The bride had the dress.
The venue.
The flowers.
The cake.
The seating chart that had somehow become more complicated than filing taxes.
Everything was coming together.
Then her grandmother asked a question.
"Did you get your sixpence yet?"
The bride stared blankly.
"My what?"
Her grandmother smiled.
And just like that, a wedding tradition the bride had never heard of became one of her favorite parts of the entire wedding.
If you've recently heard someone mention a wedding sixpence and found yourself secretly Googling what that even means, you're not alone.
Most American brides know the first part of the wedding rhyme.
Far fewer know the ending.
And that's exactly why the wedding sixpence is becoming such a meaningful discovery for modern brides.
Why This Moment Matters
Every wedding includes traditions.
Some are obvious.
The first dance.
The bouquet toss.
The wedding cake.
Others are quieter.
More personal.
The wedding sixpence falls into that second category.
It's not a tradition designed for guests.
It's a tradition designed for the bride.
A small reminder that the people who love her want her to walk into marriage carrying a blessing, a little family history, and a lot of hope for the future.
What Is a Wedding Sixpence?
A wedding sixpence is an authentic British coin traditionally given to a bride before her wedding day.
The custom comes from the famous wedding rhyme:
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.
The sixpence was traditionally placed inside the bride's shoe as a symbol of:
- Prosperity
- Blessing
- Happiness
- Good fortune
- A successful marriage
Today many brides continue the tradition by carrying a wedding sixpence on their wedding day.
Some place it in their shoe.
Others carry it in a bouquet wrap, keepsake pouch, wedding purse, or memory box.
The meaning remains the same.
Where Did the Wedding Sixpence Tradition Come From?
The tradition originated in Great Britain and became part of wedding customs for generations.
The sixpence itself was a British coin used in everyday circulation.
Over time, it became associated with wedding blessings through the famous rhyme.
While many wedding traditions have changed dramatically over the years, the symbolism behind the sixpence remains surprisingly relevant.
Who doesn't want a little extra blessing and good fortune on their wedding day?
What Does a Wedding Sixpence Symbolize?
The wedding sixpence traditionally symbolizes:
Prosperity
Not just financial prosperity.
A rich and meaningful life together.
Blessing
A wish for happiness and success in marriage.
Good Fortune
A hopeful start to a new chapter.
Family Connection
Many modern brides connect the tradition to family stories and memories.
You can explore the symbolism further in What Does a Wedding Sixpence Symbolize? Prosperity, Love, and a Little Bit of Luck.
Why Are Brides Rediscovering Wedding Sixpences?
The simple answer?
Because modern brides are looking for meaningful traditions.
Many wedding customs today feel rushed or performative.
The sixpence feels personal.
It creates a moment.
A father shares a blessing.
A grandmother tells a family story.
A best friend gives a gift that means more than another kitchen gadget.
The tradition slows people down long enough to connect.
And that's something every wedding could use a little more of.
Can You Choose a Specific Wedding Sixpence Year?
Yes—you can here at Gutsy Goodness and this is one of the reasons many brides fall in love with the tradition.
Authentic wedding sixpence coins were minted between 1953 and 1967.
Many brides choose a year connected to:
- Grandma's wedding year
- Mom and Dad's anniversary
- A beloved grandparent's birth year
- A meaningful family milestone
The year transforms a wedding tradition into a personal story.
Instead of carrying a random coin, the bride carries a piece of family history.
Who Gives a Bride a Wedding Sixpence?
Traditionally, a wedding sixpence may be given by:
- Fathers
- Mothers
- Grandmothers
- Grandfathers
- Godparents
- Bridesmaids
- Best friends
- Future mothers-in-law
The tradition is flexible.
The blessing matters more than the person presenting it.
For more, see Who Traditionally Gives the Bride a Sixpence?
Where Does a Bride Put a Wedding Sixpence?
Traditionally, inside her shoe.
But modern brides get creative.
Many carry their sixpence in:
- A bouquet wrap
- A keepsake pouch
- A wedding purse
- A memory box
- A bridal keepsake display
The important thing isn't where the coin goes.
It's what it represents.
Why a Wedding Sixpence Makes a Meaningful Gift
A wedding sixpence isn't the kind of gift that gets replaced.
It's the kind of gift that gets remembered.
Years later, a bride may not remember every wedding detail.
But she'll remember who gave her the sixpence.
She'll remember the story.
She'll remember the blessing.
That's why so many brides keep their wedding sixpence long after the wedding day is over.
You may enjoy The Wedding Gift She'll Still Have on Her 50th Anniversary: Why Brides Save Their Sixpence Forever.
Listen While You Read
If you love stories about wedding traditions, family connections, and meaningful keepsakes, listen to Sixpence for My Shoe, a song inspired by the brides, fathers, grandmothers, best friends, and families keeping this tradition alive today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wedding sixpence?
A wedding sixpence is an authentic British coin traditionally carried by a bride as part of the wedding rhyme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe."
Why do brides carry a wedding sixpence?
Brides carry a sixpence as a symbol of prosperity, blessing, happiness, and good fortune in marriage.
Is a wedding sixpence still used today?
Yes. Many modern brides are rediscovering the tradition as part of meaningful wedding planning.
Can I choose a specific year sixpence?
Yes. Many brides choose a sixpence from a meaningful year between 1953 and 1967 to honor family history.
Who traditionally gives a wedding sixpence?
Parents, grandparents, godparents, close friends, bridesmaids, and future mothers-in-law have all traditionally gifted wedding sixpences.
Continue Reading
If you're new to the wedding sixpence tradition, these articles will help you explore its history, symbolism, and the meaningful ways modern brides are bringing it back.
- What Does a Wedding Sixpence Symbolize? Prosperity, Love, and a Little Bit of Luck
- Why Brides Put Coins in Their Shoes: The Real Story Behind the Wedding Sixpence Tradition
- Who Traditionally Gives the Bride a Sixpence?
- Where Does a Bride Put a Wedding Sixpence? (And Other Questions Brides Secretly Ask)
- The Full Wedding Rhyme Explained: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Sixpence in Her Shoe
A Closing Reflection
Sometimes the most meaningful wedding traditions aren't the ones everyone notices.
They're the ones that happen quietly.
A grandmother sharing a story.
A father giving a blessing.
A best friend offering encouragement.
A tiny coin carrying a surprisingly big message.
That's what a wedding sixpence really is.
Not just a piece of history.
A reminder that no bride walks into marriage without the love, stories, and hopes of the people who helped her get there.
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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