Wedding Superstitions: What They Are and Why They Stick

Ever wondered why you shouldn’t see a black cat on your wedding day or why the bride should wear something old, new, borrowed, and blue? Those quirks are more than random advice – they’re wedding superstitions that have been handed down for generations. Some feel lucky, others feel like a bit of fun, but most couples end up deciding for themselves whether to follow them.

Top 5 Superstitions You’ll Hear at a Bristol Wedding

1. No Umbrellas on the Day – Many say an umbrella brings rain, but in some regions it’s the opposite: an open umbrella protects the couple from bad weather. In practice, you can keep a small one handy just in case, and decide what feels right.

2. Save the Honeymoon Money – The story goes that spending the wedding budget on the honeymoon could bring bad luck. A simple way to respect this belief is to set aside a separate honeymoon fund early on.

3. The First Dance Shoes – Some couples wear new shoes for the first dance, believing it brings prosperity. If you love a pair of vintage shoes, go for it – the superstition works best when it feels personal.

4. Throw Rice or Petals – Tossing rice used to symbolize fertility and abundance. Modern venues often ban rice for cleanliness, so many switch to flower petals or biodegradable confetti, keeping the spirit alive without the mess.

5. The Garter Toss – Historically, the groom would toss the garter to the single men to bring good luck. Today it’s a fun party game, but you can tweak the rule to match your crowd’s vibe.

Where These Superstitions Come From

Most wedding superstitions have roots in old farming, maritime, or religious traditions. For example, the “something old” part dates back to ancient beliefs that linking a bride to the past would protect the marriage. The color blue, once a sign of fidelity, comes from Victorian England where blue represented loyalty.

Another common thread is the idea of “wards” – actions that guard against misfortune. In coastal towns, avoiding a salt‑spill before the ceremony was thought to keep the sea’s wrath at bay. Those ideas survived because they gave people a sense of control when planning such a huge event.

Even in modern Bristol, many venues still display old‑world charms like a “lucky knot” in the ceremony arch. Couples love these touches because they add character and a story to the day.

If a superstition feels too out‑of‑place for your style, you can always adapt it. Swap the black‑cat avoidance for a quick photo with a friendly feline, or replace the rice toss with a small donation to a local charity. The key is to keep the meaning alive while fitting your personality.

When you talk with your planner, ask about any venue‑specific rules. Some historic churches may have traditions of lighting a candle for each married couple attending. Knowing the details beforehand helps you decide which customs to honor.

Bottom line: wedding superstitions are optional, but they can add fun, conversation starters, and a sense of continuity. Whether you follow them to the letter or give them a modern twist, they’re a chance to make your Bristol wedding uniquely yours.