It does sound rather strange – wearing something blue for your Wedding. So why wear Something Blue for Wedding? Well, doing this is actually a very old Wedding Tradition – wearing Somthing Blue. This Tradition dates back Centuries in time.
I’m sure your Grandmother and her Mother before her knew exactly why is is such an important Wedding Tradition. It was been passed down through Generations and Generations of Marriages and is still very popular today.
What does it mean – Something Blue?
The term Something Blue is actually just a small part of a ‘saying’ or ‘rhyme’ that you may well recognise:
“something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”
It is a very cute Rhyme associated with Brides on their Wedding Day. But where did it actually come from? After searching for its origin, I found that the complete Rhyme is actually this:
“something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
and a silver sixpence in her shoe”
So where did this Rhyme come from?
Well, a sixpence was a little coin made of silver and was worth six pennies. The little silver sixpence was minted in Great Britain from 1551 through to 1967. I really am amazed how far back this gorgeous Rhyme probaby began! But what it does indicate is that the Wedding Tradition of the Bride wearing Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe, is most probably English.
A Generational Tradition
Many sources say that it began in the Victorian Era. Imagine a Wedding Tradition passed down generation to generation and still going strong. It has stood the test of time as it is still a very popular practice for Modern Day Brides.
And so this gorgeousTradition, still being practised today is a lot of fun. Your closest friends usually get involved. They will make sure you have something special in your Wedding attire to meet all of the Tradition’s criteria.
Each item in the Rhyme represents a ‘good luck’ token for the Bride. If she carries all of them on her Wedding Day, it is said her Marriage will be a very happy Marriage!
Understanding the Meaning of the Rhyme
So let’s take a look at each separate part of the Rhyme:
- Something Old – Symbolises continuity with the Bride’s family and her connection to the past
- Something Blue – Means optimism and and hope for the Bride’s future life ahead
- Something Borrowed – Usually an item from a happily married friend or family member. One whose good fortune in Marriage is supposed to carry over to the new Bride. The borrowed item also reminds the Bride that she can depend on her friends and family
- Something Blue – This has been connected to Weddings for Centuries. In Ancient Rome, Brides wore blue to symbolise love, modesty and fidelity. Purity was also associated with the colour blue. Before the late Nineteenth Century blue was a popular colour for Wedding Gowns, as evidenced in Proverbs like “Marry in Blue, Lover be True. It symbolises Good Luck in Marriage which is why it is still so popular today.
- A silver sixpence in her Shoe – For good fortune and propsperity in the Marriage ahead
There are so many ways to honour these wonderfulTraditions on your Wedding Day. Which brings us back to the meaning of Something Blue. We now know why wear Something Blue for Weddings.
Why wear Something Blue for Weddings?
It is a Tradition that goes back such a long way. It is said if you wear Something Blue on your Wedding Day, it will bring your Marriage Good Luck. Many Brides carry a blue hankerchief, some wear blue shoes, some wear a necklace with a blue stone.
A Blue Garter
Another way to wear Something Blue is to wear a Blue Garter. Wearing a Wedding Garter is very popular and is another Wedding Tradition. To have the whole Garter Blue or to wear a garter with a touch of blue can serve dual purposes. Wearing a blue garter is hidden, which is appealing to many Brides. It won’t be seen so won’t clash with the Wedding Dress, especially if it is fully blue.
Garters & Co.’s Handmade Wedding Garters have a selection of Blue Garters that have been especially crafted with luxurious finishes and laces. They are perfect for a Something Blue Wedding gift for Bride.
