Wedding customs for the bride and groom: A wedding custom can be many things. From blue to old, to borrowed

The wedding day is one of the most beautiful and meaningful moments in the life of a bride and groom. There are countless traditions and wedding customs that have been passed down for generations and make the ceremony something very special. One of the best-known customs is "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue", i.e. something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. As a bride, you may have heard of it, but do you know what exactly is behind it and where this custom actually comes from?

In this article, we'll take the time to explain everything you need to know about this and other beautiful wedding customs and show you how you can easily and stylishly integrate them into your wedding day.

What is behind the well-known wedding custom?

The custom "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" originated in Victorian England and has since spread around the world. Each of the four elements symbolizes something: the old symbolizes the connection to the past and to one's own family, the new stands for the start of a new phase in life, the borrowed is supposed to bring good luck and the blue traditionally stands for loyalty and purity. Together, they are said to bring the bride luck, love and a happy marriage.

Even though the custom originated in England, it is just as popular at weddings in Germany today. Many brides want to fulfill the tradition while adding their own style. The beauty of it is that you are completely free to design the custom as you wish.

Something old: the connection to your family

The "Something old" stands for the connection to your past and your own family. It's about taking something with you that reminds you of people or moments that are important to you. It doesn't necessarily have to be an ancient heirloom, it can also be a treasure from your mother or grandmother, an old garter from the family or another meaningful accessory.

It's especially nice if the old item also has a personal story behind it. Perhaps your mother wore the same veil on her wedding day, or your grandmother left you an old piece of jewelry that you are now wearing on your big day. These moments connect generations and make your wedding day even more personal.

Something borrowed: Happiness from another bride

The "something borrowed" is perhaps the most romantic part of the custom. Traditionally, you should borrow something from a happily married woman, as this is supposed to transfer her happiness to you. This could be a piece of jewelry, a garter, a veil or even something quite mundane like a handkerchief.

The idea behind it is beautiful: you take a little piece of another woman's happiness with you on your journey. At the same time, the borrowed item is also a symbol that you are not alone, but are surrounded by people who wish you well and accompany you on this new stage of your life. Remember to return what you have borrowed after the wedding, as this is part of the tradition.

Something blue: loyalty and purity

In the wedding tradition, blue stands for loyalty, purity and love. The "something blue" is often the most creative element of the custom, because you really have a lot of options here. A classic blue garter is probably the most well-known option, but blue earrings, a blue bridal bouquet or even blue details on your shoes are also included.

Many brides choose to incorporate blue in a more subtle way, for example with a small piece of blue jewelry or a blue detail on the wedding dress that is barely visible from the outside. It doesn't have to be eye-catching, it's enough if you know it's there.

Something new: the dawn of a new future

The "Something new" stands for the beginning of a new chapter in life and for hope and optimism for the future. As a bride, you often fulfill this part of the custom quite automatically, because your wedding dress is usually new, your shoes are new, and perhaps you have also chosen new jewelry for the wedding day.

But you can also consciously choose something new, for example a new perfume that you associate with the most beautiful moment of your life from this day onwards. Or a gift from your partner that you will be wearing for the first time on this day. The wedding rings that you put on at the wedding ceremony also symbolize the new phase of life that you are beginning together and are therefore probably the most meaningful new element of the wedding day.

Other beautiful wedding customs for the bride and groom

In addition to the "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue", there are of course many more wedding customs that the bride and groom can incorporate into their big day. Some of them you may already know, others may be new to you.

Cutting the wedding cake

The cutting of the wedding cake is one of the most famous rituals at a wedding celebration. Traditionally, the bride and groom cut the first slice together, symbolizing that they will do everything together in the future. Whoever's hand is on top is supposed to have the say in the marriage, but this is of course just a joke and completely outdated. Cutting the cake together is above all a nice moment for photos and a first ritual together as newlyweds.

The hen party

The stag party on the evening before the wedding is also a classic wedding custom. Friends and family gather together and throw china on the floor, as broken pieces are said to bring good luck. The bride and groom then have to sweep up the broken pieces together, symbolizing that they will stick together even in difficult times. A beautiful custom that strengthens the community and makes the evening before the wedding an unforgettable experience.

The bridegroom should carry the bride over the threshold

Another well-known custom is for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold when the couple move into their new home together for the first time. This custom is said to keep away evil spirits and give the marriage a good start. Whether you follow this custom is of course up to you and your partner, but many couples find it charming and romantic.

The stag party

Before the wedding ceremony, many brides celebrate their stag party with their girlfriends. This is the perfect moment to celebrate together as unmarried women before a new chapter begins. Whether it's a relaxed spa day, an exuberant party or a weekend away: The stag party is your time with your loved ones before everything becomes official.

Peony wedding

Peonies at your wedding have a very specific meaning, as they symbolize love, happiness and prosperity for the bride and groom. They also stand for a happy, contented marriage. They are best suited to a spring wedding, as this is when they are in bloom. If you are not planning a spring wedding, you still don't have to miss out on peonies at your wedding, as there are beautiful synthetic alternatives.

Penny in the bride's shoe

An old custom that is still practiced at many weddings today is the wearing of a coin in the bride's shoe. Traditionally, a penny or other small coin is placed in your shoe before you leave the house on your wedding day. This custom is intended to bring you, as the newlyweds, prosperity and financial security for your new married life. So you literally carry happiness with you from the first moment of your marriage, step by step into your life together

Log saws

The tree trunk sawing is one of the best-known and most popular German wedding customs and is a fixed part of the program at many weddings. After the wedding ceremony, whether in the church or the registry office, the bride and groom are presented with a thick tree trunk on a sawhorse. Together you have to saw through the trunk with a large saw, which sounds easier than it is. The custom symbolizes that the bride and groom stick together even in difficult situations and pull together as a team. Whoever has their hand up or makes the last move is supposed to be in charge in the marriage, but of course that's just a joke. Sawing together is guaranteed to cause lots of laughter and cheers from the guests and is an unforgettable moment on the wedding day.

Cutting the wedding cake

The cutting of the wedding cake is one of the most famous rituals at a wedding celebration. Traditionally, the bride and groom cut the first slice together, symbolizing that they will do everything together in the future. Whoever's hand is on top is supposed to have the say in the marriage, but this is of course just a joke and completely outdated. Cutting the cake together is above all a nice moment for photos and a first ritual together as newlyweds.

The bride kidnapping

One wedding custom that makes for lots of fun and chaos is the bride kidnapping. During the wedding reception, you as the bride are secretly "kidnapped" by your friends or maid of honor and taken to a nearby bar or restaurant. Your groom then has to search for you and, once he has found you, pay the entire bill for everyone present. The longer the search takes, the higher the bill. The bride kidnapping shows in a humorous way that the groom is prepared to do anything for his bride and makes for unforgettable moments on the wedding day.

The wedding dance

The wedding dance is one of the most emotional and beautiful moments of any wedding celebration. As newlyweds, you step onto the dance floor together and open the evening with your very own first dance as a married couple. The choice of song is one of the most important decisions when planning your wedding, as it will accompany you for a lifetime as your common song. Whether it's a classic waltz, romantic ballad or your own personal favourite song, the first dance as bride and groom symbolizes the beginning of your life together and is a moment that you and your guests will never forget.

International wedding customs

Did you know that there are many more exciting wedding customs around the world? In some cultures, the bride throws her bouquet into the crowd of unmarried women and whoever catches it is supposed to be the next bride. In other traditions, brides don't wear white dresses, but red or colored ones. And some countries have their own rituals around the altar, cutting the cake or eating together as a married couple.

It's nice to see how many different ways there are to celebrate a wedding and how each culture has its very own customs and traditions. Perhaps you will find some inspiration in an international wedding custom that you would like to incorporate into your own celebration.

How to fulfill the requirement easily

You don't have to search for hours or spend a lot of money to fulfill these wedding customs. Often everything is already there, you just have to be aware of it. Your wedding dress is new, your shoes are new, and your jewelry can be wonderfully used as something old, borrowed or blue.

At Pukka Berlin, you will find many beautiful pieces of jewelry that are perfect for the occasion. Whether you're looking for something blue, consciously choosing a new lucky charm or lending your best friend a piece to wear on her wedding day, jewelry is one of the most beautiful and timeless ways to fulfill the custom while creating a lasting keepsake.

Take inspiration from tradition, but don't forget: in the end, your wedding day is your own personal moment. Create it in a way that feels right and harmonious for you, because that's the most important thing.