Weddings are full of joy, emotion, and… a surprising number of superstitions. Whether you’re the type who throws salt over your shoulder or the type who rolls your eyes at the very idea, these old beliefs have woven themselves into our celebrations for centuries.
As a celebrant, I’ve seen couples embrace them, ignore them, laugh at them, and occasionally panic over them. So, let’s take a wander through some of the most well‑known wedding superstitions — where they came from, what they mean, and whether they still have a place in modern love stories.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
This is the big one, we’ve all heard of it — the superstition even the most modern couples keep.
- Something old symbolises continuity
- Something new represents optimism for the future
- Something borrowed brings good luck from a happily married friend
- Something blue stands for fidelity and love
And yes, the forgotten final line — “and a silver sixpence in her shoe” — was meant to bring prosperity. Not ideal for comfort, but perfect for tradition lovers.
This is one of the most searched‑for UK wedding traditions, so including it in your planning is both meaningful and wonderfully timeless.
Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony
This superstition dates back to arranged marriages, when families worried that the couple might change their minds if they met beforehand.
Today, many couples choose a first look — a private, emotional moment before the ceremony. Others prefer the traditional aisle reveal. There’s no right or wrong here; it’s simply about what feels right to you.
If you’re planning a personalised wedding ceremony, this is a lovely moment to discuss with your celebrant.
Rain on Your Wedding Day
Despite the jokes, rain on your wedding day is actually considered lucky in many cultures. It symbolises cleansing, renewal, and fertility.
Of course, it can also symbolise frizzy hair and damp shoes… but with a good sense of humour (and a decent umbrella), it becomes part of your story. Many couples in Lincolnshire have embraced this with beautiful photos and even more beautiful memories.
Dropping the Rings
This one tends to make people nervous, but in some traditions, dropping the rings is actually seen as good luck. The sound of metal hitting the ground was believed to scare away evil spirits.
So if your best man fumbles, don’t panic — just smile and carry on. It’s one of those wedding myths that’s far less dramatic than people think. Just don’t forget them, yes that has happened !
The Bride Standing on the Groom’s Foot
A quirky old superstition claims that if the bride subtly steps on the groom’s foot during the ceremony, she’ll “have the upper hand” in the marriage.
Personally, I think the healthiest marriages are built on teamwork, respect, and shared snacks — but if you see a bride gently shifting her weight mid‑vows, you’ll know why.
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
This tradition goes back to ancient Rome, where it was believed that evil spirits lurked at the doorway of the home. Lifting the bride ensured she didn’t bring any bad luck inside.
Today, it’s more of a romantic gesture — though depending on the height of the doorway and the groom’s gym membership status, it can also be a comedy moment.
Why We Still Love These Traditions
Superstitions aren’t really about fear anymore. They’re about connection — to history, to family, and to the generations who celebrated love before us.
Whether you embrace them wholeheartedly or treat them with a wink and a smile, they add colour and storytelling to your day. As a Lincolnshire wedding celebrant, I love weaving these personal touches into ceremonies that feel warm, meaningful, and unmistakably “you”.
Your Day, Your Way
At the end of the day, the only “rules” that matter are the ones that feel right for you. If you want to wear blue shoes, see each other before the ceremony, or dance in the rain — do it. If you want to skip every superstition and create your own modern wedding traditions, even better.
Your wedding should reflect your personalities, your values, and your love story — not a list of old beliefs whispered through history.
And if you’d like a ceremony filled with warmth, humour, and authenticity (superstitions optional), I’d love to help you create it.
Get in touch at hello@fionawrightclebrant.co.uk