THE TRADITIONS LIBRARY
Something Old, Something New
Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
And a sixpence in your shoe.
Shared by:
The Traditions Library
0055
CATEGORY
Weddings
FREQUENCY
On Occasion
AGES
Adults
COST
Flexible
The Story Behind It
The precise origins of the rhyme are uncertain, but versions of the custom were recorded in English wedding folklore during the nineteenth century. Traditionally, a bride wore or carried items that matched the rhyme as a way to invite good fortune into her marriage.
An English folklore collection published in the 1880s recorded the four-part rhyme as a custom known to families from Lancashire. Other accounts preserve variations, including versions without “something old.”
Some versions add a final detail: a silver sixpence in the bride’s shoe, also associated with good fortune. The four familiar “somethings” are often remembered on their own today.
The meanings people give each item have changed and grown. Something old may bring a connection to the past; something new can represent the future; something borrowed may carry the affection of the person who lent it; and something blue can hold a meaning chosen by the wearer.
For some, the custom remains a gesture of good luck. For others, it is a way to include loved ones, remember someone important, or add private meaning to the wedding day.
What You'll Need
• Something old.
• Something new.
• Something borrowed, with the owner’s permission.
• Something blue.
• A sixpence -or another meaningful coin- if you’d like to include the final part of the rhyme.
These can be objects you already own, small details, or meaningful keepsakes. A sixpence -or another meaningful coin by year or country- is an optional addition found in some versions of the rhyme.
Make It Your Own
Choose items for the stories they hold. Something old might be a photograph or a piece of fabric from a loved one. Something new could be a handwritten note for the day ahead. Something borrowed might come from a friend, sibling, or chosen family member. Something blue could be a ribbon, a flower, or a tiny stitch hidden inside clothing.
Either partner -or both- can take part. You might also include the items in a bouquet, ceremony space, or keepsake box if wearing them does not feel right.
There is no need to buy four separate things or include every part of the rhyme. Keep the pieces that feel meaningful, and make room for the people and memories you want close to you.
How It’s Done
Before the wedding, choose items that fit the four or five parts of the rhyme. They might be worn, carried, tucked into a pocket, attached to a bouquet, or included elsewhere in the celebration.
One item can serve more than one purpose. A borrowed blue scarf, for example, could be both something borrowed and something blue.
Some people gather their items quietly. Others invite family and friends to contribute, sharing the stories behind the pieces as they are chosen.