UK Wedding Traditions: Something Old, Something New and More

British weddings are full of little traditions. Some go back centuries; others are simply things we’ve always done. You don’t have to follow any of them, but knowing where they come from can help you decide which ones mean something to you.

Here are the traditions I see most often at weddings across Devon and Cornwall, and some ideas for making them your own.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

The full rhyme goes: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Carrying each item is said to bring the bride good luck.

Something old

Represents continuity with the past and your family.

• A souvenir from your first date, tucked into your bouquet
• Lace from your grandmother’s dress sewn into the hem of yours
• A family piece of jewellery, or vintage ribbon wrapped around your bouquet

Something new

Represents optimism for your future together.

• Your dress
• A gift from your partner, like earrings or a necklace
• A piece of jewellery you plan to pass down to your children

Something borrowed

Borrowed from a happily married friend or relative, so some of their luck rubs off on you.

• A bracelet from your best friend
• A handkerchief from your dad, used as a bouquet wrap
• Your mum’s pearl or diamond earrings

Something blue

Blue has long stood for love, purity and faithfulness.

• Blue shoes or satin slippers to dance in
• Your married initials embroidered inside your dress
• Forget-me-nots tucked into your bouquet

A silver sixpence in her shoe

The often-forgotten final line, for prosperity. Sixpences are easy to find online, and a family coin can also be a lovely keepsake.

Other UK Wedding Traditions

Not seeing each other before the ceremony

Traditionally, the couple shouldn’t see each other before the ceremony. Plenty of couples now choose a private “first look” instead, which takes the nerves away and gives you a quiet moment together before the day gets busy. Either way works beautifully in photos.

Being walked down the aisle

Traditionally the bride’s father walks her down the aisle and “gives her away”. Today it might be your mum, both parents, a grandparent, your children, or nobody at all. Walk in with whoever means the most to you.

Confetti

Originally rice or grain for fertility and prosperity. Most venues now ask for biodegradable petal confetti, so check first. A confetti line is one of my favourite moments to photograph: everyone is laughing, and nobody is posing.

Cutting the cake together

Cutting the cake together is said to be your first task as a married couple. It’s also a good moment to gather everyone before the evening begins.

Throwing the bouquet

The person who catches it is said to be next to marry. Some brides keep their bouquet and give a smaller “throwing bouquet” instead, or present it to someone special.

Rain on your wedding day

In the West Country, you’ll hear this one a lot: rain on your wedding day is lucky. I’m inclined to agree. Some of my favourite images were taken under umbrellas.

Making Traditions Your Own

Keep the traditions that mean something to you and quietly drop the rest. Nobody will notice what you didn’t do. They’ll remember how the day felt.

Whatever you choose, tell your photographer about the small details: the borrowed bracelet, the coin in your shoe, the ribbon from your nan’s dress. They’re easy to miss and lovely to have photographed.