15 Something Borrowed Wedding Ideas to Add Charm to Your Big Day

15 Something Borrowed Wedding Ideas to Add Charm to Your Big Day

When you’re planning your wedding, chances are you’ll hear about the tradition of “something borrowed.” It’s a lovely way to bring a bit of luck and meaning to your day by using an item that connects you to someone you care about.

Close-up of a bride's hands holding a delicate vintage lace handkerchief with a wedding ring visible, surrounded by a blurred floral bouquet.

Something borrowed is really just a meaningful item you use on your wedding day. It’s a way to carry good luck and energy from a loved one into your new life.

This tradition lets you add a personal touch to your celebration and honor those close to you.

1) Borrow a family heirloom necklace

Close-up of a bride holding a vintage family heirloom necklace against her white lace wedding dress.

Wearing a family heirloom necklace can add meaning to your wedding day. This piece of jewelry carries memories and connects you to loved ones.

Ask a close relative to lend you a cherished necklace. It gives your look a special touch and keeps family stories alive.

2) Wear your mom’s vintage veil

A bride wearing a vintage lace wedding veil, smiling softly in a softly lit room.

Wearing your mom’s vintage veil can add a special touch. It connects you to family history and brings a sense of tradition.

You can wear the veil as is or update it to fit your style. It’s a sweet way to include something borrowed that feels personal.

3) Carry your sister’s handkerchief

Close-up of a bride holding a delicate embroidered handkerchief in her hands during a wedding.

Carrying your sister’s handkerchief is a simple way to include something borrowed. It brings a sense of closeness and comfort on your big day.

Use it to wipe away happy tears or wrap it around your bouquet for a special touch. This little gesture keeps family close in a meaningful way.

For more ideas, see borrowed handkerchief inspiration here.

4) Use your grandma’s brooch as a hairpin

Close-up of a bride’s hairstyle with a vintage brooch used as a hairpin, showing soft wavy hair and part of a white wedding dress.

Turn your grandma’s brooch into a special hairpin for your wedding day. It adds a touch of history and meaning to your look.

This small detail connects you with family and brings a unique charm. Using a brooch in your hairstyle can be both beautiful and personal.

It fits with many styles, from updos to loose waves.

5) Borrow a close friend’s bracelet

Close-up of a bride's hand wearing a delicate bracelet resting on a bouquet of flowers.

Borrow a bracelet from a close friend for your wedding day. It adds a personal touch and shows the strength of your friendship.

A bracelet is easy to wear or keep as a charm. This small item can bring comfort and meaning as you walk down the aisle.

6) Incorporate your aunt’s lace gloves

Close-up of a bride's hands wearing vintage lace gloves holding a small wedding bouquet with white and pastel flowers.

Add a sweet touch by wearing your aunt’s lace gloves. They show respect for family traditions and add vintage charm to your look.

Try pairing the gloves with a simple dress to let their delicate details stand out. You could also keep them as a keepsake after the wedding, reminding you of your family’s love.

7) Wear borrowed pearl earrings

Close-up of a bride wearing pearl earrings on her wedding day, smiling softly in a softly lit room.

Borrowed pearl earrings add tradition to your wedding. They can hold special meaning, especially if they belonged to a family member or friend.

Pearls are classic and elegant, so they match almost any outfit. You get to carry a little piece of your loved one’s story as you say your vows.

8) Use your mother-in-law’s wedding ring as a charm

A bride's hand holding a wedding bouquet, wearing a vintage wedding ring.

Borrow your mother-in-law’s wedding ring and turn it into a charm for your bracelet or necklace. This way, you carry a meaningful piece of family history with you.

It connects you to her on your big day and honors family traditions.

9) Borrow your best friend’s shoes

A bride sitting while her best friend helps her put on a pair of wedding shoes in a softly lit room.

Wearing your best friend’s shoes adds a personal touch. It’s a simple way to carry their support and love as you walk down the aisle.

Pick shoes that match your style and feel comfortable. This borrowed item can bring special meaning without much effort.

10) Dance to a borrowed first dance song

A bride and groom sharing their first dance at a wedding reception surrounded by softly lit decorations and guests.

Borrow your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding song for your first dance. It adds a sweet connection to your family’s story.

This idea can surprise your guests and honors the love story that came before yours.

11) Carry a bouquet wrapped with borrowed ribbon

A bride holding a wedding bouquet wrapped with a vintage ribbon.

Wrap your bridal bouquet with ribbon borrowed from a family member or close friend. Maybe it’s lace from a relative’s dress or a ribbon from a special gift.

This small touch adds meaning and keeps tradition alive. It also just looks beautiful and personal as you walk down the aisle.

12) Wear a borrowed shawl or wrap

A bride outdoors wearing a white wedding dress and a delicate shawl draped over her shoulders, standing in a garden with flowers and greenery.

Add a borrowed shawl or wrap to your outfit for a special touch. It’s easy to wear and keeps you warm if the weather turns cool.

Choose a piece with meaning, like one from a family member. It’s a simple way to honor the something borrowed tradition.

13) Use borrowed cufflinks for the groom

Close-up of a groom's hand adjusting silver cufflinks on a white dress shirt cuff, wearing a dark suit jacket.

Borrowed cufflinks add meaning to the groom’s look. Wear cufflinks from a family member, like your father or grandfather.

They’re small but special items you carry all day. It’s a nice reminder of support and love.

14) Borrow a meaningful family photo for your bouquet

A bride holding a wedding bouquet with a small framed family photo nestled among the flowers.

Borrow a small family photo and tuck it into your bouquet. This adds a personal touch and honors loved ones.

Pick a picture that means something special to you. It can remind you of family support as you walk down the aisle.

This simple idea keeps family close, even if they can’t be there in person. It’s a sweet way to borrow love and memories.

15) Incorporate a borrowed family recipe in the menu

A wedding reception table with floral centerpieces, vintage crockery, a handwritten family recipe card, and homemade baked goods.

You can add a special touch to your wedding by including a borrowed family recipe in your menu. Maybe it’s your grandma’s famous cake or a dish that holds meaning for your family.

This idea brings a sense of warmth and tradition to your celebration. Why not talk to your caterer about how to feature it during your reception?

It’s a simple way to honor your roots and share a piece of your family history with your guests.

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