There is a unique and undeniably magical thrill that comes with planning a wedding.
The dress, the flowers, the music, and every other carefully chosen detail make the day entirely your own. Alongside that excitement, however, often comes a gentle whisper of age-old traditions and superstitions. From “something blue” to not seeing one another before the ceremony, these time-honoured beliefs and traditions have woven themselves into wedding days for centuries.
If you are in the midst of your wedding planning, do you find these wedding superstitions quaint and outdated, or do they add a certain charm and continuity? At Virginia Park Lodge, we hold a deep respect for heritage and tradition while celebrating weddings that feel truly personal. Here, you can honour these superstitions or reinterpret them in your own way in a ceremony that feels utterly unique.
Classic Wedding Superstitions
“Something Old, Something New…”
We all know the rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe.” This tradition is layered with meaning. Something old represents continuity with the past, something new signals hope and optimism for the future, something borrowed is a wish for happiness carried over from another marriage, something blue symbolises purity and fidelity, and the sixpence (added later) is meant to bring prosperity and financial luck.
Rain on Your Wedding Day
While many fear rain on the big day, some cultures see it as a blessing, symbolising fertility, renewal, and even the “tying of a stronger knot” in the sense of weathering challenges together. So if the skies open on your wedding day, perhaps it’s simply nature adding a little luck to your future.
Seeing the Bride Before the Ceremony
This superstition goes back to the days of arranged marriages, when seeing the bride before the vows might lead a groom to change his mind. Today, it’s evolved into a romantic tradition to build anticipation and preserve the magic of the ceremony, but many modern couples happily break this rule with a first look photo session instead.
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
This custom dates to ancient Rome, where it was believed evil spirits lingered at the threshold of the home. By carrying the bride inside, the groom protected her from this bad luck. Today, it’s simply a sweet and playful moment, steeped in symbolism of protection and partnership.
The Lucky Sixpence in Your Shoe
Beyond its place in the familiar rhyme, a silver sixpence tucked into the bride’s shoe was a symbol of future prosperity, wishing the couple a lifetime of financial security and abundance.
Breaking Something
In cultures around the world, breaking plates, glasses, or even pottery is considered good luck, symbolising the banishment of evil spirits and a fresh, clean start for the newlyweds.
Avoiding Pearls
Pearls have long been linked to tears, with some believing they bring sadness to a marriage. Yet others see their timeless beauty as a symbol of wisdom and love, especially if the pearls are a family heirloom. Whether you embrace them or avoid them, their meaning is yours to decide.
Irish Wedding Traditions & Superstitions
Lucky Horseshoe
In Irish culture, the horseshoe is a powerful symbol of good fortune and protection. Traditionally, brides would carry or display a horseshoe with the open end facing up, said to catch and hold good luck throughout the marriage. Often beautifully decorated with ribbons or lace, it remains a charming and meaningful Irish wedding keepsake.
Tying the Knot (Handfasting)
Though not strictly a superstition, handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that inspired the very phrase “tying the knot.” Couples have their hands bound together with a cord or ribbon, symbolising their union and shared commitment. It’s a deeply romantic tradition that many couples still incorporate into their ceremonies today.
The Magic Hanky
A delicate linen wedding handkerchief, often gifted to the bride, carries a sweet tradition, and after the wedding, it is kept safe to one day be transformed into a christening gown for the couple’s future children: a beautiful way to weave blessings and continuity through generations.
The Wedding Bell
In Ireland, wedding bells are rung to ward off evil spirits and bring harmony and peace to the marriage. Whether an actual bell or a bell-shaped charm woven into the day’s details, it is a joyful, melodic way to invite luck and happiness.
Don’t Forget the Spoon
A traditional Irish wedding gift, a simple wooden spoon, is given to the newlyweds to symbolise prosperity and good fortune within their home. Humble yet heartfelt, it reminds the couple of the importance of nourishment, generosity, and a happy hearth.
The Faerie Ring
In Irish folklore, a faerie ring (a naturally occurring circle of mushrooms) was said to be a portal to the otherworld. Couples were advised to avoid disturbing these rings to keep mischievous faeries from interfering with their happiness. Of course, if this kind of myth and enchantment is something you’d like to inspire your wedding day with, at Virginia Park Lodge, our rich woodland and centuries-old landscape offer a charming nod to Ireland’s enduring sense of mystery and legend.
Modern Takes on Old Wives' Tales
Today, whether you’re embracing a superstitious wedding or creating your own traditions, we think that couples have the freedom to reinterpret or reinvent traditions in a way that feels authentic to them. Whether you choose to incorporate a few meaningful superstitions held dear to your family or skip them altogether, the beauty of a wedding lies in crafting a celebration that reflects your love, partnership and values. The true magic comes from your commitment and connection, not from whether you carry a lucky coin or avoid pearls.
Your Wedding at Virginia Park Lodge
At Virginia Park Lodge, it is our privilege to honour these traditions while encouraging you to personalise every element of your day, ensuring your wedding is uniquely yours.
As part of our wedding packages, we offer a truly exceptional setting for your big day, where every moment is framed by beauty and care. Settled within 100 acres of breathtaking grounds, our estate combines history, charm and indulgent modern comforts, creating a backdrop that feels both timeless and personal. From the serene waters of Lough Ramor to the enchanting woodlands and gardens, every corner of the lodge is brimming with atmosphere and romance.
Our venue boasts a range of elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, including the magnificent Lakeview Pavilion, perfect for larger celebrations with its panoramic views and sophisticated finish. Smaller gatherings will find warmth and intimacy in our beautifully appointed rooms, such as the Marchioness Room or The Lounge, each designed to offer comfort and character in equal measure.
For guests wishing to stay on-site, we provide luxurious accommodation, from elegantly restored lodge bedrooms to our charming Shepherds Huts, allowing everyone to be part of the celebration without worrying about travel. And of course, dining is at the heart of the experience, with Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan overseeing seasonal, locally inspired menus that promise to delight you and your guests.
Get in Touch
At Virginia Park Lodge, you’ll find the perfect canvas for your day. A place where you can celebrate, explore, and create memories that will last a lifetime, with or without the addition of age-old wedding superstitions.