The age-old adage of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and (sometimes) a six-pence in your shoe-is an old English rhyme.
Something old-signifies continuity, something new-signifies optimism in the future, something borrowed, signifies future happiness and something blue, signifies modesty, fidelity and love. Both the bride and groom usually wore a band of blue material around the bottom of the wedding attire, hence the tradition "something blue". Originally the sixpence was presented to the bride by her future husband as a token of his love.

Today, it is the bride's father who places a coin in the bride's shoe prior to leaving home for the church. Garter and the bouquet toss- In parts of Europe during the 14th century, having a piece of the bride's clothing was thought to bring good luck. Guests would literally destroy the bride's dress by ripping off pieces of fabric. In order to prevent this, brides began throwing various items to the guests-the garter belt being one of the items. In order to avoid ruining her dress, it became customary in the 14th century for the bride to toss her garter to the men. Sometimes the men would get drunk, impatient, and try to remove the garter ahead of time. With that, the custom evolved for the groom to remove and toss the garter and the bride started to toss the bouquet to the unwed girls-the one who catches it is thought to be the next to wed.

Why it became bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony
Brides used to be considered property of their father. Their futures (and husbands) were arranged without their consent. The marriage of an unattractive woman was often arranged with a prospective groom from another town without either of them having ever seen their prospective spouse. In more than one instance, when the groom saw his future wife, usually dressed in white, for the first time on the day of the wedding, he would change his mind and left the bride at the altar. To prevent this from happening, it became "bad luck" for the groom to see the bride on the day of the wedding prior to the ceremony. Brides also began wearing veils.

Threshold
Traditionally, the bride had to enter her new home the first time through the front door. If she tripped or stumbled while entering it was considered to be very bad luck. Hence the tradition of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold.

Rice
Rice is a thought to be a symbol of fertility-thus tossing it at the couple as they are leaving their wedding. Wheat, instead of rice, was thrown in France, figs and dates were thrown in Northern Africa, and a combination of coins, dried fruit, and candy was thrown in Italy. In some European countries eggs were thrown!

The toast
Originating from the 16th century, a small piece of bread would be placed in a goblet of wine. The goblet would be passed from guest to guest until it reached the person being honored who would drain the goblet and eat the piece of "toast". Now we use champagne and we all drain our glasses.

Why a wedding ring?
As far back as literature documents weddings, the wedding ring has been in evidence. Some believe the wedding ring was the first element of wedding traditions. The circular shape of the wedding ring symbolizes never-ending love. Third finger, left hand? It is believed that the vein in the third finger of the left hand runs directly to the heart. Why does the bride where a veil? Many moons ago it was believed that a veil would protect the bride form evil spirits. Today the white veil is a symbol of modesty and virginity.

Why does the bride wear white?
In Colonial times a bride often wore her " Sunday best" to her wedding. It was not until the 1840's, when Queen Victoria was married in a white wedding gown, that "white gowns" became the rage. White is also a symbol of affluence, purity, joy and virginity. Today, brides can choose many shades of white, from bright white to champagne. Why carry flowers? Historically, flowers & herbs have played a significant role in the attraction of "good" and/or the warding off of "evil". Greeks used ivy for the sign of lasting love. Today, pretty wedding flowers convey a message of fertility and enduring love and romance.

Why something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?
To insure a happy and lasting marriage, a bride should carry something old from someone who has been married for a long time and something new, to carry into her new life. Something borrowed, "borrowed happiness", something blue, " the color blue has been associated with purity and modesty". A penny in your shoe, place a penny in your shoe to bring good fortune and protection against want.

Why is a white runner used?
The white runner, signifies a pure pathway into happiness. Rose petals in the bride's path lead her to a sweet and plentiful future.