The saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” is a carryover from the Victorian Era (1837 – 1901). Each item serves as a good luck token for the bride. The belief is that if she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy forever.
“Something old” represents the bride’s bond to her family and her old life. It is meant to represent continuity with the past. What I see most often with brides, whose weddings I photograph, is for her to wear her mother or grandmother’s wedding gown (but this is happening less and less today), a piece of antique family jewelry, a handkerchief, scarf or a piece of lace.
“Something new” represents optimism or hope for the bride’s new married life. Often, the brides wedding gown serves as the new item but “something new” can be really anything that is purchased for the wedding. Besides the wedding gown, what I see most often with brides, whose weddings I photograph, include the veil, shoes, lingerie, gloves, tiara, shawl or a special gift presented to the bride on the wedding day (my personal favorite).
“Something borrowed” reminds the bride that her family and friends are there for her on the wedding day and represents that they will be there for her in the future when she needs help. Anything can be borrowed but must be returned after the wedding. What I see most often with the brides, whose weddings I photograph, are a pearl necklace, purse or hair comb.
“Something blue” is the most ancient of all the tokens, dating back to the Romans, and is meant to symbolize faithfulness, loyalty, love, modesty, and fidelity. What I see most often with brides, whose weddings I photograph, include blue confetti (but does not support a green or eco-friendly wedding), a blue garter, blue, sapphire, opals or aqua marine jewelry.
Make a comment and share you own ideas!
by davez
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