A peal of bells as the bridal couple left the church is a very old tradition.  The bells were rung to let the people know that a wedding had taken place.  It was also believed that the sound of the bells would drive out evil spirits.

Something old refers to wearing something that represents a link with the bride's family and her old life. Usually, the bride wears a piece of family jewellery or her mother's or grandmother's wedding dress.

Wearing something new represents good fortune and success in the bride's new life.  The bride's new wedding dress is often chosen, but it can be any other item bought for the wedding.

Wearing something borrowed, particularly if it has been worn by a happy bride at her wedding, is meant to bring good luck to the marriage.  Something borrowed could be bridal clothing, a handkerchief or an item of jewelry.

Wearing something blue dates back to biblical times when the color blue was considered to represent purity and fidelity.  Over time, this evolved from wearing blue clothing to wearing a blue band around the bottom of the bride's dress and to modern times where the bride wears a blue garter.

Placing a silver sixpence in the bride's left shoe will ensure a life of health happiness and prosperity.

Age Old Traditions