Every wedding offers a couple the opportunity to put their own spin on tradition. However, it’s apparent that some things will not change any time soon.

Some traditions are rooted in superstition and serve to ensure a happy, fortune-filled life for the lovebirds. We see it with weddings today! From the color of the dress to how marital jewelry is chosen and worn, these “rules” are carried on throughout generations with the understanding that something is or isn’t bad luck.

Have you ever wondered how some of these customs originated? As you plan or think back to your own wedding, you may find that the superstitious beliefs on this list suit you just fine, should be added to your list of worries, or can be happily dismissed. It’s up to you if you want something old, new, borrowed, or blue.

1. Wearing a Veil

   This one stems from ancient Greece and Rome where it was believed that wearing a veil would protect the bride from evil spirits.

2. Rain on Your Wedding Day

   In Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day brings good luck. In many other cultures, it’s a sign of fertility and purification. However, in certain parts of the old American South’s folklore, it means the husband will die before the wife. Yikes! We’ll stick with the first meaning.

3. Groom Carries Bride Over Threshold

   The Romans believed that this warded off evil spirits who may try to attack the bride at her feet.

4. The Right Time

   In China, wedding ceremony times are set when the clock is thirty minutes past the hour. It’s considered good luck as the couple starts their marriage when the clock is in an “upswing”.

5. Bouquet/Garter Throwing

   In 14th century England, wedding guests would descend on the bride after the ceremony to tear off a piece of her attire, which was thought to bring good luck. To stave off overzealous fingers, floral bouquets and garters were substituted.

6. No Peeking Before the Ceremony

   Want to know why it’s considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding? Because back in the days of arranged marriages, if a groom saw something he didn’t like, he would change his mind. This custom was meant to prevent that.

7. Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

   We tear up every time we watch this scene unfold in a movie or in real life, don’t we? Starting from the Victorian era, the “old” is meant to keep the bride linked with her past, while the new symbolizes what’s on the horizon for her new life and marriage.

   When receiving something borrowed, it is supposed to be from someone in a successful marriage otherwise you’re doomed, and the “blue” represents fidelity – a nod to ancient symbolism.

8. No Pearls

   Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, it is considered bad luck to wear pearls on one’s wedding day or to receive one on an engagement ring, as they symbolize tears. It will lead to a sorrowful marriage or loss.

9. Wedding Bells

   According to old Irish and Scottish traditions, the ringing of bells also keeps paranormal activity at bay while blessing the couple with a harmonious union. That’s why you hear church bells ringing!

Will any of these wedding superstitions stop your wedding groove? Are there any in your culture or family that can’t be broken? Which of these are surprising to you?