something new, Something borrowed & Something blue...

Ever wonder what does something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue means? It is a tradition back then during the Victorian age, where all well wishers grant the bride good luck and longevity in her marriage. The phrase of the poem goes like this :

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" signifies the transfer of happiness from a happily married woman to the new bride, which is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. "Something blue" symbolizes love, purity and fidelity.

Here are some thoughts on finding meaningful objects to fulfill this tradition.

For "Something old", get something you treasure before you decide to get married. It could be anything from your old precious diary, your childhood photos with your girlfriends or even your baby boots from your mom's collection. Get "Something new" for yourself that you have intended to wear after your wedding, perhaps a beach wear for your honeymoon or a gift for your new husband to be.

The tricky part is "Something borrowed". This could be an item of jewelry, a hair ornament, a lacy handkerchief or some other suitable accessory. By tradition, a bride borrows an item from a happily married friend, relative or someone you love - ideally, something that the lender wore at her own wedding. Ask them tactfully, make it clear that you aren't expecting to keep the item, that you will take good care of it, and that it would mean a lot to you to be able to wear something connected with the lender on your wedding day. I am sure, she would feel honored to grant you something that you see value in.

Get creative when it comes to "Something blue". To make sure that it doesn't clash with your bridal gown, go for something that reveals a little or perhaps gives a little hint of something blue underneath your bridal gown, such as a lace blue-trimmed garter, a blue lingerie, a blue topaz or rhinestone pin attached to the cleavage of your gown, or you could paint your toenails blue.