Image by Daniella Melfi. Via Jacquie and Nick’s classic luminare wedding

Are you and your bride superstitious?

We’ve all heard about getting lucky on your wedding day, but when it comes to tradition, for some people, it’s no laughing matter.

According to 888Poker (yes, an online betting firm conducted research into this!), more than 25% of people believe in some form of lucky wedding tradition.

Their research uncovered a few unique traditions from around the globe, including Korea, where a carved wooden ducks or geese are thrown to the bride by her mother-in-law. Apparently, Mandarin ducks mate for life, which in turn represents their marriage. In fact, live ducks used to be part of this ritual, however, this tradition gradually made way for the more convenient (and more animal friendly) carved wooden ducks.

Meanwhile, in India, according to 888Poker:

“When the groom enters the temple, he has to take off his shoes. The eldest unmarried girls from the bride’s family then steal them, and there ensues a friendly struggle between the families over them. Usually it ends in the shoes being ransomed back to the poor groom.”

Their research also touched on some that may be more familiar to Polka Dot Groom readers, including the fact that more than 70% of men believe it’s bad luck to see their bride in her wedding dress before the big day.

Image Loco Photography. Via Erin and Michael’s Flowerdale estate wedding

Of course, traditions are made to be broken, and many happy couples are turning away from the superstition that it is bad luck to see each other before the ceremony, in favour of ‘reveal photos’.

These involve the couple meeting up before the wedding ceremony with a photographer on hand to capture their reactions.

This always produces photography gold and is definitely worth considering.

On my wedding day, we tried something a bit different; opting to wear blind folds and stand together while our photographer captured us before the ceremony. It was kind of a mix between the old and the new world traditions.

And we haven’t had any bad luck yet!

Of course, you can’t forget the ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’ line – something which tends to apply to the bride more than the groom.

However, you can still find a way to be involved.

Image Sayher Heffernan. Via Jem and Brendan’s intimate Abbotsford Convent wedding

Many couples use the ‘something borrowed’ as a chance to involve the groom.

Consider lending her a ring, or failing that, asking your mother for something that she wore on her wedding day like a brooch.

You can then incorporate that into the bride’s bouquet without disrupting her planned attire. And it means you can play a role in tradition – either the ‘something borrowed’, or the ‘something old’.

After looking into wedding traditions, I’ve come to the conclusion that everyone is different, and just because something has always been, doesn’t mean it always has to be.

Do what feels right for you and your bride. Who knows, you may even start your own tradition.

Ms Zigzag says: Comment below if you have your own special wedding tradition to share! The possibilities are endless, from cultural traditions to something you and your partner dream up yourselves. 

About Mr Houndstooth: I am a happily married man. I enjoy a fine whisky, a new suit and swashbuckling around town with my beautiful bride. Looking back on my wedding day always makes me smile, even though it began to rain just as I said ‘I do’.