Why Does A Bride Put A Penny On Her Shoe? - Vines Of The Yarra Valley

When I got married back in 2017, my mum quietly slipped a coin into my shoe just before I walked down the aisle. She whispered, “It’s for luck.” At the time, I was more worried about not tripping on my own nerves than decoding her cryptic superstition. Later, I found out that a tiny penny carried more meaning than any lucky charm I’d ever owned.

That little ritual—tucking a coin into the bride’s shoe—has been around for centuries. It’s one of those quaint traditions that seems almost too simple to matter, yet brides across the world still do it. Why? Because behind that penny sits a story of love, prosperity, and good fortune that’s travelled from old English manors all the way to modern Melbourne wedding venues.

In Australia, where most brides are happy to skip the veil or ditch the garter, the penny-in-the-shoe tradition is quietly making a comeback. Maybe it’s the charm of “something old and something new” rolled into one. Maybe it’s the feeling that every bit of good luck helps when you’re hoping the Melbourne weather behaves itself for your outdoor ceremony. Either way, it’s a beautiful nod to the past that fits perfectly into a modern celebration.

Let’s look at where it all started—and why so many brides still sneak a coin under their heel before saying, “I do.”

The Surprising History Behind The Penny In The Bride’s Shoe

Before the humble penny took centre stage, there was the silver sixpence—a small but powerful symbol of luck, love, and prosperity. This idea didn’t come from Pinterest or bridal magazines; it came straight from Victorian England, where brides followed a rhyme that’s still quoted today:

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

That final line is the forgotten gem. The sixpence, worth six pennies, was more than just loose change—it was a wish for lifelong prosperity. It represented wealth and happiness for the couple, and it was meant to ensure that they’d never face financial struggle.

In the 17th century, when this custom first appeared, the sixpence was often gifted by the Lord of the Manor to his bride as a gesture of goodwill. Later, it became a family affair: the father of the bride would slip a coin into his daughter’s left shoe before the ceremony. It was his final send-off—his way of saying, “May your marriage be blessed with love and good fortune.”

But this wasn’t just about money. Like many old traditions, it had a touch of superstition. The coin was believed to ward off the evil eye, a curse thought to cause infertility or bad luck in marriage. It acted as a kind of spiritual insurance policy, protecting the bride from jealousy and misfortune.

Imagine the scene: a stone chapel in the English countryside, the bride adjusting her gown while her father quietly tucks a shining coin under her heel. That single moment carried layers of meaning—family, faith, protection, and hope—all wrapped up in one tiny silver disc.

And while Melbourne weddings these days are more likely to include coffee carts than carriages, the sentiment hasn’t changed. Whether you’re saying your vows at Vines of the Yarra Valley or in a backyard with fairy lights and gum trees, that symbolic coin still whispers the same message: May your marriage be rich in love, laughter, and luck.

From Silver To Copper — Why The Penny Replaced The Sixpence

By the time the 1980s rolled around, the silver sixpence had quietly disappeared from circulation in the UK. No more shiny coins tucked away in the bottom of jewellery boxes or handed down through families. But brides weren’t ready to give up such a charming piece of folklore, so they improvised — and that’s where the penny stepped in.

These days, a penny in the bride’s shoe carries the same meaning as the sixpence once did — good luck, financial stability, and a prosperous marriage. The copper coin became a stand-in for silver, proof that sentiment means more than currency value. After all, it’s the gesture that counts, not the denomination.

When I worked with a couple in Warrandyte a few summers ago, the bride told me she’d slipped a 1977 penny into her heel — the year her parents were married. “It felt like taking a little bit of their luck with me,” she said. That’s the beauty of this modern twist: you can personalise it.

Some brides pick a penny from the year they met their partner, others choose one from their wedding year or birth year. I even met one creative bride who had her penny engraved with her initials and mounted inside an evident resin charm, attached to the ribbon of her bouquet: no blisters, no discomfort — just symbolism done smartly.

And of course, there’s that old saying we all grew up hearing: “Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck.”

That little rhyme alone has inspired half the coin-related superstitions we still use today. So while the sixpence might belong to history, the lucky penny tradition continues — a small, copper promise that wealth and happiness will follow wherever you walk.

The Lucky Penny’s Modern Meaning

In a world where weddings are more about personality than protocol, the penny-in-the-shoe tradition offers something rare — a connection to generations past without feeling stuffy. It’s a tiny piece of history that fits neatly into the rhythm of a modern bride’s day.

A penny now symbolises more than just financial prosperity. It’s a reminder that fortune comes in many forms: a loving partner, a strong support system, and the ability to laugh when the Melbourne weather inevitably decides to “add atmosphere” to your outdoor photos.

Modern brides have taken the tradition and made it their own. Some place the coin under the sole of the left shoe, others tape it beneath the heel so it won’t shift during the first dance. I’ve even seen brides sew one into the hem of their gown or pin it inside their garter. The creativity is endless.

And here’s the thing — no one’s doing it because they have to. They’re doing it because they want to carry something meaningful, something that feels like a quiet nod to every bride who’s come before them. It’s romantic, a little nostalgic, and delightfully uncomplicated. If you think about it, that penny is more than metal. It’s a wish you can wear.

How To Include A Penny In Your Wedding Without Ruining Your Shoes

Let’s be honest — whoever came up with the original “coin in the shoe” idea clearly wasn’t wearing stilettos. Between high arches, delicate straps, and the marathon-length ceremonies we tend to have these days, slipping metal into your shoe can feel less like a blessing and more like a blister waiting to happen.

But fear not — you can absolutely embrace this good-luck ritual and stay comfortable on your big day. Over the years, I’ve seen brides get wildly creative in how they include their lucky penny without limping down the aisle.

Here are a few practical, tried-and-true ways to carry your coin without sacrificing comfort or style:

Method	How It Works	Why It’s Great
Tape it under your sole	Use a small strip of clear tape or adhesive under your shoe (ideally the left one).	Keeps the coin safe and doesn’t interfere with your fit or footing.
Sew it into your dress lining.	Have your seamstress discreetly stitch it into the hem or inner layer of your gown.	Symbolic, safe, and completely invisible.
Pin it inside your garter	A subtle and romantic spot that still keeps it “close to the bride.”	Adds a cheeky layer of tradition without discomfort.
Attach it to your bouquet	Secure it with a small ribbon or wire under the handle wrap.	Keeps the penny in every photo — especially when you hold your bouquet for the first look.
Turn it into jewellery.	Have a jeweller or friend turn the coin into a charm, pendant, or bracelet.	A stylish keepsake you can wear again on anniversaries.

I once worked with a bride in Healesville who had her grandfather’s old penny mounted in a tiny glass locket and fastened to her bouquet with a satin ribbon. “It’s like he’s walking with me,” she said. That’s the real power of these traditions — they’re sentimental reminders, not rigid rules.

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony (and in Victoria, that often means a mix of sunshine, wind, and the occasional surprise shower), taping or sewing the coin is your best bet. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re dancing under the fairy lights at your reception without a rogue coin slipping out mid–first dance.

“You don’t have to hobble down the aisle to honour tradition — just make it work for you.”

Whether the coin is hidden in your hem or shining under your heel, what matters most is the intention behind it. It’s that little spark of hope you carry with you, step by step.

Left Shoe Or Right? Does It Really Matter?

Traditionally, the penny (or sixpence) is placed in the left shoe, and no, that’s not random. The left side has long been connected to the heart — symbolising love, emotion, and connection. So, placing the coin there was a symbolic way to “walk into marriage with love leading the way.”

But here’s the truth: modern brides aren’t bound by old superstitions. Whether you tuck your penny in your right shoe, dress pocket, or bouquet, it’s the meaning behind it that counts.

Some brides even turn the ritual into a fun pre-ceremony moment. One Melbourne bride I met at Vines of the Yarra Valley had her mum, nan, and maid of honour each slip a coin into her shoe “for triple the luck.” Was it scientifically effective? Probably not. But emotionally? Absolutely.

Think of it this way — the left shoe might be “traditional,” but the best luck comes from doing what feels right to you.

Why The Penny In The Shoe Still Matters Today

For some, old wedding traditions feel a bit out of step with modern life — such as wearing lace gloves or not seeing the groom before the ceremony. However, the penny-in-the-shoe custom has endured because it’s small, symbolic, and deeply personal. It’s a whisper of history that slips seamlessly into any style of wedding, from barefoot beach vows in Torquay to black-tie receptions at Vines of the Yarra Valley.

What I love most about it is its quiet power. There’s no grand gesture, no Instagram moment, just a coin you tuck away as a private wish. When I meet couples during venue tours, I often tell them, “You can skip the bouquet toss, but don’t skip the good-luck traditions — they give your day a heartbeat.”

A penny in the shoe isn’t just about luck anymore. It’s about intention — grounding yourself before one of life’s biggest leaps. Every bride I’ve seen do it has their own reason. One told me she placed her late grandfather’s penny in her heel “to have him walk her down the aisle in spirit.” Another said she did it simply because she liked the idea of “starting with something old, something small, and something shiny.”

In a world obsessed with the perfect shot list and colour palette, that kind of personal ritual feels refreshingly human.

Tradition Meets Intention — The Emotional Symbolism

When you strip away the superstition, the penny becomes something far more meaningful — a promise. It’s the idea that your new journey will be filled with love, laughter, and a touch of luck.

It also gives couples a chance to honour family history in a subtle, sentimental way. Some Melbourne brides I’ve worked with have used pennies that belonged to their grandparents. Others frame the coin afterwards and display it at home as a keepsake. It’s a small act that turns a fleeting moment into something lasting.

The coin represents a bridge between the past and the future. It carries the energy of every woman who’s ever whispered a wish into her wedding shoe. When I think back to my own wedding, I remember that quiet moment — just me, the coin, and a deep breath before walking toward a new life.

That’s the emotional core of the tradition. It’s not superstition; it’s sentiment.

A Small Coin, A Big Blessing — What It Symbolises For Today’s Bride

Modern brides often say they want their wedding to “feel authentic,” and that’s precisely what this simple custom delivers. The penny symbolises hope, continuity, and gratitude. It’s a reminder that luck isn’t something that just happens — it’s something you carry with you.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what that penny really stands for today:

Symbol	Meaning for the Modern Bride
Luck	A wish for smooth sailing and joyful surprises.
Prosperity	Not just money, but emotional and spiritual wealth.
Protection	Guarding the marriage from negativity and misfortune.
Connection	Linking past generations with the present.
New Beginnings	Stepping confidently into the next chapter.

So yes, the penny may be small, but it carries the weight of generations — each one adding a new layer of meaning. Whether it’s a century-old family coin or one freshly minted this year, it tells the same story: You are stepping into something sacred, and luck walks with you.

The penny-in-the-shoe tradition might be small, but it carries centuries of meaning — a wish for wealth, love, and a little bit of luck on your wedding day. From English manors to Melbourne vineyards, it’s a gesture that has travelled across oceans and time, adapting beautifully to every generation.

If you’re planning your own wedding and want to weave in a tradition that feels both historic and personal, slip that coin under your heel. It’s not about superstition — it’s about stepping into your new life with something meaningful beneath your feet.

And who knows? Maybe that tiny penny will be the start of your own family’s good-luck story — passed down, one wedding at a time.

Let’s Get Straight To The Point

The old saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue — and a silver sixpence in her shoe” wasn’t just poetry; it was a blessing. The sixpence, now replaced by the penny, symbolised good luck, wealth, and protection for brides on their wedding day. While the original British coin is long gone, the custom lives on — with Aussie brides slipping a penny into their shoe (usually the left one) as a quiet nod to prosperity and happiness.

Modern brides have reimagined the tradition with a personal touch: taping the coin under their sole, sewing it into their dress hem, or turning it into a keepsake charm. The message remains timeless — start married life with love in your heart, hope under your feet, and maybe just a little luck in your shoe.

Whether you’re walking down the aisle at Vines of the Yarra Valley or hosting a backyard ceremony, that tiny penny carries generations of well-wishes — a reminder that love, like copper, shines brighter the longer it’s cherished.