Wedding 101

The Wedding Superstitions You Never Knew About

The Save to Loverly button makes it easy to save your dream wedding inspiration and vendors to your planning dashboard.

We all have that one (or more) superstition(s) that sometimes take over our life even if we deny we believe in these practices. Whether you are superstitious or not, there are some wedding superstitions that you should be aware of before the big day. It’s up to your own discretion whether you should believe in these or not, but don’t blame us if something goes awry... we tried to warn you!

We’ve All Heard This One Before…

It’s a superstition as old as time: you can’t see your significant other before the wedding. Not so long ago, couples weren’t supposed to see each other so the groom wouldn’t have a chance to change his mind (hello sexist much: what about the bride changing her mind?). ANYWAY, you can stick to tradition or throw this superstition out the window and spend the night together, or send goofy selfies to each other getting ready. We are pretty sure a quick glimpse of each other won’t destroy your marriage.

via Loverly Real Weddings

Moving on to More Exciting (and Greener) Things!

Before the white wedding dress became popular in the 1940s, soon-to-be-brides would often wear their best dress on hand to the ceremony. However, the color green was absolutely off-limits. This practice comes from an ancient Irish and Scottish tradition that forbade women from wearing any green on her big day, explaining that the color was dangerous and associated with fairies who would destroy the person wearing green if they were discovered.

Couple laying bed, man wearing socks.
via Loverly Real Weddings

Speaking of Off-limits Colors…

Did you know that some believe you should avoid yellow roses on your wedding day? If not, you will be green with envy! This association stems from the Victorian book The Langauge of Flowers which assigns flowers to corresponding emotions. It’s up to you if you believe this superstition, but we say yellow sounds like a find color to include in your bouquets.

Three bridesmaids wearing the same yellow dress.
via Loverly Real Weddings

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Many American brides dread the possibility of a rainy wedding day, but in the Hindu tradition, a rainy wedding is a sign of good luck and is seen as a blessing.

Newlyweds looking at each other.
via Loverly Real Weddings

Unless You Get Married in May!

According to the Romans, you should avoid saying “I do” during the month of May at all costs. This superstition stems from the festival of the dead Romans held in May. There is even a rhyme to warn nearlyweds: “Marry in the month of May, and you’ll surely rue the day.” We say the date doesn’t matter. Plus, if you are married in May then perhaps deceased relatives and friends can join the ceremony.

Bride with bridesmaids.
via Loverly Real Weddings

Let’s Talk Fashion

Denmark couples would often "cross-dress" for their wedding so as to confuse evil spirits. Now, this is a superstition we can get behind. Who doesn't look good in a well-tailored suit?

Photo by Joanna Nix-Walkup via Unsplash

Speaking of Those Pesty Demons...

Did you know that the wedding veil was meant to ward off evil spirits? Brings a whole new meaning to finding the perfect veil, no? So long as someone wears the veil, you will be sure to keep demons at bay on your big day.

via Loverly Real Weddings

Back to the Hidden Power of Accessories

One of the oldest wedding superstitions comes from and Indian tradition which asks the couple to let a cat eat out of their left shoe a week before their wedding ceremony. But be careful! The shoes must be the one the bride or groom will be wearing on their wedding day!

Cat sitting on cushion behind curtains.
Photo by Elina Sazonova from Pexels

On the Topic of Shoes

Many may be aware of the tradition of throwing rice or confetti at the newlywed couple after they saw their vows. But did you know that in Tudor times, family and friends tossed shoes at the couple after the ceremony? A lot more painful of a tradition. 

Shoes and flower bouquet on floor.
Photo by Terje Sollie from Pexels

Cats May Be Good Luck, But Spiders are Not

A cute and fluffy cat can bring luck to your wedding but finding a spider spinning a web on your wedding dress is equivalent to a wedding-day catastrophe according to English lore which dictates this sight to be a bad omen. Maybe don’t invite a spider to your wedding... not that we are afraid of bad omens or anything.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen via Unsplash

Whether you celebrate these traditions, swear by these superstitions, or do your own thing, remember that the most important takeaway is as long as you love your partner that is enough good fortune to last a lifetime.

Elizabeth Berry
About The Author
Writer living in Connecticut.
More like this
Plan your wedding like a pro.
Follow
Join our newsletter: