10 Weird and Wonderful Wedding Day Superstitions For Good Luck

There are so many traditions when it comes to weddings - weird, wonderful and downright whacky. A lot are superstitions and associated with bringing good luck on the day and for the future. 

For many UK couples, they simply have to follow certain traditions to keep their parents happy or follow superstitions because it’s what their grandparents did. These little quirks add a layer of charm and nostalgia to the big day, making it feel all the more special. 

So, from warding off bad luck to ensuring lifelong happiness and prosperity, here are 10 of the best wedding day superstitions to help bring good fortune to your celebration.

10 Wedding Day Superstitions

1. Something old, new, borrowed and blue

This is one of the best-known wedding traditions originating in Victorian England. Each item represents a special blessing for the bride with each ‘something’ representing an item that should be given to the bride before she walks down the aisle.

• ‘Something old’ comes from the bride’s family and symbolises continuity with the past.

• ‘Something new’ embodies optimism for the future. This is usually the rings or the dress itself. 

• ‘Something borrowed’ comes from a friend or family member who’s happily married. It’s supposed to be a sharing of the happiness for a lovely, bright future.

• ‘Something blue’ stands for fidelity and purity. The blue can be a piece of jewellery, a blue flower in the wedding bouquet, or blue writing on the bottom of the bride’s shoe.

2. The bridal veil to ward off evil spirits

Originating in ancient times, the bridal veil was traditionally worn to protect the bride from evil spirits and unwanted influences. Although today it’s largely seen as a beautiful part of the wedding outfit, many brides enjoy wearing a veil as a nod to this age-old belief. 

The veil adds elegance and a sense of tradition, and it’s often considered lucky to lift the veil just as the bride and groom seal their vows with a kiss.

3. Wedding bells for good luck

In British tradition, ringing church bells after the wedding ceremony is thought to drive away evil spirits and protect the newlyweds. Bells were rung at weddings for centuries to bring blessings, peace and prosperity to the couple. 

Today, many couples still incorporate the sound of bells into their ceremony or reception, believing it brings joy and an added layer of good luck for the future. 

4. Not seeing the bride before the ceremony

This tradition dates back to the time of arranged marriages when it was considered unlucky for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony. The belief was that seeing each other too soon might lead to second thoughts. 

Today, this custom adds to the magic and anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the altar or top of the wedding aisle. Many couples follow this tradition, enjoying the surprise and the good luck associated with it.

5. Dropping the wedding rings

While it might sound strange, dropping the wedding rings during the ceremony is actually thought to bring good luck in the UK. This belief is rooted in the idea that dropping the rings ‘shakes out’ any negative energy or bad spirits that may be lingering. 

So, if a ring slips during the ceremony, take it as a sign of good fortune. It’s a quirky little tradition, but one that brings a smile and a bit of relief should the rings happen to fall!

6. Cutting the wedding cake together

Cutting the cake together is a cherished tradition symbolising unity, partnership and shared prosperity. We include a cutting guide with our cakes so it feeds as many guests as possible.

Many couples also save a small piece of cake to share on their first anniversary, believing it will bring blessings and good luck to their marriage. This tradition highlights the beauty of sharing life’s sweetest moments together.

For more on choosing your cake, check out our wedding cake page. You might also enjoy our guides on wedding cake prices, best wedding cake flavours or retro wedding cake Trends to link in with tradition.

7. Carrying a horseshoe

In parts of England and Scotland, carrying a horseshoe on your wedding day is a long-standing symbol of good fortune. Brides often carry a small horseshoe charm in their bouquet or wear one as part of their accessories. 

Horseshoes are traditionally believed to attract good luck and protect the couple’s new life together. If you’re planning to follow this custom, consider a small horseshoe tucked discreetly within your bouquet. 

8. Rain on your wedding day

In the UK, rain on a wedding day is considered a sign of good luck. Unlike in other cultures where rain might be seen as unfortunate, here it’s thought to symbolise blessings, fertility and cleansing for the new chapter. 

It’s believed that rain signifies that the heavens are blessing the union and washing away past troubles. So, if the skies open up, take it as a positive omen, and perhaps even embrace it with some stunning rainy-day photos.

9. Tying knots

In many parts of the UK, the symbolism of tying knots is believed to strengthen the marital bond. The phrase "tying the knot" originates from this ancient custom, where knots were tied in cloth or ribbon as part of the ceremony to symbolise the couple's unbreakable union.

Some couples incorporate this tradition by using knot symbols in their décor or adding small knotted details to bouquets and accessories for a touch of lasting luck.

10. Placing a silver sixpence in the bride’s shoe

This is actually the last line from the poem in point 1…

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in her shoe.”

Who’d have thought it?!

This is a Victorian custom that involves placing a silver sixpence in the bride’s left shoe to bring wealth, prosperity and good luck to the marriage. This tradition is often done discreetly, with the sixpence hidden but cherished as a good luck charm.

Not many of us have sixpences these days, but you might have a family who’s kept one, or if not, many wedding shops sell them. 

Will you embrace the wedding superstitions?

From the iconic horseshoe to the time-honoured wedding cake cutting, incorporating these beliefs can bring you and your partner a little extra luck on your journey together. 

Embracing these superstitions is a fun way to add a bit of charm and tradition to your wedding day. They may also bring you real luck and prosperity - think of it as a form of positive manifestation attracting what you believe. 

To explore more cake ideas, visit our wedding cake gallery, or get in touch to start planning your perfect wedding cake.