Something Old, Something New… What This Wedding Tradition Really Means
The tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” comes from a Victorian-era rhyme symbolizing continuity, hope, support, and love. Today, many couples personalize each element to reflect their own story and relationships.
The tradition comes from an old English rhyme dating back to the 1800s:
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… and a silver sixpence in her shoe.
Each piece represents a blessing for the bride as she steps into marriage—symbolizing continuity, hope, support, and love.
🗝️ What Does “Something Old” Mean? ⌛
“Something old” represents continuity and connection to the past—a reminder of family, roots, and the life that brought you to this moment. At Berkshire Ridge near St. Louis, we often see brides incorporate small, meaningful pieces from loved ones—it’s always one of the most emotional parts of the day.
Today, brides often choose:
🤍 Family Heirlooms (most popular)
Grandmother’s or mother’s ring
A vintage bracelet or necklace
A watch or cufflinks from a loved one
These are powerful because they carry real history and connection.
👗 Fabric from a Loved One’s Dress
Lace sewn into your wedding gown
A piece of your mom’s or grandmother’s dress wrapped around your bouquet
A handkerchief tucked into your dress
This is subtle but incredibly emotional.
📸 Photo Charms or Keepsakes
A small photo charm attached to your bouquet
A locket with a loved one’s picture
A memorial pin
Often used to honor someone who can’t be there.
A Meaningful “Something Old”
A special locket made by her maid of honor keeps her MawMaw close on a day she would have loved
💐 Vintage or Passed-Down Veil
Wearing your mom’s or sister’s veil
Restoring a vintage veil for your day
This is one of the most beautiful “something old” traditions.
💌 Handwritten Notes or Letters
A saved note from your partner
A letter from a parent or grandparent
Old love letters
Not always visible—but deeply meaningful.
🏡 Items with Personal History
A charm from your childhood
A meaningful trinket from your relationship
Something from your home or family traditionsAt Berkshire Ridge near St. Louis, we often see brides incorporate meaningful family pieces into their day—it adds such a personal, emotional layer to the celebration.
✨ What Does “Something New” Mean?
“Something new” symbolizes hope, optimism, and the start of a new chapter.
This is often:
The wedding dress
Shoes or jewelry
Even the beginning of a new life together
It represents stepping forward with excitement into your future as a couple.
🤍 What Does “Something Borrowed” Mean?
“Something borrowed” is meant to bring good luck and borrowed happiness—usually from someone in a strong, successful marriage.
Common ideas:
A veil from a friend
Jewelry from a happily married relative
A sentimental keepsake
The idea is simple but powerful: love is shared, supported, and passed on.
💙 What Does “Something Blue” Mean?
“Something blue” stands for love, purity, and fidelity.
Modern brides include:
A blue garter
Blue stitching inside the dress
Blue shoes or jewelry
Blue Girls with Blue Flowers save a seat for a dad who passed - see video
It’s often subtle—but incredibly meaningful.
💡 What About the Silver Sixpence?
Traditionally, a silver sixpence coin is placed in the bride’s left shoe for good luck and financial prosperity. Today, brides may use a replica or meaningful coin and place it in their shoe, dress, or bouquet.
The final line—“a silver sixpence in her shoe”—symbolizes wealth, good fortune, and financial security for the couple’s future.
Traditionally, a British silver sixpence coin was placed inside the bride’s shoe—usually under the insole or tucked into the side—so she carried it with her throughout the day.
Today, brides often get creative and choose what works best for them:
A real or replica sixpence coin (you can order these on ebay)
A small coin sewn into the dress or tucked into the bouquet
A charm version added to jewelry or accessories
It doesn’t have to be a sixpence—some brides use:
A lucky coin
A coin from a meaningful year
Or even a keepsake gifted by a loved one
While not as common today, it’s a simple, meaningful way to carry a little extra symbolism and well wishes into your marriage.
💍 How Couples Are Making This Tradition Their Own
Today’s couples are less focused on rules and more focused on meaning.
We’ve seen brides:
Wrap fabric from a loved one into their bouquet
Wear heirloom pieces during emotional moments
Incorporate “something blue” into florals or décor
These small details often become some of the most meaningful parts of the day.
🌿 A Beautiful Tradition, Reimagined Near St. Louis
At Berkshire Ridge near St. Louis, we see this tradition come to life in the most personal ways. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the bridal suite or a meaningful detail woven into the ceremony, these touches tell a deeper story. Weddings aren’t just about one day—they’re about everything that led to it, and everything that comes after.
❤️ Final Thoughts
“Something old, something new…” isn’t just a tradition—it’s a reminder that marriage is built on where you’ve been, what you’re stepping into, and the people who surround you along the way.
And those are the moments that truly make a wedding unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Traditions
❓ Why do brides wear something old, new, borrowed, and blue?
This tradition comes from a Victorian-era rhyme and represents continuity (old), hope (new), borrowed happiness (borrowed), and love and fidelity (blue).
❓ Do you have to follow the tradition exactly?
No. Many modern couples personalize each element to reflect their own story and relationships.
❓ What is the meaning of something borrowed in a wedding?
It symbolizes borrowing happiness and good fortune from someone in a strong, successful marriage.
❓ What does something blue represent in weddings?
Blue represents love, purity, and faithfulness in marriage.
Looking for a St. Louis area wedding venue?
Berkshire Ridge is located in Blackwell, Missouri, just outside St. Louis, and serves couples throughout St. Louis County, Jefferson County, Farmington, Festus, Arnold, Hillsboro, and Southeast Missouri.
Our venue offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, scenic countryside views, and a welcoming space designed for unforgettable celebrations.
To learn more or schedule a tour, call or text Kim at 314-605-2265.
And don’t forget to browse our blog for wedding traditions, planning tips, and inspiration for couples planning weddings near St. Louis.
Berkshire Ridge is a locally owned and operated business just south of St. Louis, Missouri. We sincerely hope to encourage our couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it is time to book your wedding venue and vendors. Locally owned venues will offer a high level of hospitality, attentive communication and a desire to ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in our blog!