The bride had a problem.
Not a major problem.
Not a venue-canceling-the-week-before kind of problem.
A wedding-rhyme problem.
Which, if we're being honest, is still surprisingly stressful.
She needed a "something old."
Pinterest had offered approximately 4.7 million suggestions.
Most involved borrowing Grandma's jewelry.
The issue?
Grandma's jewelry looked like it belonged in a museum security case.
The bride loved Grandma.
She did not trust herself with Grandma's emerald necklace.
So she asked the question many brides eventually ask:
"Can a wedding sixpence count as my something old?"
The short answer?
Absolutely.
The better answer?
It may be one of the most meaningful "something old" ideas of all.
Why This Moment Matters
The "something old" tradition isn't about finding the oldest thing you can possibly carry.
Nobody gets bonus points for showing up with a medieval spoon.
The purpose is connection.
The idea is to carry something that links your past to your future.
Something that reminds you where you came from.
Something that helps tell your story.
That's exactly why a wedding sixpence works so beautifully.
Why a Wedding Sixpence Counts as Something Old
Authentic wedding sixpence coins were minted between 1953 and 1967.
That means every genuine sixpence already qualifies as vintage.
More importantly, it carries historical meaning.
The coin is part of the traditional wedding rhyme:
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.
Which creates a fun little bonus.
Not only can the sixpence be your something old.
It's actually part of the original wedding tradition too.
The Best Kind of Something Old Tells a Story
This is where things get interesting.
Imagine two brides.
One carries a random antique brooch she bought online.
The other carries a sixpence from the year her grandparents were married.
Both are old.
Only one comes with a story.
And stories are what people remember.
Why Brides Love Choosing a Meaningful Year
One of the most unique parts of the wedding sixpence tradition is the ability to choose a year that matters.
Popular choices include:
-
Grandma's wedding year
-
Mom and Dad's anniversary year
-
A grandparent's birth year
-
The year a family immigrated
-
Another meaningful milestone
Suddenly your "something old" becomes a conversation.
A memory.
A connection.
Learn more in Why Choosing a Wedding Sixpence by Year Makes the Tradition Even More Meaningful.
Can It Be More Than Your Something Old?
Honestly?
That's one of the best parts.
A wedding sixpence can be:
-
Your something old
-
The forgotten fifth item in the wedding rhyme
-
A wedding keepsake
-
A family tradition
-
A meaningful gift
Few wedding details work that hard.
What If Nobody Gives Me One?
Buy one yourself.
Seriously.
Many brides do.
The meaning comes from the intention behind it.
Not from who purchased it.
No wedding tradition committee is checking receipts.
Listen While You Read
Sixpence for My Shoe celebrates the stories, family traditions, and meaningful moments behind the wedding sixpence tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sixpence count as something old?
Yes. Authentic wedding sixpence coins are vintage and make a meaningful something old wedding item.
Is a wedding sixpence part of the original wedding rhyme?
Yes. The rhyme ends with "and a sixpence in her shoe."
Can I choose a specific year?
Yes. Many brides choose a meaningful year between 1953 and 1967.
Can I buy my own sixpence?
Absolutely.
Continue Reading
The wedding sixpence tradition is often as much about the words that accompany the gift as the coin itself. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, friend, or future in-law, these articles offer inspiration for making your gift even more meaningful.
- Who Traditionally Gives the Bride a Sixpence?
- The Sweetest Wedding Day Gift From Dad That Someday I Will Pass Down
- A Mother's Wedding Day Blessing: Why I Gave My Daughter a Sixpence
- The Best Friend Wedding Gift That Becomes Part of Her Love Story
- The Rehearsal Dinner Gift Nobody Saw Coming
A Closing Reflection
The best "something old" isn't necessarily the oldest thing.
It's the thing that means something.
The thing that tells a story.
The thing that makes you smile every time you see it.
And that's exactly why so many brides choose a wedding sixpence.
Sometimes the most meaningful wedding gifts aren't the biggest or the most expensive. They're the ones attached to a story. A Gutsy Goodness Bridal Sixpence has been tucked into brides' shoes for generations as a wish for happiness, prosperity, and lasting love. If you're looking for a gift that feels personal, thoughtful, and a little bit magical, a bridal sixpence might be the tradition worth bringing back.
Lisa Copen is the co-owner of Gutsy Goodness, where she helps brides, parents, grandparents, and gift-givers celebrate life's most meaningful moments through heartfelt keepsakes, wedding traditions, and family stories. She is the author of A Bride's Guide to Wedding Day Memorials and Emotional Survival and creator of Build a Bouquet Charm.
After helping thousands of brides navigate both the joyful and bittersweet sides of wedding planning, Lisa developed a passion for preserving meaningful wedding traditions—including the beloved "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe" rhyme. Through her articles, keepsakes, and wedding resources, she helps families create moments that become treasured memories for generations.
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