The 5 Things Every Bride Needs (Plus Accessories You Might Forget)

What are the five things a bride needs? If you've heard this question but aren't sure of the answer, you're not alone. This famous bridal tradition goes back over 150 years. Knowing what each item means can make your wedding day even more special.

This guide explains the five things every bride needs. We share easy ways to add them to your wedding accessories.

We'll cover the meaning behind each item and give you real examples. You'll get a complete checklist of bridal accessories. Plus, you'll learn the best way to shop for these pieces in person.

What Are the Five Things a Bride Needs?

The five things a bride needs come from a Victorian-era rhyme: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe."

1. Something old — Represents your connection to the past. Example: a family heirloom or vintage jewelry from your mother or grandmother.
   
   
2. Something new — Symbolizes hope for the future. Example: your wedding dress or new bridal shoes.
   
   
3. Something borrowed — Should come from a happily married person to share their good fortune. Example: a friend's veil or jewelry.
   
   
4. Something blue — Represents love, purity, and faithfulness. Example: a blue garter, blue ribbon sewn into your dress, or blue jewelry.
   
   
5. A sixpence in her shoe — Wishes the couple wealth and prosperity. Example: a lucky coin or penny placed inside the bride's left shoe.
   

Most brides work these five items into their wedding accessories. The best choices are pieces that feel meaningful and match your style.

The Five Things a Bride Needs: Meaning and History

The "five things" rhyme first appeared in print in Victorian England in the early 1870s. The full verse reads: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe." According to Mental Floss, folklorist William Crooke explained in 1898 that the "something old" and "something blue" were meant to ward off the Evil Eye.

Brides have followed this tradition for over a century. Each item carries a wish for the couple's future. Together, they blend family ties, hope, friendship, love, and prosperity into one wedding day.

Why do brides still follow this tradition today? For many, it adds sentimental value to the day. It connects you to generations of brides before you. It also gives meaning to accessories you might already be wearing.

We love helping brides find creative ways to include all five. One bride used her grandmother's ring, her new veil, a borrowed bracelet, blue embroidery inside her dress, and a lucky penny. Each piece told part of her story.

You don't need to spend a lot or search far. Many brides already own or can borrow most of these items. The key is choosing pieces that feel right for you.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Now that you know what the five things mean, let's look at creative ways to include each one.

Something Old

This item ties you to your family and your past. Look to the women in your life for ideas.

• Grandmother's brooch pinned to your bouquet
• Mother's earrings or necklace
• Vintage lace sewn into your dress
• Antique ring worn on your right hand
• Heirloom handkerchief tucked in your bouquet wrap

Something New

Your wedding day is full of new beginnings. This item is often the easiest to check off.

• Your wedding dress
• Bridal shoes
• Jewelry you bought for the day
• Hair accessories like a comb or tiara
• Perfume you'll wear for the first time

Something Borrowed

Borrow from someone with a happy marriage. The idea is to carry their good luck with you.

• A friend's veil or hairpiece
• Your sister's bracelet
• Your mother's wedding jewelry
• A family member's clutch or bag
• A lucky charm from a happily married aunt

Something Blue

Blue has long stood for love and faithfulness. You can make this item as bold or hidden as you like.

• Garter (the most popular choice)
• Blue ribbon sewn inside your dress hem
• Blue gemstone in your jewelry
• Blue flowers in your bouquet
• Blue nail polish or blue shoes

A Sixpence in Your Shoe

This wish for wealth is easy to include. Tape a coin inside your left shoe before you walk down the aisle.

• A British sixpence (available online)
• A lucky penny from a meaningful year
• A coin from your travels together
• Any small coin with sentimental value

Essential Wedding Accessories Beyond the Five

Beyond the traditional five items, you'll need several other wedding accessories to complete your bridal look.

These are the pieces that pull your outfit together. Some you'll wear all day. Others you'll swap out between the ceremony and reception.

Your Bridal Accessories Checklist

• ☐ Veil or headpiece — The most iconic bridal accessory. Choose based on your dress style and venue.
  
  
• ☐ Earrings — Studs, drops, or chandeliers depending on your neckline and hairstyle.
  
  
• ☐ Necklace — Not always needed. Let your dress neckline guide you.
  
  
• ☐ Bracelet — A simple addition that photographs well during ring exchanges.
  
  
• ☐ Wedding shoes — Ceremony pair plus a backup for dancing.
  
  
• ☐ Hair accessories — Combs, pins, or flowers if you skip the veil.
  
  
• ☐ Undergarments — Matched to your dress style for a smooth silhouette.
  
  
• ☐ Cover-up — Wrap, jacket, or bolero for outdoor ceremonies or cool venues.

In our experience, the most commonly forgotten accessory is proper undergarments for the dress style. Strapless bras and shapewear should be purchased before your final fitting. This lets you see exactly how your dress will look and feel on your wedding day.

Start gathering these items two to six months before your wedding. This gives you time to try pieces with your dress and make changes if needed.

Choosing Jewelry and Veils That Match Your Dress

Your accessories should complement your dress, not compete with it. A few simple guidelines help you make confident choices.

Match Jewelry to Your Neckline

The shape of your neckline points you toward the right jewelry. Use this guide as a starting point.

Coordinate Your Metals

Look at the hardware and beading on your dress. If your dress has silver beading, choose silver or white gold jewelry. Gold embroidery pairs well with yellow or rose gold pieces. Mixing metals can work, but matching creates a polished look.

Veil Length Basics

Veil length affects the overall feel of your look. Shorter veils feel modern and relaxed. Longer veils add drama and formality.

• Blusher — Covers just your face; worn for the ceremony entrance
• Fingertip — Falls to your fingertips; works with most dress styles
• Chapel — Extends past the dress train; more formal feel
• Cathedral — Very long and dramatic; best for formal venues

Match your veil to your dress train and venue. A simple dress in a grand space can handle a longer veil. A detailed gown often looks best with a simple, shorter veil.

When Less Is More

If your bodice has heavy beading, lace appliqués, or detailed embroidery, keep jewelry minimal. Let the dress be the star. Simple studs and a bracelet may be all you need.

Veil Alternatives

Not every bride wants a veil. Hair accessories offer a beautiful alternative.

• Flower crowns for garden or bohemian weddings
• Tiaras for classic or formal celebrations
• Jeweled combs or barrettes for understated elegance
• Hair vines woven through an updo

Comfort Accessories and Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Your wedding day is long. Plan for comfort so you can enjoy every moment without sore feet or wardrobe worries.

Backup Shoes

Ceremony heels look beautiful but may not last through hours of dancing. Pack a second pair for the reception.

• Foldable ballet flats that fit in a small bag
• Block heels for more stability on grass or cobblestone
• Dressy sandals if your venue allows
• Sneakers that match your dress (a fun photo opportunity)

Cover-Ups for Changing Temperatures

Utah weather can shift throughout the day. A cover-up keeps you warm without hiding your dress.

• Faux fur wrap for fall or winter weddings
• Lace bolero that matches your gown
• Lightweight shawl for air-conditioned receptions
• Denim or leather jacket for a modern look

Your Bridal Emergency Kit

Small problems happen on wedding days. A simple kit keeps them from becoming big ones.

1. Stain remover pen or wipes
2. Fashion tape (double-sided)
3. Safety pins in several sizes
4. Pain relievers
5. Band-aids and blister pads
6. Breath mints or small mouthwash
7. Mini sewing kit with white thread
8. Clear nail polish for stocking runs
9. Tissues or handkerchief
10. Phone charger

These small emergency kits saved more than a few wedding days. A little preparation goes a long way.

Small Clutch or Bag

Keep a tiny bag nearby for touch-ups and essentials. Choose one that matches your color palette. Your maid of honor can hold it during the ceremony.

Where to Find Your Wedding Accessories

With your accessories planned, the final step is knowing where and when to shop.

Why Shop In Person

Online shopping works for many things. Bridal accessories aren't one of them. Seeing pieces in person makes a real difference.

• Try accessories with your dress or a photo of it
• See true colors and scale against your skin tone
• Get honest advice from a bridal consultant
• Feel the weight and quality before you buy
• Avoid return hassles and shipping delays

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Come prepared and you'll make better decisions. A little planning saves time.

• Photos of your dress from multiple angles
• Fabric swatches if you have them
• Your Pinterest board or saved inspiration images
• Ideas for your "five things" (items you still need)
• Your wedding shoes if you've already purchased them

When to Shop

Plan your accessory shopping two to six months before your wedding. This timeline gives you room to:

• Try pieces with your dress at fittings
• Order items that need to ship
• Make exchanges if something doesn't work
• Borrow items from family or friends

How We Can Help

Our bridal consultants know how to match accessories to your dress and style. We help you find pieces for your something old, new, borrowed, and blue. We ask questions about your venue, your colors, and what feels like you.

Shopping for accessories should be fun, not stressful. We're here to make the process easy.

Ready to find your five items? Browse our bridal accessories or schedule an appointment to find pieces with personal meaning.