Wedding Superstitions Explained

Want to know where some of the most common and obscure wedding traditions come from before you start following them? Here we explain the meanings behind classics like wearing something blue and proposing on one knee…

Whether you’re superstitious or not, sometimes it can be hard not to get swept up in deep-rooted traditions that have been around for centuries.

And, the wedding world certainly seems to have more than it’s fair share of weird and wonderful wedding traditions that couples often follow without even knowing why they’re doing it! If you spend your life avoiding black cats and not crossing anyone on the stairs, then you might want to make a comprehensive list of all the superstitions to be aware of in the run-up to and during your wedding day, many of which were believed to ward off evil spirits.

Perhaps you’re the complete opposite and don’t believe in any of them, so are throwing caution to the wind and planning to ignore them all. Whatever your take on these age-old wedding superstitions, it can be fascinating to learn where they came from and why we still follow them to this day.

Here, we’ve covered everything from the most famous “something old, something new, something borrowed…” poem to the wedding traditions surrounding your wedding cake, so you can decide which ones you are happy to keep and which ones you want to ditch when it comes to your big day.

Let’s start at the beginning before you’ve even got a ring on your finger…

Meaning: Most couples embrace this tradition with open arms and don’t stop to consider why on earth we go all out with a party before the even bigger party – the wedding! The origins of the hen party comes from Ancient Greece when the wedding was spilt into three distinct sections – the first being an all-female feast. Stags dos also originate from Ancient Greece, when men would gather to toast the groom to mark the end of his youth. They only became really popular in the UK in the 1960s, but when you’re having the time of your life on your hen and stag nights, you might want to raise a glass to those Ancient Greeks who certainly knew how to have a good time.

Meaning: Every couple wants it to be lovely and sunny on their wedding day, but if you have a downpour don’t be too disheartened. In some cultures rain symbolises cleansing and fertility and it is believed couples who have rain at their wedding will go on to have lots of healthy children.

Meaning: We all know that this little poem is meant to bring you good luck on your wedding day, but why and where did it come from? The rhyme originates from Victorian times and it simply represents all the different parts of the bride’s life coming together on her wedding day. Something old represents the bride’s past and her link to her family. Something new represents the bride’s new life with her husband (or wife) and also good fortune. Something borrowed is to remind the bride that her friends and family will be there for her throughout her married life to lend a hand and help in difficult times. And, something blue comes from even further back – the bible – where it represents purity. Wearing something blue is said to symbolise faithfulness and loyalty, both key elements of a successful marriage!

Meaning: A bit like the not seeing your partner before the wedding tradition this superstition has old-fashioned roots that you may want to ignore! When marriages were seen as business arrangements with the exchange of money (or a dowry) involved, rather than a declaration of love like it is today, the bride being given away was a symbol that she was being passed over to a new owner. In modern times, it can be a lovely symbol that a family member is giving their blessing to your new partner to join the family.

Meaning: Another rather ancient superstition that isn’t particularly relevant today. The bride historically stood on the left of the groom so he could have his right arm free to use his sword in case of an attack from anyone trying to steal his wife away. Highly unlikely to happen at a modern wedding, so best to stand on whatever side you feel comfortable with.

Meaning: Have you ever stopped to consider how weird it is that wedding guests all stand in a row and throw bits or paper or rice at the newlyweds after the wedding ceremony? Probably not, but when we put it like that it’s a pretty bizarre tradition. Confetti is actually the Italian word for sweets, which historically were thrown in celebration at festivals and carnivals. The custom spread across Europe and gradually became pieces of paper rather than sweets as they’re much less painful for the bride and groom! Rice was already being thrown before confetti became popular in the 1900s, as it was seen to be a symbol of fertility, but it’s not particularly comfortable to be hit with a load of rice in the face, so we’re glad petals and paper are more traditional now.

Meaning: This is another tradition that helps ward off evil spirits. The veil was believed to hide the bride’s beauty and back when arranged marriages were the norm it also meant the groom wouldn’t see his new bride until he’d committed to the marriage. Apparently if your friend tries on your veil after you’ve worn it, it means she’ll run off with your new husband, so you might want to hide it away once you’ve removed it!

Meaning: Back to those pesky evil spirits… the scents of all the fragrant flowers and herbs (including garlic!) within the bouquet were said to ward them off and also to make the bride smell lovely as she walked down the aisle. As for throwing the bouquet, it was the French back in the 1500s who started this tradition. The groom used to throw the bride’s garter into the crowd, but it was decided a more tasteful take on this was the throw the wedding bouquet. Apparently the person who catches it will be next to be married.

Meaning: This tradition is believed to be to help ward off any evil spirits that might be lurking in the new marital home as apparently the soles of the bride’s feet are most at risk of attracting the evil spirits.

Meaning: When you’re putting together your wedding gift list you might want to think twice about adding a posh new set of knives to your wish list. Apparently if anyone gives the gift of knives at a wedding it is said to cut the marriage ties or cut the friendship between the giver and receiver. The only way to stop the bad luck is to tie a penny to the knife as it is given.