Who Traditionally Gives the Bride a Sixpence as a Something Old Gift?

who gives a sixpence coin to the bride traditionally

The bride expected a gift from her dad.

She did not expect one from her future mother-in-law.

Or her grandmother.

Or her maid of honor.

Yet by the time her wedding week arrived, three different people had mentioned the exact same tradition.

That's because one of the most beautiful things about this custom is that there isn't just one person responsible for carrying it forward.

The tradition belongs to everyone who loves the bride.

Why This Moment Matters

A wedding sixpence is often described as a good luck charm.

But that description misses something important.

The tradition is really about blessings.

And blessings are usually given by people who care deeply about us.

That's why so many different family members and friends have historically given brides a sixpence.

The meaning stays the same.

Only the messenger changes.

who gives a sixpence coin to the bride traditionally dad

Who Traditionally Gives the Bride a Sixpence?

Historically, wedding sixpences have most often been given by:

Fathers
Mothers
Grandmothers
Grandfathers
Godparents
Bridesmaids
Best friends
Future mothers-in-law

There is no single rule.

The tradition has always been flexible.

Fathers

Fathers are among the most traditional gift-givers.

Many present the sixpence on the wedding morning as a blessing for their daughter's future.

For more, read The Sweetest Wedding Day Gift From Dad That Someday I Will Pass Down.

Mothers

Mothers often include a sixpence with a wedding letter, keepsake box, or bridal shower gift.

The gesture becomes part encouragement, part family tradition.

Grandmothers

Grandmothers are often the keepers of wedding traditions.

Many brides first learn about the sixpence from a grandmother who wants to share a family story.

Best Friends

A best friend may give a sixpence during a bridal shower or bachelorette weekend.

The gift often represents support for the bride's next chapter.

Future Mothers-in-Law

Some of the sweetest sixpence stories come from future mothers-in-law.

The gift becomes a quiet way of saying:

"Welcome to the family."

We'll explore that more in The Mother-in-Law Gift That Welcomes a Bride Into the Family.

Why the Person Matters Less Than the Story

The most meaningful sixpence gifts aren't memorable because of who technically gave them.

They're memorable because of the conversation that happened around them.

The story.

The blessing.

The family connection.

That's what brides remember years later.

Why Choosing a Meaningful Year Adds Another Layer

Many families choose a sixpence minted in a year that matters.

Authentic sixpences were minted between 1953 and 1967.

Popular choices include:

Grandma's wedding year
Parents' wedding year
A grandparent's birth year
Family milestone years

The year helps tell the story behind the gift.

Learn more in Why Choosing a Wedding Sixpence by Year Makes the Tradition Even More Meaningful.

Listen While You Read

Listen to Sixpence for My Shoe, a song inspired by grandmothers, fathers, best friends, and families sharing this meaningful wedding tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who traditionally gives a bride a sixpence?

Traditionally, fathers, mothers, grandparents, godparents, bridesmaids, close friends, and future mothers-in-law have all given wedding sixpences.

Does the father of the bride give the sixpence?

Often, yes. Fathers are one of the most traditional sixpence gift-givers.

Can a grandmother give a wedding sixpence?

Absolutely. Many brides learn about the tradition from their grandmothers.

Can a friend give a wedding sixpence?

Yes. Bridesmaids and close friends frequently give sixpences as bridal shower or wedding gifts.

Continue Reading

One of the sweetest parts of the wedding sixpence tradition is that there isn't just one right person to give it. Brides receive sixpences from fathers, mothers, grandmothers, best friends, and other loved ones who want to share a blessing for the future.

A Closing Reflection

The wedding sixpence has never really been about who gives it.

It's about why.

It's about someone looking at a bride they love and saying:

"I hope wonderful things are waiting for you."

And honestly, that's a gift that can come from almost anyone.

If you're searching for a wedding gift that won't end up in the back of a closet, consider a tradition that's been passed between brides for generations. A Gutsy Goodness Bridal Sixpence is small enough to fit inside a shoe, but meaningful enough to become part of a family's story for years to come.

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.

Get our free Bride's Wedding Memorial and Support Toolkit.