Bridal Garters Rhyme
Something Old, Something New,
Something Borrowed, Something Blue

The popularity of bridal garters dated back to England in the 14th century. The groom tossed the garter at their guests, as each were eager to own a piece of the brides undergarment, it was meant to bring great luck to the person who obtained it.

The grooms job was to keep the guests from obtaining the brides undergarments by their own means, so the groom would remove the wedding garter himself, then toss it to please the crowd. The modern tradition has somewhat been modified and is celebrated at the reception.

This Popular Rhyme Originated from the Victorian Times Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe.

Something old - traditionally an old garter which is leant to the bride by a happily married woman in the hope that her happiness in marriage would be passed on.

Something new - symbolises the newly weds happy and prosperous future.

Something borrowed - the borrowed item signifies the transfer of happiness from a happily married woman to a new bride. The item is greatly valued by the family and the bride must return the item to ensure good luck.

Something blue - the custom of the bride wearing something blue originated in ancient Israel where the bride wore a blue ribbon in her hair. A blue item symbolises purity and fidelity.

Silver sixpence - the placing of a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe was to ensure wealth in the couples married life. As sixpence are less common nowadays, the bride can substitue it with a penny.

For some interesting historical reading on how the toss of the brides garter came to be, there are two well known theories. Garters are one of the oldest wedding traditions and still a significant part of bridal attire, they were thought to bring luck and fortune.

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