Something Old, Something New.....

As the tradition goes, every bride should have "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue".  Many brides gather these items for their wedding day without knowing the origin of this saying.  It is believed to be an old English saying, probably from the Victorian era.  The items are meant to be good luck tokens for the bride.  Something old represents continuity with the brides' family and her past.  Something new represents optimism and hope for a new life ahead.  The borrowed item, usually from a happily married friend or family member, symbolizes her good fortunes carrying over to the bride.  It can also be a reminder that the couple can depend on friends and family members.

The color blue has been connected to weddings for centuries.  It can symbolize love, modesty, fidelity and purity.  Often ignored is the last line to this quaint saying "and a sixpence in her shoe".  I would have had a major blister had I put a coin in my shoe!  This represents wealth and financial security.  Many companies sell keepsake sixpence coins for weddings.

When I design a gown, I love to incorporate some of these items into the dress.  When my daughter Emily was married, I sewed pieces from her prom dresses into her gown.  Blue tulle from her freshman year, an antique buckle from her sophomore year, a piece of silk from her junior year with her new married monogram and the wedding date stitched into the gown (see photo).  Each of these items had special meaning for Emily and made her dress even more personalized.  Maybe for you it's using lace from  a baby bonnet you wore, or a grandmother's handkerchief that can be put into the gown somewhere.  Maybe it's a part of your mom's dress that can be used in the design of your new gown.  Let your creativity go wild.....it makes for an heirloom to be passed from generation to generation, and traditions for your new family to start.