Wedding Breeze

We all know the old saying about weddings: something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. You’re not just borrowng something to wear for the wedding, you’re “borrowing” a bit of the good fortune of a happily married friend. These days, borrowing wedding items is also very practical, as it can be an excellent way to keep expenses under control. This is a look at the many things which a bride can borrow for her wedding, from the traditional to the creative.
When looking for “something borrowed,” most when opt for an item they can wear. Often it’s jewelry, like the tin cup necklace from the matron of honor’s own wedding. One bride I knew fell in love with a bridal jewelry set, but did not have the money to purchase it for herself, so she talked her mother into buying the jewelry and the bride borrowed it for the wedding day (her mom got to keep it after the wedding).
It’s common to borrow bridal veils. After all, unlike a classic piece of jewelry like a tin cup necklace, a veil has little use after the wedding, so it makes sense to get one on loan from a friend if you can. If the original bride will allow it, you add crystal or lace details to the veil’s tulle to match it to your gown while adding your own personal touch. Keep in mind also that it is easy to change the headpiece to which a veil is attached. The only thing that is hard to do is change the color. A veil that is darker than the dress works, but be aware that a bright veil with an ivory gown can make the dress look dingy.
Looking to shave your wedding transportation costs? Ask a friend to borrow a vehicle. Imagine how fabulous you will look driving away from your wedding in your beautiful wedding gown and tin cup necklace in a cool convertible or vintage car! And don’t forget to get the necessary insurance before borrowing a luxury vehicle. Another fun idea would be to make your getaway in a less expected fashion. If your wedding reception will take place near water, maybe you could borrow a boat from a friend. Or ride away from your country wedding on a friend’s tandem bicycle. It makes a great photo-op!
Decorations are another thing which a bride may be able to borrow for her wedding. Do you know anyone who is a collector? They could be a terrific resource for wedding décor. Perhaps you have a friend who has a great assortment of Depression glass you could use for centerpiece vessels. Perhaps your grandmother has a collection of silver-framed family pictures that could make the entryway to your ceremony sparkle. Think how fun it would be to display a formal bridal portrait of you in your gown, veil, and tin cup necklace next to your mother and grandmother’s bridal portraits. These personal touches make a wedding special.
There’s almost no limit on the things a bride could possibly borrow for her ceremony. Make your summer evening reception sparkle with strands of white Christmas lights from your mom’s attic. See if your aunt will lend you a funky old “shabby chic” dresser she restored to display the escort cards. They they said “Neither a borrower nor a lender be,” they weren’t talking about weddings!