One of the best parts of the old English rhyme, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue (and a sixpence for your shoe)” is picking out the actual items to carry with you. The phrase “something borrowed” has a few meanings behind it, including:
– borrowed happiness, according to The Knot.
– the support of your family and friends, according to TLC.
– the bestowing of good fortune and joy from one happily married woman to the new bride, according to Studio MSE.
Some traditional items to covet for your “something borrowed” include:
- A piece of jewelry you’ve admired on a friend or loved one (you can always kill two birds with one stone by donning a blue piece of borrowed jewelry!)
- A flower from a friend or family member’s garden you can add to your bouquet.
- Your dad’s handkerchief tucked into your bodice.
- A veil or headpiece.
- The garter your friend, sister or in-law wore on her wedding day.
Out-of-the-box “something borrowed” ideas:
- Use the wedding cake topper your parents or husband’s parents used on their cake.
- Ask your grandmother, aunt or other family member if you can borrow a vintage clutch to hold your makeup and tissues in for the big day (you’ll definitely want a chic purse to keep these contents in).
- Borrow a friend or family member’s wedding dress. Although the style may not be “modern,” your dress will have extra meaning (plus whomever you borrow it from will appreciate the compliment to their personal style). Just make sure you have the time and go-ahead to make appropriate alterations so the gown fits you.
- A bolero for a fall or winter wedding to cover up outside during pictures.
- Ask a bridesmaid if you can borrow a dollar to keep in your clutch (or pocket of your dress if you have one) until the end of the night.
