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A wedding superstition that many follow is not allowing the groom to see the bride’s dress until the wedding ceremony. But how did this even become a thing? And, more importantly, what will happen if you don’t follow it?
Nothing bad will occur if you happen to catch a glimpse of that ivory lace and tulle. However, this is still a fun tradition, and its history is fascinating.
Yes! The groom can see the dress before the wedding — if the couple wants, that is.
Many engaged people follow the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride or the bride’s dress before the wedding because it adds suspense and excitement to the event. Other folks are guided by superstition, believing that a glimpse before the wedding day will bring bad luck.
However, many modern brides and grooms don’t care either way and don’t consider it a big deal to see the bride’s dress before the event.
In other words, you do you.
So, how did this all get started in the first place? This superstition’s origins are less than romantic and have nothing to do with what the bride wears.
Historically, marriage was a strategic move for financial gains or status. For example, marrying a daughter to the son of a rich, land-owning family could advance the bride’s family socially and economically. When arranged marriages took place, they were viewed as a necessary business deal, and a wedding symbolized the union of two families rather than two individuals.
However, there was still a fear the groom might not find his bride attractive and call the whole thing off. This would lead to significant familial shame. To avoid this, the groom met his bride for the first time just a few minutes before the wedding ceremony.
Today, we still recognize this tradition, albeit in more modern ways.
The old rationales are seldom heard nowadays, but some still enjoy believing that seeing wedding dresses before the big day spells bad luck. Many wedding traditions incorporate luck, though. Horseshoes, bells, rain or crying on your wedding day, a silver sixpence, pearls, bouquets — all symbolize good or bad luck or fortune in some way. Even the wedding cake symbolizes love and happiness!
For others, though, the tradition is as simple as the bride preferring to make the reveal at the last moment. After spending so much time, effort, and money on the look, who wouldn’t want to get the maximum wow factor?
What you do for your own wedding should make sense for you and your partner.
The sky falls, and the wedding venue explodes!
Just kidding.
Absolutely nothing will happen if one partner takes a peek at the other’s wedding outfit before the ceremony.
Nonetheless, it’s a tradition some couples enjoy embracing. Here are five wedding superstitions that also live on:
Aside from curiosity, seeing the dress before the wedding can serve a practical purpose. For example, in many Asian cultures, it’s common for the bride and groom to get fully dressed up in their wedding attire several days or weeks before the event to take formal pictures pre-ceremony.
This gets the photos out of the way, and you’re free to move locations, so you can take a few fun photos around town against interesting backdrops rather than just at your venue. Plus, it’s a great way for the bride to get two wears from the same dress!
Another practical reason? More and more couples opt for coordinated wedding attire, and you can’t match up if you can’t see what the other is wearing.
Again, it’s up to you! Some couples honor the dress tradition by spending the night before the wedding apart, to build anticipation for their first married night together. Others don’t separate until it’s time to start getting ready on the wedding day.
The first look is an alternative approach in which couples set a time before the ceremony when they’ll get their first glimpses of one another fully dressed up. The wedding photographer is usually on hand to capture their reactions.
There are advantages to seeing your spouse-to-be before the ceremony instead of during it. A first look lets you spend more time with your partner on your wedding day! And if you use the occasion to take all your photos with family and friends, you’re free after the ceremony to enjoy the cocktail hour — or steal away for some private time.
Scout for attractive backdrops near the place where the couple will be getting ready. A park, a tree-lined street or even a brick wall could do nicely. If you’ll be at a hotel, scope out the lobby, rooftop and outdoor space. And be sure to get the hotel’s permission well beforehand.
Yes, there are no superstitions about the groom seeing the bridesmaid dresses before the wedding. In fact, it’s not unusual for the groom to accompany the bridesmaids when dress shopping to ensure color and style coordinate with the groom crew’s attire.
Weddings are steeped in tradition, superstition, and fascinating history. From one culture to the next, weddings can vary greatly. The Groom Club aims to educate our readers on the wider world of weddings so you can find what will work for you. And if that makes far too much sense, we have plenty of crazy bachelor party ideas to help you go wild and blow off some steam!
