The royal bride wore something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue— but why?
The Duchess of Cambridge wore something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue when she married Prince William on April 29. This got me thinking, where on earth did the tradition come from and why did Kate follow it? 
According to one wedding guide the tradition dates back to the time of Queen Victoria, but some of the customs referred are much older.
The saying is actually only part of an old English rhyme:
Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in your shoe
Not surprisingly, the items chosen are all symbolic:
“Something old represents continuity, says a wedding guide. “Something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness; something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity, although this remains largely a British custom.”
Below, how Kate followed the tradition.
- ”Something old”— The traditional Carrickmacross craftsmanship used to create the bridal gown, reports the Telegraph, is the “something old.”
- “Something new”—”The Bride’s earrings, by Robinson Pelham, are diamond-set stylised oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre,” say royal officials. “Inspiration for the design comes from the Middleton family’s new coat of arms, which includes acorns and oak leaves. The earrings were made to echo the tiara. The earrings were a personal gift to the Bride from her parents for her Wedding Day.”
- “Something Borrowed”—Kate Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge) walked down the aisle, her head was covered in a veil made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of handi-embroidered flowers, embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework, report royal officials.
The veil was topped by an absolutely stunning ‘halo’ tiara belonging to the Queen.
The 1936 tiara was made by Cartier and purchased by the Duke of York (later King George VI for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King. It was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on the occasion of her 18th birthday, says a statement by royal officials.
- ”Something blue“—A blue ribbon was sewn into the interior of Kate’s dress, reports the Telegraph.
