Wedding traditions and superstitions

Since I’ve been researching weddings over the last few months, I’ve come across some interesting, strange and funny traditions and superstitions which have been carried through the ages.

So did you know…?

It was unlucky for a woman to marry a man whose surname began with the same letter as their own..

The term honeymoon originates from the days when a man captured his bride..

It is thought to be unlucky for a Bride to make her own wedding dress..

It’s the Best-man’s job to protect the Groom from bad luck..

Veils are worn to disguise the Bride  and outwit evil spirits..

In past times, getting married on a Saturday was considered unlucky. It is now the most popular day..

Who ever buys the first new item after marriage will be the dominant one (that’ll be most Brides then!)..

Other traditions

According to this rhyme, you should choose your wedding dress colour with caution..

Married in White, you have chosen right,
Married in Blue, your love will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Brown, you will live in town,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink,
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back.

A green dress is considered unlucky to all but Irish brides. Green represents promiscuity (rolling round in the grass and getting grass stains..!!!)

Flowers

According to tradition;

• Peonies represent shame..
• Roses represent love..
• Snowdrops represent hope.

A mix of red and white flowers are traditionally avoided as they represent blood and bandages (never a good start!)

And the tradition most commonly followed today..

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in your shoe

• Something old represents the couple’s close friends who will remain close during their marriage
• Something new represents the new life the couple will spend together
• Something borrowed represents a valued family item, which must be returned to ensure good luck
• Something blue represents fidelity
• A silver sixpence represents wealth for the couple