Celebrating Love: Wedding Traditions and Gift-Giving

Weddings are rich with tradition, but one of the most enduring is captured in the familiar rhyme: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." But where does this custom come from, and what does it really mean?

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is an age-old rhyme rooted in Victorian tradition. Each element symbolises a different blessing for the bride as she embarks on married life.

'Something old' represents a connection to the bride's past—her family, her friends, and the life she's led up until this moment. It serves as a reminder that, even as she starts a new chapter, those bonds remain strong. Many brides choose to incorporate a sentimental item, such as a piece of family jewellery, a cherished heirloom, or even their mother's or grandmother's wedding dress.

'Something new' symbolises optimism for the future, particularly good health, happiness, and prosperity in the marriage. It's a reflection of the fresh start the couple is making together. Often, the bride's wedding dress or shoes fulfil this part of the tradition.

'Something borrowed' is meant to bring good luck and must be returned to the lender. It typically comes from a happily married friend or family member, symbolising the transfer of good fortune and marital bliss. This borrowed item might be a small but meaningful token, like a hairpin, a veil, or a piece of jewellery.

'Something blue' stands for fidelity, love, and purity, values long associated with the colour blue, even dating back to biblical times. A common way to include this is with a blue ribbon on the bride's garter, though modern brides often get creative with how they incorporate this colour.

Weddings have long been steeped in superstition, and many traditional wedding gifts and customs reflect these age-old beliefs.

The white wedding dress, for example, is more than just a symbol of purity. It was originally worn to ward off evil spirits. Superstition holds that a bride should never sew her own wedding gown, and that the final stitch should only be made just before she leaves for the ceremony, to avoid tempting fate. Historically, it was considered bad luck to assume the wedding would definitely happen, given the possibility of the groom backing out. In fact, it wasn't until Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 that brides commonly began wearing white. Before then, they simply wore the most expensive dress they owned.

The groom's buttonhole flower, which often matches the bride's bouquet, also has medieval roots. In those times, a knight would wear his lady's colours to publicly show his devotion. Similarly, during a traditional Christian ceremony, the bride stands to the left of the groom, allowing him to draw his sword with his right hand to defend her, often against her own family, who might have considered her "stolen" in marriage.

In contrast, Jewish wedding traditions typically place the bride on the right side during the ceremony, showcasing how customs can vary across cultures.

One well-loved tradition is the couple cutting the wedding cake together, symbolising their first act of sharing as a married couple. The knife used is often decorative and specially chosen for the occasion, and in some cases, it even becomes a cherished gift or family keepsake.

While superstitions may add a touch of magic or mystery to wedding traditions, the act of giving wedding gifts has a heartfelt purpose. Guests offer presents to show their support for the couple's new life together, promising help and encouragement through both joyful and challenging times. Traditionally, gifts were practical items for the home, though in modern times, many couples already have the basics, so gift-giving has evolved to include more personal or experiential choices.

At Experiences UK, we believe that the best Wedding Gifts go beyond the traditional; they create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're shopping for the Happy Couple, planning a send-off for the Bride or Groom, or thanking the important people who helped make the big day special, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of experience-based gifts to suit every occasion.