Superstition: Bad luck for the groom to see bride's gown before the wedding

When you get engaged, you are told a lot of different things you should do, shouldn't do, and must follow. This series looks into how various superstitions came about so you can decide for yourself.

Everyone has heard of the superstition that the groom should not see the bride's wedding gown before the ceremony, but do you know why? More and more grooms are accompanying their bride to look for her wedding gown. Thus, throwing this superstition away. Of course, it is up to you on whether or not you want your groom to see your gown before the ceremony. Here is how it came about...

THEN: Back in the day when arranged marriages were custom, the couple wasn’t allowed to see each other before the wedding at all. The wedding symbolized a business deal between two families. The father of the bride feared that if the groom met the bride before the wedding and thought she wasn’t attractive, he’d call off the wedding, casting shame onto the bride and her family. Therefore, it became tradition the bride and groom were only allowed to meet at the wedding ceremony so that the groom did not have the opportunity to change his mind. The idea was if the groom saw the bride at the last possible second, it would be too late to back out and not marry the bride.

NOW: Most brides stay true to this superstition because many believe it is more exciting and memorable when her groom sees her for the first time. Most couples do see each other before the ceremony though, formal pictures are taken before the ceremony when everyone is freshly done-up. It totally makes sense! In the end, do what you and your groom wants to do. It is your day!

~Monica
Owner and Lead Designer @ Wishahmon



Photo Credit: Docuvitae