From silk shoes to tulle trains, cake toppers to a wedding kimono, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum cordially invites guests to see one of its latest exhibits, “Something Borrowed: Memories Down the Aisle.”

Along with gorgeous and unexpected gown styles preserved since 1896 — one has a 14-inch waistline — to heirlooms, poetry, work by popular wedding photographer Victor Monsour and sweet wedding stories, it’s a collection for anyone interested in clothing and fashion or looking for inspiration to plan their own wedding.

Some of the items have been in the museum’s collection for some time, according to Anna Alamond, Imperial Calcasieu Museum. The rest of the exhibit is “something borrowed” from locals who brought their wedding memorabilia to the museum for the exhibit. Three generations of Alamond family wedding mementos are represented in the exhibit, along with details of the night of Brenda and Lionel’s 1968 Christmas Eve wedding. The car was borrowed. The honeymoon consisted of a theatrical performance of “Romeo and Juliet.”

One of the most touching wedding stories was submitted by Dianne Bennett, who like many women of her era, had imagined the perfect wedding day — and dress — for some time. Sarah Quinn Jones’ veil is on display, imported from Paris and purchased for her by her brother, Gus.

The story of Anna Chenault’s wedding begins, “I am a fortunate woman, for I was married to a great man who loved me. Most men who have the time to accomplish this have no time for small things, little time for tenderness, the many little things this great man did to make me happy.” She was married to Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault for whom the Chennault International Airport is named.

The museum is located at 204 Sallier St. in Lake Charles. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday. Closed Sunday and Monday.