Your wedding is such a big day that it’s natural to feel anxious about it. On top of all the nerves you’re already grappling with for purely rational reasons, you might also be stressed by the sometimes millennia-old superstitions surrounding these special occasions.

Superstitions have played a surprisingly influential role in the world’s many different celebrations of love and can make wedding participants and attendees feel more connected to their roots. While there are some wedding superstitions that different cultures and religions share – such as how it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding garb before she walks down the aisle – each also has their own vast and deep collection of traditions that can bring the couple good tidings for their upcoming future.

Western Wedding Traditions and Superstitions

• Something Old, Something New

Based on an Old English rhyme, this well-known Western wedding tradition suggests that the bride should wear something old to symbolize her past, something new for her future, something borrowed from a happily married friend or family member for good luck and something blue to represent fidelity and purity.

• Tossing the Bouquet and Garter

During the reception, the bride might throw her bouquet into a crowd of single women, believing that the one who catches it will get married next. Similarly, the groom might remove the bride's garter and tosses it to a group of unmarried men, and the man who catches it is said to be the next to find love.

• Carrying the Bride over the Threshold

A long-standing tradition in Western weddings is for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold of their new home after the wedding, as it is thought to protect the couple from any evil spirits or negative energy that may linger at the entrance. It can also be seen as a symbol of the groom's strength and willingness to support and care for his new wife.

Jewish Wedding Traditions and Superstitions

• Breaking the Glass

One of the most widely recognized Jewish wedding customs is the breaking of the glass. After the couple exchanges their vows under the chuppah, the groom smashes a glass wrapped in a cloth bag with his foot, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This is intended to remind the couple of life's fragility and the importance of cherishing one another and the time they have together.

The bride and groom can also bestow shards of the glass to their friends and family to wish them luck and good blessings.

• Seven Circles

During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom may partake in a tradition known as "circling," where the bride walks around the groom seven times, representing both the creation of their own little world together and the bride's protective role around the groom.

• Groom's Veiling

Sometimes for a Jewish wedding, the groom is veiled by his future father-in-law or the rabbi before the ceremony begins. This custom harks back to the biblical story of Jacob, who was tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel due to her veiled appearance. By veiling the groom, the tradition seeks to ensure that the bride and groom are marrying for love and commitment rather than physical appearance.

Hindu Wedding Traditions and Superstitions

• Mehndi (Henna)

Applying intricate mehndi designs on the bride's hands and feet is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It’s also believed that the darker the henna stain comes out, the stronger the love between the couple will be.

• Rain on the Wedding Day

While most brides might wish for clear skies on their big day, rain is generally considered a blessing in Hindu culture. Rain is seen as a symbol of fertility, abundance and cleansing that can wash away any negative energy or obstacles, purifying the path ahead for the couple. Rain is also associated with growth and prosperity, suggesting that the marriage will be fruitful and successful.

• Groom Arriving on a Horse

The groom might arrive at the venue on a decorated white horse with a procession of family and friends behind him as a tiding of good luck and prosperity for their upcoming marriage. It also has the bonus of adding a touch of grandeur to the wedding.

Enjoy Your Big Day Stress-Free in the Most Elegant Fairfax, VA Ballroom

The team at CrystalView will help your big day run smoothly so you can worry less and savor more. Our luxurious ballroom comes with robust accommodations, including world-class food vendors, veteran event planners, top-of-the-line wedding decor and all the fundamental necessities, such as high-quality A/V equipment and unlimited free parking and valet.

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