Be a Lucky Bride

Here are some traditions from around the world for bringing luck.

1)Put a sixpence in your shoe.
A tradition with English brides, who tuck a sixpence into their left slipper and the saying "something old" goes like "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe". There are retailers that specialize in sixpence just for that purpose, but many people substitute a U.S. dime, even though they are no longer made of silver. Swedish bride slip a silver coin from their father in their left shoe, and a gold coin from their mother in their right; the coins ensure that the bride will always have money.

2)Carry a horseshoe.
Irish brides believe carrying a horseshoe will bring luck to the marriage. Some wear a horseshoe charm, but you could also attach a horseshoe pin to the cuff of the bouquet. A horseshoe should always be positioned so that it's open on the top-that's how it holds the luck it catches.

3)Wear an eye charm.
At Greek weddings,the bride, her attendants, or guests often wear a mati, a blue glass bead shaped like an eyeball, to ward off evil spirits. It's usually a charm or pin; some brides slip it inside their dress.

4)Carry a lump of sugar.
Greek brides slip a sugar cube into their glove, believing it will bring them a sweet life.

5)Get henna tattoos.
Mehndi is the Hindu word for the intricate henna designs painted on a bride's hands and feet. Henna has been heralded for its magical properties since ancient times and is believed to ward off evil spirits. It's customary for Indian, Pakistani, Persian, North African, and other muslim brides to have a mehndi party a day or two before the wedding.

6)Kiss a chimney sweep.
Easier said, than done but it's considered lucky for the bride to kiss a chimney sweep on her wedding day. It sweeps away evil spirits.

7)Have 1001 cranes.
Cranes, symbol of peace, happiness and longevity, are thought to live 1000 years; at Japanese weddings, the presence of 1001 white paper origami cranes is said to make a wish come true or to wish the couple good luck more than 1000 times. The cranes can be placed at the ceremony or reception.

8)Get sprinkled with sugar.
At Iranian wedding ceremonies, happily married women hold a cloth over the bride and groom, the scrape elaborate sugar cones over them, letting sugar rain down on the cloth for good luck.

Something Old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and silver

Bring a little magic to your big day with these traditional good luck charms that many of today's brides still use. 

Something Old signifies a connection to the past, including our family values and family history. You may want to wear a piece of heirloom jewellery or your mother's wedding veil as a sign of this bond, or you may choose to incorporate into your ceremony a favourite photo, childhood story, a song that has sentimental value to you and your family members. 

Something New indicates hope and an optimistic look at the road ahead. This can be represented by any new item you purchase or be a gesture of what you hope for the future. 

Something Borrowed denotes the respect you have for others who have been role models in your life. Choose something of significance from someone who exemplifies that traits of a good partner and let a little of their wisdom rub off on you. 

Something blue is a sign of fidelity and true love. For many years before the white wedding dress came into vogue, brides were married in blue as a symbol of their purity.