Believe them if you dare…wedding folklore has its fair share of superstitions said to bring bad luck to newlyweds.  While it is safe to say most of these traditions are no match for modern day nuptials, if you are a superstitious person, you may want to consider some of these bizarre customs throughout your wedding planning journey. 

Marriage ceremonies are steeped in history, with culture, religion and the couple customizing them to fit into their lifestyle.  It is no surprise that so many traditions and superstitions have emerged over the years and are still practiced today.  Whether couples incorporate them into their wedding day to honor grandparents, parents or their own heritage, it is a sweet and sentimental addition that helps make a wedding day even more symbolic.  We are going to break down some of these  superstitions and see how they compare to modern day weddings.  Read on for some silly (and maybe a little spooky) wedding superstitions…

Tying the Knot on a Saturday

”Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses and Saturday no luck at all”.  

Saturday is one of the most popular days to get married and for good reason, however wedding folklore states that couples should avoid a Saturday wedding at all costs. Tradition states that Saturday is, in fact, the unluckiest day to get married.  Tell that to venues and vendors alike that can easily charge a higher price for Saturday night events due to the demand. 

Seeing Each Other Before You Say “I Do”

First looks have become a staple in modern day weddings, offering an extremely intimate moment for the couple, and allowing them to get their couple, bridal party and family photos done before the party.  While many wedding planners agree that a first look has its benefits, tradition states that it is not a good idea to see each other before the ceremony. This superstition dates back to the time of arranged marriages when people believed that if a couple saw each other prior, it would give them a chance to change their minds about the wedding.

Using Your Married Name Before Saying “I Do”

Using your married name before actually tying the knot is considered taboo and some even think you are tempting fate.  There are a lot of negative feelings associated with using your married name too soon, some superstitions even believe it will result in the event not taking place.  It doesn’t end there…trying your full wedding attire on before the big day is another superstition that ends in bad luck for the couple.  So when going to fittings…leave some clothing items out for safe keeping if you believe in this superstition.

Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

This is certainly a sweet and sentimental moment after tying the knot…but do you know the tradition is steeped in superstition?  It began in medieval Europe, when it was believed that a bride was extra vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet.  In order to avoid bringing the evil spirits into their new life and home, the groom carried the bride, making sure to bypass any bad luck.

Knives as Wedding Gifts

A new set of knives is a common registry gift, however according to legend, knives symbolize the cutting or breaking of a relationship and a  surefire invitation for a marriage filled with quarrels.  If this gift of bad luck is too much for you to take, we suggest leaving the knives off the registry or mailing a penny back to the giver making it a purchase rather than a gift!

Dropping the Wedding Rings

This somewhat spooky folklore states that should someone drop the ring(s) at the time of the ceremony, that person (regardless of their role in the wedding) is the next to die!  While we do not believe there is one ounce of truth to this superstition, it might be a good idea to make sure you have an extra tight grip on those rings when it is time to swap them! 

Wearing Pearls on Your Wedding Day

What some may feel is a wedding staple, and often the “borrowed” in the time honored wedding tradition, pearls symbolize the exact opposite of what you may think.  According to several cultures, pearls embody the look of tears and point to sadness and suffering.  With that being said, it is probably best to keep them far away from such an important day. 

Crossing Paths With a Monk or a Nun on the Way to the Wedding

According to British folklore, if you see a nun or a monk (both of whom have taken vows of chastity and poverty) on your way to your wedding ceremony you will be blighted with a barren life and dependent on the good will of others. Modern day nuptials are less likely to  happen in a place of worship as they were years ago, so this may not be a huge concern. However, if you desire to have a family with your beloved we urge you to stay clear of any extremely devout members of the church. 

Most wedding superstitions have historical roots with origins in folklore, religious rituals and symbolism and have been passed down through generations of marriages. While most of them are silly and far fetched…if you are the superstitious type you may want to proceed with caution when it comes to these amusing traditions.

With every bit of superstition that surrounds our wedding traditions, there are also just as many good luck customs that are sentimental and special to wedding ceremonies. We love the idea of couples taking these traditions and making them their own while incorporating them into their special day.  Take a look at our blog, St. Patrick’s Day Edition: Traditions That Bring Good Luck to Newlyweds for some great ideas.