The History of the Rhyme

The full rhyme, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe,” is traced to Victorian-era Lancashire, England, where brides incorporated these tokens into their outfits or carried them on the wedding day as good-luck charms. The tradition’s popularity stems from the belief that these objects would protect the marriage—particularly by warding off the so-called “evil eye,” a malicious glare thought to cause misfortune like infertility. While the sixpence is less common today, it originally symbolized prosperity for the couple.

• Era and origin: Victorian England, commonly cited as Lancashire.
• Purpose: Good-luck tokens to promote a happy marriage and guard against bad fortune.
• Who participates: Historically the bride, but modern couples of all genders and roles personalize the tradition today.

What Each “Something” Means

Something Old

Core meaning: Continuity—honoring the past as you start a new chapter. Traditionally, including something old was also thought to help ward off the evil eye and protect future children. Today, couples typically choose sentimental, heirloom items to symbolize family ties, personal history, and enduring love.

Something New

Core meaning: Optimism and hope for the future—ushering in a fresh start and the life you’re building together. New items are often gifts or splurges chosen to mark the occasion, from attire to accessories or even your shared “firsts” (like a getaway car or piece of homeware).

Something Borrowed

Core meaning: Community support—borrowing luck from happily married friends and family, or simply feeling held by your circle. The borrowed item connects you to loved ones who have supported your journey.

Something Blue

Core meaning: Fidelity, love, and purity—the color blue has long symbolized loyalty and steadfastness in relationships. From subtle accents to bold statements, blue can be worn, carried, or displayed.

And a Sixpence in Your Shoe

Core meaning: Prosperity and financial good fortune. While actual sixpences are rare today, many couples substitute a token coin or simply embrace the sentiment without the coin.

Modern and Inclusive Takes

While the rhyme is rooted in bridal customs, it’s widely embraced across all kinds of weddings today. Grooms, nonbinary partners, and wedding party members often participate, customizing each “something” to fit their style and story.

• Attire accents: Blue ties or pocket squares; borrowed cuff links; a vintage watch for “old.”
• Wedding party support: Bridesmaids or attendants wearing blue, or lending accessories to fulfill the borrowed token.
• Decor and displays: Photo walls featuring family history for “old”; new signage or neon for “new.”
• Non-wearable tokens: Heirloom recipe at cocktail hour (old), newlywed signature drink (new), borrowed ring pillow (borrowed), blue hydrangeas (blue).

Ideas for Each Token

Use these ideas as a springboard—mix sentimental objects with playful details to make the tradition distinctly yours. The best choices are meaningful, comfortable to wear or carry, and true to your aesthetic.

Something Old: Meaningful Connections

• Heirloom jewelry: A parent’s pendant, a grandparent’s brooch, or vintage earrings.
• Family wedding accessories: A parent’s or grandparent’s veil, gloves, or a repurposed dress detail like lace appliqué sewn into your outfit.
• Photographs or lockets: A small frame on your bouquet handle or a locket tucked inside a pocket.
• Vintage watch or cuff links: A timeless “old” touch for suits and tuxes.
• Repurposed fabric: Stitch a swatch from a loved one’s garment into your lining.

Something New: A Fresh Start

• New jewelry or accessories: Earrings, a bracelet, a tie bar, or hairpiece commemorating your day.
• Shoes or attire: A dress, suit, or custom jacket lining that reflects your personality.
• Getaway car or travel bag: A celebratory new item you’ll use beyond the wedding.
• Personalized details: Monogrammed handkerchiefs or a newly commissioned piece of art for your home.

Something Borrowed: Love on Loan

• Sentimental handkerchief: Borrow a grandparent’s hankie to carry or sew into your outfit.
• Borrowed accessories: Veil, clutch, shawl, or cuff links from a married loved one.
• Photos of loved ones: Display borrowed images of late relatives at the venue or incorporate mini frames into your bouquet or boutonniere.
• Ceremony props: Ring pillow, kiddush cup, or unity ceremony vessel borrowed from family.

Something Blue: Loyal Hues

• Subtle accents: Blue stitching, pocket square, socks, nail polish, or hair pin.
• Bold statements: Blue shoes, jacket lining, bouquet ribbon, or dyed florals.
• Wedding party palette: Attendants in blue attire or coordinating accessories.
• Beauty choices: Blue eyeliner or a soft blue manicure for a modern twist.

Sixpence and Prosperity Alternatives

• Token coin: A commemorative coin tucked into a pocket rather than your shoe.
• Engraved charm: A small charm with your date to symbolize shared abundance.
• Charitable gesture: A donation in honor of your guests as a “prosperity” blessing.

How to Weave the Tradition Into Your Wedding Day

There’s no single “right” way to include the rhyme. Treat each item like a personal touchpoint—small, meaningful moments that connect your history, your community, and your future.

• Collect quietly: Keep tokens subtle so they enhance your look without taking center stage.
• Invite participation: Ask a parent, sibling, or close friend to lend or gift an item as part of your getting-ready time.
• Document purposefully: Ask your photographer to capture each item and the person who gifted or loaned it.
• Honor all identities: Any partner—or both—can participate, regardless of gender or attire.
• Keep comfort first: Ensure anything worn or carried won’t snag, irritate, or weigh you down.

Sample Ways to Combine All Four

To simplify planning, pre-assemble a coordinated set that fits your style and story.

Classic and Sentimental

• Old: Grandmother’s pearl brooch pinned inside the dress hem.
• New: Freshwater pearl earrings gifted that morning.
• Borrowed: Mother’s lace handkerchief wrapped around the bouquet stems.
• Blue: Silk ribbon bow on the bouquet.

Modern and Minimal

• Old: Vintage watch on a minimalist strap.
• New: Custom-lined suit jacket with your wedding date.
• Borrowed: Best friend’s cuff links.
• Blue: Navy socks or a cobalt pocket square.

Color-Forward Statement

• Old: Family cameo necklace.
• New: Bold shoes you’ll wear again.
• Borrowed: A vintage clutch from a loved one.
• Blue: Blue eyeliner and a sapphire hair comb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to include all four items?

No. The rhyme is a fun tradition, not a rulebook. Many couples include one or two tokens that feel meaningful rather than all four.

Is “something old” only for brides?

No. Any partner can participate, and many couples find ways to incorporate all four elements into both partners’ outfits or the decor.

What if I don’t have family heirlooms?

Create your own “old” by repurposing a keepsake, framing childhood photos, or using a vintage find that speaks to you. Borrowing from a close friend is equally meaningful.

Where did the evil eye reference come from?

Victorian sources and popular explainers note that some elements of the rhyme were believed to protect brides against the “evil eye,” a superstitious curse linked to misfortune like infertility.

What can replace the sixpence?

Use a token coin, a charm, or simply embrace the sentiment of prosperity without placing anything in your shoe.

Quick Reference Table

Planning Tips

• Start with meaning: Choose items that genuinely reflect your story rather than checking boxes.
• Keep scale in mind: Tiny keepsakes are easier to wear, carry, and photograph.
• Blend old and new: Pair a modern outfit with a single heirloom for balance.
• Verify logistics: Ensure borrowed items are safe to wear and returnable in original condition.
• Document the narrative: Ask your officiant or MC to mention the tokens briefly if you want to share their significance.