Wedding Traditions: Is it really bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding?

This tradition appears to originate from the business-like nature of arranged marriages. Arranged marriages were deals made between families with the goal of a father marrying his daughter off to a man who came from a wealthy family. In order to ensure the suitor would not back out of the deal, the couple was not allowed to see each other before the wedding. Some sources we found even suggest the veil was used to conceal the bride’s appearance until vows were exchanged and the deal sealed. Other sources say the wedding veil custom “originated in Rome, when a bride would wear a veil down the aisle to disguise herself from evil spirits who were jealous of her happiness.”(CNN Living). A third source suggests, “The veil originally symbolized the bride's virginity, innocence, and modesty. The veil can be traced back to Roman times when it was a complete head to toe cover (that was later used as her burial shroud!).” (bridalwhimsy.com). 

While the tradition of wearing a veil is very common today, the tradition of not seeing the bride in her dress before the ceremony has faded away. Couples often take advantage of pre-ceremony time to get their photos taken while make up and hair are freshly applied and groomed. This also allows them to join in the celebration of cocktail hour, when they would otherwise be whisked away for photos. For some couples, seeing each other before the ceremony calms nerves and provides an important time for them to be together privately before being the center of attention surrounded by well wishers.

When a groom sees his bride in her dress for the first time, it can be an emotional moment brides want to remember. For this reason, some couples choose to do a video of the big reveal before the ceremony.

Whatever traditions you choose to incorporate into your wedding day, make sure they are meaningful to you and not just an obligation. Congratulations and happily ever after! 

I used these sources to write this article:

Allen, Kelsie. “The Surprising Truths Behind Common Wedding Superstitions.” Bridal Guide. Web. 06 Nov. 2014. <http://bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-ceremony-traditions/wedding-superstitions >.

BridalWhimsy.com. “The History of Wedding Traditions.” Bride & Groom. 2006. Web. 06 Nov. 2014. < http://www.brideandgroom.com/wedding-articles/wedding-traditions-2.asp >.

Editors of Martha Stewart Weddings. “11 wedding superstitions and traditions explained.” CNN Living. 06 Sep. 2013. Web. 06 Nov. 2014. < http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/06/living/matrimony-superstitions/ >.
WomansDay.com Staff. “8 Wedding Rules That Can Be Broken.” Womans Day. Hearst Communications, Inc. 2014. Web. 06 Nov. 2014. < http://www.womansday.com/life/etiquette-manners/8-wedding-rules-that-can-be-broken-117594 >.