Wedding Ideas Something Borrowed: Creative Traditions to Inspire Your Big Day
When you’re planning your wedding, incorporating classic traditions can add a special touch to your day. One of these traditions is the “something borrowed” item, which symbolizes borrowed happiness. But what can you borrow to make your day unique and memorable?
You might be surprised by the variety of meaningful items that you can include in your wedding to fulfill this tradition. From accessories to small tokens, the possibilities are endless and can make your special day even more personal and heartfelt.
1) Vintage Lace Handkerchief
A vintage lace handkerchief can be a beautiful addition to your wedding. It’s delicate, timeless, and full of history.
Borrowing a lace handkerchief from a family member or friend adds sentimental value. You can carry it with your bouquet or tuck it into your dress.
Some brides use it to catch happy tears during the ceremony, making it both practical and meaningful. Consider incorporating this lovely item for a touch of tradition and elegance.
Family Heirloom Jewelry
Using family heirloom jewelry on your wedding day adds a special touch and connects you with past generations. It can be a ring, necklace, or bracelet passed down through your family.
These pieces often carry stories and memories, making them perfect for a meaningful “something borrowed.” If you don’t have heirloom jewelry, consider asking extended family members.
Wearing heirloom jewelry can make your wedding feel more intimate and unique. It’s a beautiful way to honor your family’s history and bring a sense of tradition to your celebration.
3) Locket with a Photo
A locket with a photo can be a meaningful addition to your wedding attire.
Borrow one from a family member and include a picture of a loved one.
You can wear it as a necklace or even attach it to your bouquet.
This small touch adds a heartfelt connection to your special day.
4) Grandmother’s Veil
One beautiful way to incorporate something borrowed into your wedding is by using your grandmother’s veil. It adds a touch of history and sentimental value to your special day.
Wearing your grandmother’s veil can enhance your bridal look with a classic and timeless feel. It’s a lovely nod to familial traditions and memories.
This delicate piece can be styled in various ways, whether you choose to wear it traditionally or modernize it with some updates.
5) Restored Antique Hairpin
A wonderful “something borrowed” idea is a restored antique hairpin. This item can add a touch of vintage elegance to your wedding look.
Ask a family member if they have an old hairpin that you can borrow. You can have it polished or even repaired to bring back its original beauty.
Using a restored hairpin also connects you with family history. Plus, it’s a unique accessory that will stand out in your bridal ensemble. Consider wearing it with your veil or as part of an intricate hairstyle. This small detail can make your day even more special.
6) Mom’s Wedding Dress
Using your mom’s wedding dress for your big day is a beautiful way to incorporate something borrowed. It adds a sentimental touch and connects you to family traditions.
You can wear the dress as-is or make some alterations. Updating the style while keeping the original fabric can blend old and new seamlessly.
If the dress itself isn’t wearable, consider using parts of it, like lace or buttons, in your gown or veil. This allows you to honor your mom while still having a look that’s uniquely yours.
Grandfather’s Watch
One of the most heartfelt “something borrowed” items you can include in your wedding is your grandfather’s watch. This small yet meaningful item carries a piece of family history.
You can wear it on your wrist or tuck it into your dress or suit pocket. It’s a beautiful way to honor your family and carry their legacy with you. Consider having a special photo taken with the watch to create a lasting memory. The watch can even become a family heirloom passed down through generations.
8) Father’s Old Cufflinks
Wearing your father’s old cufflinks can add a personal touch to your wedding day. They’re a classic accessory that links you to family history.
These cufflinks might have seen many significant moments in your father’s life. Now, they can be a part of your special day.
Pair them with your wedding suit to carry a piece of your family legacy.
9) Charm from a Close Friend
Borrowing a charm from a close friend can add a personal touch to your wedding. This small item, worn on a bracelet or necklace, can symbolize the strength of your friendship.
You might choose a charm that has special meaning, like a heart or a star. This simple gesture can bring extra love and luck to your day.
Feel free to ask your friend to share why the charm is special to them. This can make it even more meaningful as you wear it during your wedding.
10) Old Love Letter
Consider borrowing an old love letter from a family member or friend. This letter can add sentimental value to your special day. It symbolizes enduring love and can serve as a touching reminder of lasting relationships.
Place the letter in a pretty frame or keep it in your bouquet for a sweet hidden surprise.
This small detail can add a heartfelt touch to your wedding. It can even become a special moment during the ceremony or reception.
Understanding ‘Something Borrowed’
“Something borrowed” is a key part of a popular wedding tradition. This phrase symbolizes borrowed happiness and good fortune for the bride’s future marriage.
History and Tradition
The phrase “something borrowed” comes from an Old English rhyme that also includes “something old,” “something new,” and “something blue.” This tradition started in the Victorian era.
Borrowing an item is meant to bring the bride good luck and happiness. The item borrowed often comes from a happily married friend or family member, which is thought to share their good fortune with the bride.
Common items borrowed include jewelry, veils, and handkerchiefs. Some brides even borrow shoes or other accessories.
Cultural Significance
Culturally, the concept of “something borrowed” varies. In many cultures, it symbolizes borrowing happiness and ensuring continuity between the past and future.
For contemporary brides, borrowing an item can also be a way to honor their relationships. It adds a personal and meaningful touch to the wedding, connecting loved ones in a special way.
Across cultures, borrowed items like hair accessories, veils, or even small keepsakes are popular. These items offer not just sentiment but also a tangible link to loved ones’ support and joy.
You might choose something like a family heirloom to emphasize the tradition’s importance.
Creative Wedding Ideas for ‘Something Borrowed’
Choosing “something borrowed” for your wedding can add sentimental value and connect you with loved ones. Popular choices include borrowing cherished jewelry, heirloom veils, and meaningful family keepsakes.
Borrowed Jewelry
Borrowing jewelry is a timeless tradition. It’s common to wear a piece that a close family member or friend has worn on their special day. Think about using a pair of earrings your mother wore at her wedding or a bracelet from a beloved grandmother.
Jewelry doesn’t only add sparkle to your outfit but also carries emotional weight. Whether it’s a simple pearl necklace or a shimmering diamond brooch, borrowed jewelry bridges past celebrations with your present moment.
Heirloom Veils
Many brides choose to borrow an heirloom veil that has been passed down through generations. This veil can symbolize continuity and family tradition. It can be thrilling to know that the veil you’ll wear down the aisle was once worn by your mother, aunt, or grandmother.
To ensure the veil matches your style, consider pairing it with a modern dress or getting minor alterations if allowed. A borrowed veil brings a touch of history to your big day and can make your walk down the aisle even more special.
Family Keepsakes
Incorporating family keepsakes into your wedding is another meaningful way to fulfill the “something borrowed” tradition. This could be as simple as using your parents’ wedding cake topper or carrying a small, treasured item in your bouquet.
Keepsakes often carry stories and memories, making them unique additions. Another idea is to borrow a locket with family pictures to wear during the ceremony. Including family keepsakes adds a layer of personal history that makes your wedding unique and meaningful.
Incorporating ‘Something Borrowed’ into Decor
Using borrowed items in your wedding decor can add a touch of nostalgia and personal meaning to your special day. Vintage decorations and borrowed tableware are two great ways to include these sentimental elements.
Vintage Decorations
Incorporate vintage decorations from family or friends. You might borrow old picture frames to display family photos. Using an old mirror as a welcome sign can add charm and character.
Borrowing vintage vases or candle holders can create a romantic atmosphere. These items can be easily mixed with modern pieces to blend the old with the new. A relative’s antique lace tablecloth can also serve as a beautiful centerpiece.
Looking for heirloom lace or doilies? These can be draped over tables or used in your bouquet. This not only looks elegant but also honors your loved ones.
Borrowed Tableware
For a unique touch, consider borrowing tableware from relatives. Mixing old china patterns adds a whimsical feel to your dining setup. Silverware and serving dishes from family members can create a sense of continuity and tradition.
You can also borrow glassware. Using vintage goblets or wine glasses adds sophistication. Don’t forget the table linens; a borrowed, hand-embroidered table runner can be a showstopper.
If you need more pieces than one source can provide, ask multiple family members. This method makes your decor more personal and heartfelt. Consider labeling borrowed items with tags or notes to recognize the generous lenders.
By blending borrowed elements into your decor, you make your wedding day even more special and memorable. It also gives you an opportunity to share cherished items with your guests.
