What of the little remembered silver sixpence in her shoe? This was a gift given by the bride’s parents, and usually the father. Traditionally, the father of the bride slipped the coin into her left shoe, before she walked down the aisle. It was a practical gift for her to spend on herself. Symbolically, the silver sixpence represents prosperity and financial fortune. In Great Britain, silver coins are placed into the popped champagne or wine corks and given to the bride and groom as a memento of their special day.

A wedding has many traditions, some that span hundreds of years. Each culture and religion will have its own traditions leading up to the wedding, on the day and after the wedding. A sixpence was a coin used in the British Empire beginning in 1551. One sixpence represented six pennies. The last year of use of the sixpence coin was 1967. How did the sixpence tradition begin?is a very well-known wedding rhyme. Even today, many brides follow these instructions as a nod to tradition.

It is likely you have heard of the rhyme ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’. When reciting this rhyme most forget the final part- ‘and a silver sixpence in her shoe’.

Why is there a "thistle" on the back of many sixpence coins?

Giving brides a coin is a common tradition in many countries. In Sweden, a gold coin is given by the bride's mother. In Spain and Latin America, a coin is sometimes given by the groom to his bride. After the ring, it symbolises commitment, and his willingness to share wealth. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe. What is a sixpence? There is also a wide range of gorgeous accessories including veils, belts, straps, and sleeves available, to create your perfect look. There is a growing trend in the UK however to revive the 'sixpence in her shoe' wedding day tradition. Fortunately, even today, there are many sixpence coins still available to turn into family keepsakes.