Something Blue: The Enduring Charm of a Wedding Day Tradition

Weddings are full of time-honoured traditions, and one of the most beloved in the UK (and beyond) is the charming rhyme:

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

As a registrar, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many personal and creative interpretations of this rhyme—especially the “something blue.”

Traditionally, blue symbolises purity, love, and fidelity—all core values in a marriage. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to show modesty and faithfulness. 

In Christianity, the Virgin Mary is often depicted in blue robes, reinforcing the association with purity. 

This symbolism was embraced in Victorian times when the rhyme first became popular, and it continues to resonate today.

Modern Twists on a Timeless Symbol
While the garter has long been the go-to “something blue,” today’s couples are putting their own spin on this classic. I’ve seen brides with:

💙Blue-soled shoes peeking out from beneath their dress

💙Sapphire earrings gifted by Nan

💙A blue ribbon sewn into the hem of their gown

💙Hand-tied bouquets with blue flowers or blue ribbon

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And most memorably—one bride wore a dazzling pair of blue Converse boots (a brilliant blend of personality and tradition)!

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These personal touches make the tradition more meaningful and unique. 

For some, the blue item is a tribute to a loved one or a nod to heritage; for others, it’s simply a way to bring a splash of colour and joy to the day.

Are Couples Still Following the Tradition?

Yes—and more creatively than ever. While some brides stick closely to the rhyme, others reinterpret it, incorporating blue in subtle or striking ways. 

It’s less about superstition and more about celebrating continuity, connection, and individuality.
As a registrar, it’s lovely to see how couples honour the past while making it their own. After all, that’s what weddings are about—creating something new from something cherished.

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Have you seen a unique “something blue”? I’d love to hear your stories or see your photos! Share them in the comments or tag me on Instagram.

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Pride Month - June 2025. A reflection.

The Road to Equality: A Short Timeline of Same-Sex Marriage in England

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It’s been a journey paved with both legal change and social courage. Here’s a brief look at how same-sex unions became part of our registry records:

💖2004: The Civil Partnership Act is passed, offering same-sex couples legal recognition — with rights similar to marriage, but without the name.

💛2005: The first civil partnerships take place. 

💚2013: The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act is passed in England and Wales, allowing same-sex couples to legally marry.

💙2014: The first same-sex marriages take place.

💜2019: Civil partnerships are extended to opposite-sex couples, making love and legal commitment inclusive in every direction.

Each date represents not just policy, but people — couples who had waited, hoped, and in some cases, fought for the right to simply stand before their loved ones and say: “This is the person I choose.”

🏳️‍🌈 What Pride Means from This Side of the Desk

For me, Pride is more than a flag or a parade. It’s the steady turning of the tide:

one ceremony, one kiss at a time

It’s hearing a grandmother say, “I never thought I’d see the day” — and realising that this day, today, is exactly what progress looks like.

It’s knowing that every signature I witness, every ring exchanged, every nervous laugh, is a small, sacred part of something bigger. A reminder that love, in its truest form, doesn’t ask permission.

✍️ Looking Back, Looking Forward

As we celebrate Pride this June, I remember the sheer courage of couples who dared to love openly and for those that never got the chance to express their love in this way.

To anyone reading this — whether you’re planning your wedding, remembering your civil partnership, or simply reflecting on how far we’ve come — thank you. You’re part of a story that continues to grow more inclusive, more joyful, and more real every day.

And to my fellow registrars: keep the tissues handy. Love is a beautiful thing to witness.

With pride and a very full heart

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Why People Bury a Sausage Before Their Wedding (And Other Weather Warding Wonders)

When it comes to weddings, every couple hopes for the perfect day—and for many, that means sunshine, blue skies, and not a cloud in sight. But what if the weather forecast looks a bit like this last weekend has been… soggy?

Some couples, rather than relying solely on hope, turn to a rather curious tradition: burying a sausage the night before the wedding.

Yes, you read that right. A sausage. 
A Tasty Tradition?
This quirky weather-prevention ritual reportedly began in parts of Europe (particularly Austria and Germany), where burying a sausage—often a bratwurst or other pork variety—was believed to win over the weather gods. In some cases, the groom or the best man buries the sausage in the garden of the ceremony or reception venue, usually the night before the wedding.

The act is said to be a playful (and slightly superstitious) way to ward off rain on the big day.

But does it work? That depends on who you ask! Some couples swear by it, while others may end up with a soggy sausage and a soggy ceremony.

But Isn’t Rain on Your Wedding Day… Lucky?
If you’ve read my previous post, Rain on Your Wedding Day? Here’s Why It’s Lucky, you’ll know that rain has traditionally been viewed as a lucky omen, after all a wet knot is harder to untie!

So while I understand the desire for blue skies and sunny smiles in the wedding photos, a little rain might not be the bad omen it’s often feared to be.

Superstitions and Sentiment
Wedding traditions are full of these wonderfully weird rituals—from burying sausages to wearing “something blue.” 

Whether or not you believe they work, they do serve a purpose: they make your wedding feel personal, meaningful, and steeped in a sense of fun.

So if burying a sausage gives you a laugh, a bit of hope the night before the wedding or a story to tell in years to come, go ahead. 

Just remember where you put it, or the venue gardeners might have a few questions. 

Registrar's Take
As someone who’s stood at the front of more ceremonies than I can count, I’ve seen all kinds of weather—and all kinds of ways couples make the best of it. Whether you're rain-drenched, sun-kissed, or somewhere in between, it's the love, not the forecast, that makes your day unforgettable.

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Do Wedding Registrars Stay for the Reception? Here's What Really Happens After the Ceremony

One of the most common questions I get asked when people find out I’m a wedding registrar is:

“Ooh, do you get to stay for the cake and the party?”

It always makes me smile. I suppose from the outside, it looks like a very glamorous job—we turn up at beautiful venues, dressed smartly, speaking heartfelt words, and presiding over one of the most joyful moments in a couple’s life. So it’s understandable that people assume we get to enjoy the celebrations too!

But here’s the truth: we don’t stay.

Once the ceremony is complete, the couple is announced joyfully back down the aisle—hand in hand,—we quietly pack away our things, offer our congratulations, and leave. 

We’re not there for the prosecco or the canapés. Our role is simple, focused, and incredibly special: we’re there to legally marry the couple.

Why Don’t Registrars Stay?

We’re professionals carrying out a legal duty, and we often have more than one ceremony to officiate in one day and we have to return your all important signed paperwork to our office so that your marriage certificate can be produced and sent to you in a timely fashion.

That said, there have been times I’ve stayed—but only when I’ve been invited as a guest in a personal capacity. 

If I’m performing the ceremony for a friend or relative, I will stay and raise a glass or enjoy a lovely meal, but that’s the exception, not the rule.

Couples sometimes do kindly invite us to join them, which is always a lovely gesture. But we politely decline. This is your day, to share with your close friends and family. 

Our presence is there to mark the official beginning of your marriage—not to join in the dancing afterward.

The Beauty of Our Role
While we may not stay for the cake, we’re incredibly honoured to be part of one of the most important moments in your life. We get to witness your vows, your laughter (and sometimes tears), and the start of your journey together. Then, we slip away, leaving you to enjoy your first moments as newlyweds surrounded by those who love you most.

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