Good Luck/Bad Luck: Wedding Superstitions and Traditions

On this Friday, the 13th, we thought it would be fun to share some wedding-related superstitions with you.

Of course, we all know the ubiquitous “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” This phrase is believed to have originated in Victorian times. The “something old” symbolizes continuity with the bride’s past and her family and traditionally is often a garter of an older family member who has been happily married, trusting that her good fortune would be passed on. The “something new” symbolizes the hope and optimism the couple has in their future and often can be the bride’s jewelry or even gown.

“Something borrowed” is on loan from a happily married family member or friend and can be something like jewelry, a veil or a handkerchief to carry. Finally, “something blue” represents love, modesty and fidelity and hearkens back to ancient Rome. The blue can often be found in the bride’s bouquet, sewn into her dress, a ribbon on her garter, or even her shoes can be her blue, thanks to the huge trend of colored bridal shoes.

There is an often left-out verse in this rhyme – “and a sixpence in her shoe”. The sixpence is an English coin (equivalent to about 6¢), and it’s placement in the bride’s shoe represents wealth and financial security.

Here are a few more interesting superstitions to ponder:
According to Greek tradition, for good luck, a bride should slip a sugar cube into her glove, which will ensure a sweet union.

English tradition and folklore says that Wednesday is the best day to marry while Monday is for health and Tuesday is for wealth – and that Saturday is the unluckiest day to marry! We think millions of brides would disagree since Saturday is, of course, the most popular day for weddings.

Another English belief is that a spider found in a wedding dress is good luck! Eek!

The tradition of the groom carrying his bride over their threshold is to protect her from evil spirits. Awww!

Hindu tradition claims it is actually good luck for it to rain on your wedding day and representative of children in the couple’s future.

It is said to be best to marry on the half hour, when the clock hands are moving up rather than at a time when the hands are moving down the clock, symbolizing the marriage going downhill.

There are so many more funny wedding traditions and superstitions that we could just go on, but we’ll leave you with this last one for now: it is said to be bad luck to shop for wedding rings on Friday, the 13th. Not sure if we believe that, but we are wishing you all the best of luck in your wedding planning and marriages!