diff --git a/lib/simple_form/form_builder.rb b/lib/simple_form/form_builder.rb
index b117d675b..7ce448b5e 100644
--- a/lib/simple_form/form_builder.rb
+++ b/lib/simple_form/form_builder.rb
@@ -174,7 +174,9 @@ def association(association, options={}, &block)
       raise "Association #{association.inspect} not found" unless reflection
 
       options[:as] ||= :select
-      options[:collection] ||= reflection.klass.all(reflection.options.slice(:conditions, :order))
+      options[:collection] ||= options.fetch(:collection) {
+        reflection.klass.all(reflection.options.slice(:conditions, :order))
+      }
 
       attribute = case reflection.macro
         when :belongs_to
diff --git a/test/form_builder/association_test.rb b/test/form_builder/association_test.rb
index a2c81d977..95bbd3008 100644
--- a/test/form_builder/association_test.rb
+++ b/test/form_builder/association_test.rb
@@ -79,6 +79,12 @@ def with_association_for(object, *args)
     assert_select 'form select option[value=3]', 'Company 3'
   end
 
+  test 'builder creates blank select if collection is nil' do
+    with_association_for @user, :company, :collection => nil
+    assert_select 'form select.select#user_company_id'
+    assert_no_select 'form select option[value=1]', 'Company 1'
+  end
+
   test 'builder allows collection radio for belongs_to associations' do
     with_association_for @user, :company, :as => :radio_buttons
     assert_select 'form input.radio_buttons#user_company_id_1'