20 Something Borrowed Ideas for the Modern Bride

Weddings are steeped in traditions, and one of the most popular, age-old customs is wearing or carrying something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. While each part of this rhyme—which originated in 19th-century England—has a specific meaning, incorporating something borrowed into your big day is guaranteed to bless your marriage. Based on the time-honored superstition, borrowing an item from a happily married friend or relative is said to bring good fortune—even fertility—and a lifetime of bliss to your marriage.

These days, however, the tradition has taken on a far more sentimental role by honoring someone who has had a profound impact on your life. For instance, maybe you want to show your appreciation for your mom by stitching a piece of fabric from her wedding dress onto your own gown. Or, perhaps you want to include a nod to your grandparents by decorating your tablescape in antique vases or pieces of china from their collection.

If you’re looking to honor this long-standing practice in a unique and modern way, you're in luck because there are plenty of options. Read on for the best something borrowed ideas to inspire your own.

A Piece of Fabric

One of the most popular ways to incorporate the something borrowed tradition into your special day is wearing your grandmother's or mother's wedding dress. While you can certainly don the exact piece that they wore for their nuptials, the design might feel out of touch with current styles. For a more modern spin, sew a piece of fabric from their getup onto your own gown. You can also wrap a portion of the garment around the stems of your bouquet, turn the material into a clutch, or work the textiles into your table runner.

Your Wedding Dress

Instead of buying a costly designer wedding dress from a bridal salon, why not borrow one? Renting your outfit from a trusty fashion rental website, like Rent the Runway or Poshare, is a hassle-free and budget-friendly option to consider. By saving money on your gown, you'll have more funds to invest in other splurge-worthy elements, like a live band or photo booth. Plus, after the celebration, you won't have to dry clean your attire or figure out a way to preserve it.

A Hair Accessory

To complete your wedding look, consider borrowing hair accessories from your bridesmaids. Think: Hairpins, headpieces, clips, pins, barrettes, ribbons, and tiaras. You can even start a tradition with your group of friends where everyone wears the item when it's their turn to tie the knot. Or, if someone from your inner circle can't make it to the soirée, sporting one of their belongings will keep them close to you.

A Pair of Shoes

If you're the same shoe size as your sister, mom, cousin, or best friend, strap on one of their pairs for your something borrowed idea. Whether you wear their block heels for the ceremony or their sneakers for the after-party, just make sure the accessory matches your overall look. For a sentimental touch, consider choosing the same pair that your loved one wore when they walked down the aisle.

Jewelry

We know that this certainly sounds like one of the most traditional options to check off that something-borrowed box, but there are ways to make it feel a bit more contemporary. Don't just go with any old piece of jewelry. We love the idea of asking your mother or grandmother for something they either wore on their own wedding day or something that your parents or grandparents were given as a gift from their other half. Wearing these little baubles can hold so much meaning.

Bouquet Bling

If you don't want to wear a family member's jewelry, why not incorporate it in another fresh and exciting way? Add a borrowed brooch to the back of your bouquet, or delicately wrap a string of pearls from a loved one around the bottom of the blooms.

Cufflinks

Just like the bride, there are limitless ways to elevate the groom's chosen outfit with something borrowed ideas. Maybe you want to add a personal touch to your dress shirt by wearing your grandfather's, father's, brother's, or cousin's cufflinks. Keep the color and design in mind, so you select one that has a deeper meaning and one that coordinates with your attire and aesthetic.

A Tie or Bow Tie

Another accessory idea for the groom is borrowing a tie or bow tie from a family member or close friend. Of course, you can pair your suit or tuxedo with one that your loved one wore at their own wedding, but you can also choose a piece that they donned during a milestone moment. For instance, borrow a bright pink neck tie that your father wore to his 50th birthday party or complete your ensemble with a striped iteration that your brother sported when he proposed to his wife.

Your Wedding Venue

Most couples think big for their wedding venue, but why not say "I do" on a piece of land that a loved one owns? Not only will you dodge expensive deposit fees, but you'll also get married in a place that has a deeper connection to your friend or family members. For some something borrowed ideas, trade vows in your parents' backyard or rent out your best friend's lake house for the weekend.

The Ring Pillow

If you're enlisting ring bearers to deliver your wedding rings to the altar, you'll need to store the priceless jewels on a secure pillow. Rather than buying a brand-new item, which you'll likely never use again, borrow one with more meaning. Ask your brother, sister, bridesmaid, or anyone close to you if they wouldn't mind lending the one they used for their big day.

Lines for Your Vows

Don't worry, we're not suggesting you plagiarize another couple's vows. However, if someone near and dear to your heart penned their own, do consider stealing a line or two that you especially liked (with their blessing, of course).

A Literary Work for Your Readings

For those having a secular ceremony, one something borrowed idea is to include a passage from your favorite author, novel, or poem for your reading. Not only will you personalize your service, but you'll also include your guests in the moment. Ask a sibling, an aunt or uncle, or a close friend to deliver the words before you share your first kiss as newlyweds.

Wedding Decorations

Save money and set the scene of your fête with something borrowed and sentimental that also complements your theme. For example, if you're throwing a travel-themed soirée, decorate your venue with your grandfather's leather luggage set. Or, for a garden-inspired bash, line a chest of drawers with floral-printed plates from your mother's collection. Vintage vases, borrowed books, and works of art are just a few other ideas.

Items for Your Tablescape

Decked-out tablescapes are definitely in, and there are so many components that will inject personality. Check with family members or friends to see if they might have anything to add to the table, whether it’s beautiful cloth napkins, special trinkets, or even your grandmother’s antique silverware.

A Favorite Recipe

Add a classic touch to your wedding menu by borrowing the recipe for a signature cocktail or an appetizer from your go-to restaurant. Maybe you have a favorite dessert that your grandmother always used to make when you were a child—incorporate it into your wedding cake or serve it on its own.

The First Dance Song

To cue the waterworks, surprise your parents by selecting the first dance song that they played at their own reception. The thoughtful gesture will touch your mom and dad and everyone in attendance. Just make sure you ask your emcee to tell your guests the meaning behind your choice first.

The Cake Topper

If your parents or grandparents kept their wedding cake topper, try placing it on top of your own confection to give your dessert significance. A common way to decorate these sweets is by exhibiting the couple's new last name. So, for those of you who are changing your surname, ask your partner's parents, cousins, or brothers if they happen to have one showcasing their family name.

The Cake Knife

As another alternative, borrow a cake knife from a special person in your life. It could be a sterling silver item that your grandmother received as a gift or a monogrammed utensil in your parent's kitchen. Either way, cutting your wedding cake with a meaningful item will make the ceremonial moment even more memorable.

The Getaway Vehicle

Planning a grand send-off? Once the fireworks are lit or the confetti has been thrown, you’ll want to exit your affair in style. Borrowing a vintage car or another decked-out ride from someone in your inner circle is the perfect way to add something borrowed to your big day.

A Surprise

If you love to be spontaneous, ask a trusted friend or family member to surprise you with your something borrowed item. As long as you’re a go-with-the-flow type of person, this won’t add any additional planning to your list. It will also give someone special in your life the opportunity to include a meaningful piece into your big day.