10 wedding superstitions that date back decades but are still prevalent today (2024)

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A wedding day is a magical event full of love, traditions and sometimes superstitions.

Every wedding is unique to the couple who is celebrating.

Some weddings tend to be more traditional, while others take a more modern approach.

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Many weddings do a little bit of both.

There are many different superstitions that are said to bring luck, both good and bad, to a couple. Here are just a few.

10 wedding superstitions that date back decades but are still prevalent today (2)

There are many superstitions about weddings — here are 10. (iStock)

  1. Rain on the wedding day
  2. History of the veil
  3. ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’
  4. Bouquet toss
  5. Most popular day to get married is also the most unlucky
  6. Don’t fear the spider
  7. Bad luck to see a bride
  8. Knives as a wedding gift
  9. The more tears, the better
  10. Dropping your maiden name too soon

1. Rain on the wedding day

One of the most popular wedding superstitions is that rain on a wedding day brings good luck.

Less than ideal weather could strike at any time, so if you do see raindrops on your big day, this superstition is one worth believing.

On the brighter side of a rainy wedding, the showers do make for beautiful, romantic photos. While it may not seem ideal at the time, saying "I do" in a rainy setting is a unique memory you won’t forget.

2. History of the veil

Many brides wear beautiful veils as part of their wedding attire, but brides used to wear them with protection as the purpose.

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This originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed a veil protected a bride from evil spirits.

3. ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’

A popular superstition is that a bride must wear "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" on her wedding day.

Each of these things serves a very specific purpose.

Something old represents the past, while something new represents the future. It’s believed that when a bride wears something borrowed from a married woman, the luck of her marriage will be transferred.

10 wedding superstitions that date back decades but are still prevalent today (3)

Brides will sometimes incorporate "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" into their wedding attire. (iStock)

Something blue represents "fidelity and love’s purity," according to the Brides website.

The last part of the rhyme that is often forgotten is a sixpence in your shoe. Historically, the father of the bride would put a sixpence in his daughter’s shoe as a sign of good luck and prosperity, according to Brides.com. Today, if a couple believes in this superstition, they often go with a penny instead.

4. Bouquet toss

One common tradition at weddings today is the bouquet toss.

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At a wedding reception, the single ladies will all stand together, while the bride tosses her bouquet in their direction.

The lucky lady who catches the bouquet is said to be the next to marry.

The bouquet toss is quite a competition at some weddings. Be careful, or you might catch an elbow in the eye.

5. Most popular day to get married is also the most unlucky

Saturday is the most popular day of the week to get married, and it’s not hard to guess why.

As far as scheduling goes, many people have Saturdays and Sundays off from work, so a Saturday wedding doesn’t require them to take time off, and they can enjoy the following day off too.

10 wedding superstitions that date back decades but are still prevalent today (4)

Saturday is the most popular day to have a wedding because it is the easiest day for everyone to attend. (iStock)

That said, a wedding superstition is that Saturdays are actually the worst day to get married.

This superstition originates from an old Celtic poem.

"Monday for abundance, Tuesday for wellness, Wednesday is the greatest day of all, Thursday for the losses, Friday for wedding crosses, and Saturday for no luck at all."

6. Don’t fear the spider

If you see a spider on your wedding dress, don’t be afraid.

This is actually thought to be a sign of good luck, according to an old English tradition.

7. Bad luck to see a bride

For many years, it has been thought as bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the ceremony.

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The tradition of the couple not seeing each other before the ceremony is one that has evolved in more modern times.

Many couples still choose to stick with this tradition and wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time. Others have opted for the more modern first look. With a first look, a bride and groom meet at a designated place before the ceremony to see each other for the very first time.

Sometimes, the bride and groom will share their vows privately with each other at this moment.

Both of these ways are still popular at weddings today.

8. Knives as a wedding gift

Items for the house are a common gift on wedding registries, but if you are a superstitious bride, maybe refrain from putting knives on the list.

Ancient legend suggests that knives symbolize breaking a relationship. So, maybe ask for pots and pans instead.

9. The more tears, the better

There are typically a lot of tears shed at a wedding.

But don’t worry, tears are a good thing. The superstition is that a bride crying at her wedding means all her tears have been shed and a happy marriage lies ahead.

10 wedding superstitions that date back decades but are still prevalent today (5)

A bride crying on her wedding day is actually thought to be good luck. (iStock)

So, don’t be afraid to shed a few tears throughout the day, so long as it doesn’t ruin your makeup, of course.

10. Dropping your maiden name too soon

Soon-to-be brides are often excited about taking their future husband's name and may start using it before the wedding day.

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It is a superstition that using your future spouse's last name too soon will prevent the wedding from happening.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.

10 wedding superstitions that date back decades but are still prevalent today (2024)

FAQs

10 wedding superstitions that date back decades but are still prevalent today? ›

Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

This superstition began in medieval Europe, when many believed that a bride was extra vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. To avoid bringing in any evil spirits, the groom carried the bride into their new home.

What is an example of a superstitious belief in a wedding? ›

Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

This superstition began in medieval Europe, when many believed that a bride was extra vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. To avoid bringing in any evil spirits, the groom carried the bride into their new home.

What is the superstition about the wedding start time? ›

Start Time? There's also an old superstition that says the minute hand of the clock should be moving in an upward motion during the ceremony, which means you would want to start at half-past the hour for good luck — if you believe in that sort of thing, that is.

What are the superstitions about wedding rehearsal? ›

The bride is never supposed to practice walking down the aisle during her rehearsal. Apparently, this practice will bring bad luck or evil spirits to the bride.

What is the superstition about wedding months? ›

Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day. Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you'll go. Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bred. Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine.

What are three superstition examples? ›

Speaking of superstitions, here are eight common superstitious notions and the meaning behind them.
  • Opening Umbrellas Inside. ...
  • Black Cats. ...
  • Walking Under Ladders. ...
  • Breaking Mirrors. ...
  • Tossing Spilled Salt Over Shoulder. ...
  • Knocking On Wood. ...
  • Finding A Four-Leaf Clover. ...
  • The Curse of the Scottish Play.
Aug 2, 2023

What is the luckiest month to get married? ›

Most dates during the months of March, May and June are considered “lucky” days for a wedding, with Stardust highlighting the following ranges in particular: March 1-23, March 25-31, May 1- 23 and May 25-June 23.

Why is July unlucky for weddings? ›

The belief that July is an unlucky month for weddings is a superstition that has endured for generations. It's origins can be traced to several old, anonymous rhymes that warn couples married in July of everything from bitter-sweet memories to laboring for daily bread!

What day is bad luck to get married? ›

Wednesday is the luckiest day to marry and Saturday is the unluckiest. An auspicious rhyme from English folklore rules: "Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday best of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday for no luck at all." Sprinkling the bride with wheat or rice brings fruitfulness.

What is the superstition about knives at a wedding? ›

According to superstitions around the world, specifically within European countries, if you give a knife as a wedding gift, it can cause a chaotic marriage. In this case, instead of giving the couple an item that signifies you bless their wedding, you're warning them that their marriage won't be anything but a mess.

What is the superstition about wearing red to a wedding? ›

And while you might see rumors floating around the web that wearing red means you had a fling with the groom, ignore those. There are no hidden meanings to any colors of wedding guest attire.

What are the superstitions about wedding colors? ›

Wearing white.

Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you'll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true.

What are some examples of superstitious beliefs? ›

Here, then, are 13 of the most common superstitions.
  • 666.
  • Careful with that mirror. ...
  • Bad luck comes in threes. ...
  • A rabbit's foot will bring you luck. ...
  • Black cats crossing your path. ...
  • Don't walk under that ladder! ...
  • Find a penny, pick it up,,, ...
  • Beginner's luck. ...
Jan 13, 2012

What is the superstition about pearls at weddings? ›

In some cultures, wearing pearls on your wedding day is frowned upon, as they are said to represent the tears that you'll shed during your marriage. Grim or what? But in other cultures, wearing pearls on your wedding day is meant to prevent tears during your marriage.

What is the superstition about seeing the bride before the wedding? ›

A very common wedding superstition to this day is that the groom mustn't see the bride before the wedding. This emerged from a time when arranged marriages were commonplace, and was practiced to ensure the groom would go through with the marriage regardless of the bride-to-be's identity or appearance.

What is the superstition about the wedding candles? ›

The spouse on whose side the wedding candle is lit last will be a submissve partner. If the flame dies out on one of the wedding candles, it means the spouse, on whose side the unlit candle belongs to will die ahead of the other.

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