The complete original saying is: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe." The last part often gets left out, but is very important as it speaks to the origin of this tradition. A sixpence was a silver coin worth six pennies in England between 1551 and 1967. It is often inferred from this information that the tradition is of English descent dating back to the Victorian era.

Something Old – This symbolizes the bride’s connection with her family and her past. Family heirlooms such as vintage engagement rings, wedding rings, veils, and details from a mother or grandmother’s wedding dress are wonderful ideas. Embroidered handkerchiefs are also very popular.

Something New – This symbolizes the optimism for the new life that the bride will begin. The item often comes in the form of a gift from the groom’s family to signify the connection between the bride and her future family. Wedding gowns, lingerie, jewelry, and other new accessories are great choices.

Something Borrowed – This symbolizes that the bride’s family and friends are there for her on her wedding day. The item usually comes from a happily married friend or family member to signify that some of the wedded bliss will rub off on the bride herself. Veils, headpieces, shoes, and jewelry that friends and family members wore at their weddings are perfect choices.

Something Blue – Incorporating something blue to the wedding day attire means love, faithfulness, purity, and loyalty in many cultures. Blue lingerie, hair accessories, and wedding bouquet florals are very popular picks.

Sixpence – I explained earlier what the sixpence is; but how does it fit in? The sixpence is traditionally placed in the bride’s shoe to attract wealth to her new marriage. Some say that a bride has the best luck when the sixpence is placed in her left shoe. Pennies and other coins can be used in place of the sixpence.