The answer to why is it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding is related to the weddings back then. Brides are not meant to be seen by their grooms to prevent the latter from potentially changing their minds.
Weddings have many interesting superstitions related to the bride, so please continue reading below to know more. You can also read what is a first look at a wedding since it’s the time when it’s acceptable for the groom to see his partner.
The Reason Why Is It Bad Luck To See The Bride Before The Wedding
The reason why it’s believed to be bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding is related to less romantic weddings back in the day. Compared to weddings nowadays, arranged marriages were more common back in the day.
Therefore, it’s possible to get married to someone the first time you see them. The bride’s father typically has her marry into a wealthy family, and to avoid the groom potentially backing off after seeing her, the custom was born.
The bride and groom no longer see each other until the ceremony as it’s considered bad luck for a marriage to be called off if they see each other. But of course, this is no longer the case nowadays.
Modern superstition explanation
The groom only gets to see the bride at the ceremony and not before the wedding, not because of bad luck. Nowadays, it’s to create an element of surprise and to make their union more romantic.
However, this doesn’t mean that they won’t talk the day or night before the wedding. They usually send each other gifts or messages to reassure each other.
Another explanation why the bride and groom don’t see each other before the wedding is to signify their union. They’ll only see each other dressed for the ceremony in front of their loved ones as they enter married life.
Is It Bad Luck To See The Bride Before The Wedding?
The superstition that it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding will only be as valid as the believer. There were no evil elements related to this custom back in the day, but it’s only from the “bad luck” of a wedding not going through.
It can be shameful for the bride’s family if the groom decides to call off the wedding. And a marriage that won’t go through might be an omen that the bride will never get married again.
But nowadays, the bride and groom can choose to follow this wedding superstition or not. You can also spend the night separated to have some “me time” and practice self-care before the hectic wedding the next day.
Some couples even spend the night before the wedding with family or friends. Read how to deal with pre-wedding anxiety if you’re having jitters.
Can The Groom See The Bride’s Dress Before The Wedding?
Another common superstition that is similar to the notion that it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding is related to the wedding dress. This version is considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride’s wedding dress before the wedding day, especially if she’s wearing it.
However, in modern times, brides bring their grooms to the bridal boutique to ask their opinions about what they’ll wear. This will also help the groom decide what suit or tux he’ll wear to complement the wedding dress.
But what is the explanation behind this wedding superstition? It is believed that seeing the bride wearing the dress on a day that’s not the wedding will cause the wedding not to push through.
Is It Bad Luck For The Bride To See The Groom In His Suit Before The Wedding?
Unlike the wedding bad luck that is believed to come if the groom sees the bride before the wedding, it’s not a common belief if the roles are reversed. It’s not considered unlucky for the bride to see the groom in his suit.
However, most brides prefer to keep everything to their imagination until they arrive at the aisle. The feeling of seeing your partner in their suit for the first time as they wait for you down the aisle will always be romantic and emotional.
Is It Bad Luck To Spend The Night Together Before Your Wedding?
It was considered bad luck to spend the night before the wedding because it was believed to cause a failed marriage. Furthermore, spending the night together might cause the couple to sleep together.
Remember that brides are valued because of their purity or virginity back in the day. Therefore, most wedding traditions are rooted in ensuring that she will remain “pure” until the wedding.
Regardless, it’s up to the couple to spend the night together or not before their wedding. It can still be sentimental as it’s your last night of being not married.
Conclusion
Was this explanation clear? To recap why is it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, it was to prevent the groom from potentially backing out in case he doesn’t find the bride attractive.
Remember that weddings back then were usually arranged, and it can cause shame and bad luck to the bride’s family if her wedding is canceled. However, nowadays, the couple chooses not to see each other before the wedding to create an element of surprise on the aisle.