sarah dicicco
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SIXPENCE IN YOUR SHOE
BOUQUET AND GARTER TOSS
A bride wearing or carrying something old, new, borrowed, and blue on her wedding day derives from an Old English rhyme. Fulfilling the rhyme is said to bring an appreciation of the past (something old), excitement for the future (something new), contagious happiness (something borrowed, preferably from a happily married woman!), fidelity and love (something blue), and good fortune (a sixpence or penny in your shoe).
Tradition says that the woman to catch the bouquet will be the next to be married. Same goes for the garter, though it has an interesting history: as early as the Dark Ages, guests used to accompany the newlymarried couple back to their bedroom, hoping to nab a piece of the bride’s clothing, which was considered lucky. Things got rowdier over the years, with clothing eventually being flung around the room and guests grabbing at every stray strap and loop. The catcher of the garter was thought to have especially good fortune, a tradition that eventually moved from the bedroom to the reception.
Our experts agree that collecting these tokens is a lovely sentiment. Fiscus, acknowledging the potential discomfort of toting coin in your shoe, suggests asking your bridesmaids to sign the bottom of your sole and thus be supported by the woman you love – a gesture guaranteed to bring good fortune, we’re sure. Clark suggests having it sewn into your handkerchief, into the hem of your gown, or made into a tiny pendant that can be pinned to your bouquet. Allen makes it easy – every bride that purchases her gown from Bridals by Lori is gifted a lucky sixpence!
“Let’s update and modernize these traditions by NOT tossing a garter! We don’t do this. Ever.” So says Tara Guérard, acclaimed head of Charleston’s Tara Guérard Soiree. We tend to agree. “For the bouquet,” she adds, “make this tradition more Southern and lovely by tossing your blooms right before you get into the car or run off at the end of the night. It’s not so planned and just seems more natural, more of-the-moment.”
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