Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue. We all know the rhyme but do you know where the tradition comes from? There are lots and lots of traditions and customs that go into a wedding day and you will probably incorporate many of them, even if you don’t think of yourself as being “traditional”.

Something old represents a link to the bride’s family.
Something new represents good fortune and success in the couple’s new life.
Something borrowed represents family and friends who are there to support the couple.
Something blue is a symbol of faithfulness and loyalty.

So now you know! Some of the other common wedding traditions are…

Wedding Ring. In many cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

Flower girls drop petals as they walk down the aisle is to ensure the new couple will have many chances to have children.

Image By Adams Photography

Carrying a horseshoe or a bouquet in the shape of one is considered lucky for the bride, but only if the horseshoe is carried with the open end up so the luck does not ‘fall out'.

The groom will always stand on the right during the wedding ceremony, with his bride on the left. This tradition dates back to a time when the groom might fight off other men for his bride so he would hold his bride with on his left arm and use his right hand to swing his sword.

Tossing the bridal bouquet is closely linked to throwing the bridal garter and comes from the idea that any item from a bride’s dressage is lucky.

There are so many more wedding traditions and they can differ between cultures. If you know an interesting wedding tradition and how it came about, share it with us here!

From The Newcastle Bride Team