You probably have heard the traditional wedding rhyme that goes like this:

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

Something old represents continuity.  Something new symbolizes optimism for your future.  Something borrowed is for borrowed happiness. Something blue stands for purity, loyalty, and fidelity.  The sixpence is a good luck wish for prosperity.

It’s been a fun wedding tradition for many years to bring along those four items on your wedding day.  Today we will talk about some ideas for the 3rd component – something borrowed.

Using Old Wedding Dress Parts

If you can acquire a small piece of your mother or grandmother’s dress, why not incorporate it into your attire?  You can let your imagination run wild here. Some brides like to make it a secret item like a garter while some like to wear the something borrowed item for all to see. Here is a cute photo of a bride using a borrowed piece of cloth as a wrist band.

Tablecloths

How about using a piece of tablecloth from someone that is special to you? I love this photo here of a bride wearing her grandmother’s tablecloth under her dress. I love the boldness of this move. What a great conversation piece too and perfect for some fresh photo opportunities. Of course you may need a seamstress in the family if you are not too handy with the needle, but it sure looks worth the effort.

A Sentimental Photo

There’s nothing quite as special as borrowing something from a loved one who had a long lasting, great marriage. If they are with you in person on your wedding day you are very blessed.  If they are no longer with you, or maybe not physically healthy enough to make it to your wedding, carrying their photo with you as you walk down the aisle, as your “something borrowed” for your special day.  All you have to do is look at the photo to remember them on your wedding day.  You could carry a piece of material from that extraordinary woman’s wedding dress wrapped around your bouquet along with their wedding photo.

Think Outside The Box

Be creative with your “something borrowed component.”  The item doesn’t have to be something you wear.  It could be on display at your reception. How about your grandma’s china set?  You could set it as a display around your cake.  Or what about driving an old vintage vehicle from your grandfather to the church or reception?  Why not use the same pair of shoes that your mother walked in on her wedding day? And you can’t go wrong with a veil from your mom, grandma, sister, or friend.

Your something borrowed doesn’t always have to be from a family member.  It can be a piece of jewelry, ribbon, or a hairpin from a best friend.  A cake topper from a wedding of a friend makes a great conversation piece.  Earrings make a nice borrowed item.

Whatever you choose, have fun with this, find something, and keep the tradition going.  It’s one of those wedding traditions that have withstood the test of time. Have a great something borrowed for your big day? Share with us below!