When it comes to “something borrowed” ideas, some soonly-weds find themselves stumped. But thanks to these recently married Pittsburghers, you’ll have plenty to inspire your own take on this tradition. From family heirloom jewelry to items used in other family member’s weddings to even something that speaks to so many COVID-era brides, here are some unique ways to incorporate “something borrowed” into your big day!

Purse
After Nicole was stressing about where to keep her wedding day essentials, her sister offered the clutch she carried on her own wedding day. Not only did the bride now have a place to keep things like her lipstick and phone, but her “something borrowed” was found too!

Cake Knife Set
Not only do Rachel and her now in-laws share the same wedding anniversary, but they also shared the same cake serving set. Rachel and her new husband used the same knife and server that his parents did on their wedding day 28 years earlier.

Ring Bearer Pillow
Alyssa’s brother and cousin carried this ring bearer pillow down the aisle at their aunt’s wedding over a decade ago. Alyssa’s aunt had kept it all these years and let Alyssa’s ring bearer borrow it for her big day.

Jewelry
To honor her memory, Theresa wore her late grandma’s engagement ring on her wedding day. After COVID altered their original plans, the new date of her wedding just also happened to be her grandmother’s birthday. It was like the universe totally aligned for this one!

As a sweet tribute to her late grandmother, Andreah added one of her brooches to her bridal bouquet wrap. The brooch is one of the few items that once belonged to her grandmother that Andreah’s family still owns, so it was holds extra meaning.

Hannah borrowed her future sister-in-law’s earrings that she wore on her wedding day. She said it felt extra special to wear something of someone whom she admired so much while she was officially becoming their family member.

Alexis’s cousin Kara gifted her with a very meaningful “something borrowed” the night before her bridal shower. Kara secretly worked with a local jeweler to design a ring using a citrine gemstone from their grandmother, who passed away when Alexis was little. The ring will become a family heirloom that is passed around and worn during special moments and events in family member’s lives.

At some point after college, Leah lost her sorority pin. Later, on her wedding day, Leah’s sorority sister gave her hers to borrow, which Leah pinned to her bridal bouquet wrap.

Someone’s Home!
In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, so many weddings were moved from traditional venues to right at home. What is more a sign of the times than a bride’s “something borrowed” being someone else’s home? Sarah’s in-laws graciously opened up their home to host their son and new daughter-in-law’s wedding celebration. Balloons lined the entry walkway and every room in the house was transformed into a romantic, candlelight-filled space fit for a special occasion. The office was turned into the bar, a sweetheart table sat in front of the living room’s fire place, and the deck became the dance floor. Sarah says, “They made it an unforgettable evening we were truly blessed to have had.”

What was your “something borrowed”? Share your idea with us by uploading a photo to social media and tagging @burghbrides and using #burghbrides.