While many individuals believe that Friday the 13th is unlucky, just as many reject that idea as an outdated superstition. This got us thinking about how many bridal superstitions surround weddings, some of which are well known and others not so much.
Here are five of our favourites, some because they make sense and others simply because they made us laugh.
1. It will rain on your wedding day
While most women would prefer to avoid it, if the heavens open on your big day, it is considered good luck (every cloud!). Rain on your wedding day, according to superstition, means cleansing and fertility, so grab your umbrella and cheers to tradition!
2. Taking off the wedding bands
It was always assumed that if someone dropped one of the rings during the wedding ceremony, they would be the next person to pop their clogs! Perhaps not a superstition to mention if your best man has butterfingers on your wedding day!!
3. Veils serve a purpose other than fashion
You could be forgiven for assuming that a veil was primarily intended to complement your bridal gown, add a touch of tradition, and make you look... well...pretty. While all of this is true, the ancient Greeks believed that a veil protected the bride from evil spirits and curses - eek!
4. Walking around with a sixpence in your shoe
The Victorian custom of placing a sixpence inside the bride's shoe before the ceremony was supposed to bring good luck and wealth to the marriage. We're not sure about the comfort factor, but if you want to continue with the tradition without the blisters, you could tie it to the underside of your shoe.
5. Putting on something borrowed
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue — according to superstition, the 'borrowed' part should come from a long-standing, happy marriage. The notion is that their happy marriage will rub off on you and provide you with years of married happiness, which sounds good to us!
6. Smashing the glass
Well, you read it right...breaking glass is considered good luck. In Italy, the happy couple usually smashes a glass or vase on their wedding day, and the number of pieces they smash it into represents the number of years they'll be happily married.
7. Being carried over the line
According to ancient superstition, evil spirits could enter the bride by her feet, which is why the groom would typically carry her over the threshold. If your partner complains about needing to hoist you up, remind them that you're saving the marital house from intruders!
8. Take note of the new signature!
Okay, we know that many brides like practising their new signature in the run-up to their wedding day. That's OK, but don't use it for conventional good luck until it's official. Many people believe that using your married name before the wedding is bad luck and should be avoided.
9. Avoid weddings on Saturdays
Although Saturday is one of the most popular days for weddings, according to old English folklore, Saturday is an unlucky day to get married and couples should choose a weekday instead. Oh, and avoid Friday the 13th as well, for reasons obvious!
So, do you think wedding superstitions should be observed or are they a little out of date? Which will you be following, if any?
Let us know, and in the meantime, if you're looking for your 'something ivory,' check out our short wedding dresses—one that's trendy and off the list!
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