Something Old,
Something Blue,
A Penny in my Shoe
“Something old” represents the bride’s link to her family and the past. The bride may choose to wear a piece of family jewelry or her mother or grandmother’s wedding gown.
“Something new” represents hope for good fortune and success in the future. The bride often chooses the wedding gown to represent the new item.
“Something borrowed” usually comes from a happily married woman and is thought to lend some of her good fortune and joy to the new bride.
“Something blue” is a symbol of love, fidelity, and purity of the bride.
A penny in her shoe is to wish the bride wealth in her future life.
The traditional church wedding features two bridal marches, by two different classical composers. The bride walks down the aisle to the majestic, moderately paced music of the “Bridal Chorus” from Richard Wagner’s 1848 opera “Lohengrin. The newlyweds exit to the more jubilant, upbeat strains of the “Wedding March” (From Felix Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”)
A dowry – the money or property a bride brings to her husband at marriage – was common throughout much of the ancient world, and also flourished in medieval Europe.
If you’re having kids at your reception, you can invite them up for a teddy bear toss. Or throw a bouquet of candy; either will go over big with the little ones!
The tradition of tying shoes to the back of the couple’s car stems from Tudor times. Back then, guests would throw shoes at the bride and groom. If they or their carriage were hit, it meant good luck was bestowed upon them.
