Will they bring you good weather and a happy marriage?
When it comes to weddings, there are traditions that have stood the test of time—and then there are the wonderfully quirky superstitions that have been passed down through generations.
Whether it's burying a sausage to keep the rain away or carrying "something blue" for good luck, wedding superstitions have existed for centuries in almost every corner of the world. Some are rooted in ancient beliefs, others have fascinating stories behind them, and a few are simply too fun not to try.
So, if you're planning your big day, here are some of the world's most interesting wedding superstitions—and who knows, maybe one of them will bring you a little extra luck.
🌭 Bury a Sausage to Keep the Rain Away
This has to be one of the strangest wedding traditions we've ever heard.
In Germany, some couples bury a sausage at their wedding venue before the big day in the hope of keeping the rain away. The idea has become so popular that there are even businesses that sell "weather sausages" specifically for weddings.
Will it guarantee blue skies? Probably not.
Is it a funny story to tell your guests? Absolutely.
If nothing else, it's a reminder that couples have been worrying about the weather for hundreds of years!
🌧️ Rain on Your Wedding Day Is Actually Good Luck
If the forecast isn't looking perfect, don't panic.
Many cultures believe that rain on your wedding day is actually a blessing.
Rain has long symbolised renewal, cleansing and fertility. Another popular saying is that "a wet knot is harder to untie," meaning a marriage that begins in the rain is believed to be stronger and longer-lasting.
And let's be honest—some of the most romantic wedding photos are taken under clear umbrellas, with soft rain falling in the background.
Sometimes Mother Nature creates the magic for you.
💙 Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
You've probably heard the rhyme: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." Each item has its own meaning:
- Something old represents continuity and family.
- Something new symbolises optimism for the future.
- Something borrowed is meant to bring the happiness and good fortune of a happily married friend or family member.
- Something blue represents love, purity and faithfulness.
Some brides even include all four without their guests ever noticing.
👀 Why the Groom Wasn't Supposed to See the Bride
Today, the "first look" is one of the most emotional moments of a wedding.
Traditionally, however, the groom wasn't allowed to see the bride before the ceremony.
The reason wasn't actually about luck.
Centuries ago, many marriages were arranged. Families believed that if the groom saw the bride before the ceremony, he might change his mind before the wedding took place.
Thankfully, today couples can decide whether they want to keep the tradition or create their own.
💍 The Ring Finger and the "Vein of Love"
Have you ever wondered why wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger?
Ancient Romans believed this finger contained the vena amoris, or "vein of love," which ran directly to the heart.
Modern science has shown that no such vein exists, but the romantic idea has survived for centuries—and it's still one of the sweetest wedding traditions.
🔔 Wedding Bells Bring Good Fortune
Long before they became part of wedding ceremonies, bells were believed to drive away evil spirits.
Their joyful sound was thought to protect the couple and invite happiness into their new life together.
Even today, church bells ringing after a ceremony feel like the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a marriage.
🍚 Why People Used to Throw Rice
Throwing rice at newlyweds dates back hundreds of years.
Rice symbolised abundance, prosperity and fertility, with guests showering the couple in wishes for a happy future together.
Today, many venues ask couples to use biodegradable confetti, dried flower petals or bubbles instead, but the meaning remains exactly the same: celebrating a joyful beginning.
🍰 Saving the Top Tier of the Wedding Cake
Before freezers were a thing, couples would carefully preserve the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on the christening of their first child.
Today, many couples save it for their first wedding anniversary instead.
Whether it still tastes good a year later is another story!
👞 A Lucky Sixpence in the Bride's Shoe
An old British tradition suggests placing a silver sixpence inside the bride's left shoe before walking down the aisle.
It's believed to bring wealth, happiness and a lifetime of good fortune.
You probably won't find many sixpences lying around these days, but some families still carry on the tradition with a keepsake coin.
🕷️ A Spider on Your Wedding Dress?
It might sound like the opposite of good luck, but in some cultures, finding a spider on your wedding dress is considered incredibly fortunate.
Apparently, spiders represent prosperity and creativity.
Even so... we think most brides would prefer not to test this one!
🌈 A Rainbow After the Rain
If rain does make an appearance, keep an eye on the sky.
A rainbow has long been seen as a symbol of hope, blessings and new beginnings.
It also happens to make for some truly unforgettable wedding photographs.
The Best Wedding Tradition Is the One That Feels Right to You
Whether you decide to bury a sausage, wear something blue, save the top tier of your cake or simply embrace whatever the weather brings, these traditions all have one thing in common—they're about celebrating love and hoping for a happy future.
At the end of the day, no superstition can guarantee sunshine or a perfect marriage.
What matters most is marrying the person you love, surrounded by the people who matter most to you.
And if the rain falls? Dance in it.
Years from now, you probably won't remember the weather forecast—but you'll always remember how your wedding day made you feel.
Who knows... you might even end up believing that a little rain really was good luck after all.