There is a number of different traditions that make each wedding special. While some are born of the culture, others get their start in a unique family. Still others begin during a specific period of time and reach beyond culture to embed itself in the nature of the event. One tradition that falls into this last category includes this English version that got its start in the Victorian era:
Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.
Many a bride understands this poem is a representation of good luck on her wedding day. It is said that if she attends to each detail in the design of her apparel on her special day, the marriage overall will be happy. What you may not know, however, is that not every phrase in the poem refers to something that bride must wear or carry.
From the beginning, “Something old” was to symbolize the continuity of the bride’s family and the past. “Something new” is to represent optimism and hope the bride has for her new life ahead of her. A happily married friend or family member generally supplies the “Something borrowed” with the expectation that the good fortune in his or her marriage will be bestowed upon the new bride. This item is also meant to act as a reminder to the bride that she can depend upon her friends and family.
Selecting something blue is said to date back to Biblical times when the colour was associated with purity and fidelity. What may have once gone so far as to be a blue dress or blue trim sewn into the outfit has become a colour that is included in the garter worn by the bride under her dress. Wealth and financial security – which is also offered in a wealth of happiness and joy – is then promised in the sixpence included in the bride’s shoe.
Whether you are the bride preparing for your wedding day or the groom staying out of the way as your betrothed makes all the plans, there are many considerations that go into your big day, not the least of which are your wedding bands. I can show you a wide range of styles that allow you to incorporate the past and present into a beautiful display you will be proud to wear for a lifetime of happiness.
To take the sentiment in this English tradition as it is, check out World Coin Cufflinks. This company specializes in creating wedding cufflinks using old coins, many of which are no longer in circulation. This unique approach to linking the past with the present provides you or your groom with a unique sense of identity. A wide range of options includes: coins from more than 20 countries and listed in 6 languages or check out the cufflinks using the English sixpence.
If you are not so keen on using the coin idea, here at Eskae Private Jeweller we have the skills and technical expertise to custom create your ideal wedding day jewelry. I have many clients who take this tradition one step further where the happy couple buys each other wedding day gifts.
Generally speaking, the groom will buy his lovely bride a pair of earrings to match her engagement ring. The bride may buy her man a pair of cufflinks that have some form of symbolism – either engraved or cut into them – that is from his family or a more personal significance that only the two of them will appreciate.
Of course there are no hard and fast rules that need to be adhered to, as your wedding day is YOUR wedding day and you are free to celebrate it any which way you choose! However, I do believe that your wedding should be a unique experience, while still holding onto traditions that mean something to you. I’d love to show you how you can get the best of both worlds through your bridal jewellery.
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