Groom's Attire: Should The Bride See It Beforehand?

There are many superstitions and traditions associated with bridal attire and who gets to see it before the wedding. However, there is no such superstition surrounding the groom's suit. While some couples prefer to keep their outfits a surprise, most brides end up seeing their grooms' suits. In fact, a survey found that 87.5% of brides saw the groom's suit before the wedding. Some brides even choose their partner's attire. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide whether or not the bride sees the groom's suit before the wedding.

There are no superstitions or bad luck associated with the groom's suit

In fact, there is a Scottish custom that says a groom will bring good fortune to his marriage if he wears a sprig of white heather in the buttonhole of his suit.

The only way it could be considered 'bad luck' is if the bride accidentally saw the groom's suit before the wedding day and it was supposed to be a surprise for her. However, this is not usually the case, and it is generally at the couple's discretion whether the bride sees the groom's suit before the wedding.

Most brides do end up seeing their groom's suit, and many are involved in the process of choosing it. This is often to ensure the suit fits properly, aligns with the wedding theme and colour scheme, and matches the rest of the bridal party's attire. It is also common for the groom to want the bride's input or approval.

Some brides may refuse to see the groom's suit before the wedding if they want to be surprised or adhere to the tradition of not seeing each other's outfits before the ceremony. This tradition may stem from the era of arranged marriages, where the couple did not meet until the ceremony, and not knowing what their partner looked like made it less likely that they would run away.

Brides are usually heavily involved in the groom's suit selection

Brides are usually heavily involved in the selection of the groom's suit. In fact, a survey found that 87.5% of brides saw the groom's suit before the wedding, and 75% of brides chose the suit outright.

There are several reasons why a bride would want to see the groom's suit before the wedding day. Firstly, the bride may want to ensure that the suit fits the groom properly. While a reputable tailor will know how to measure and recommend a good-fitting suit, not all grooms consult a tailor. The bride may also have her own ideas and preferences for how she wants the suit to fit. Secondly, the bride may want to ensure that the groom's attire aligns with the wedding theme and colour scheme. The bride is typically well-informed about these details and can, therefore, ensure that the groom's suit matches the rest of the bridal party.

Additionally, the bride may want to avoid any shocks or surprises on the wedding day. If left to his own devices, the groom may choose an outfit that the bride did not have in mind.

It is not generally considered bad luck for the bride to see the groom's suit before the wedding. While there are superstitions surrounding the bride's dress, there are not many superstitions associated with the groom's suit. In fact, there is a Scottish wish for luck related to the groom's attire: custom says that a groom must wear a sprig of white heather in the buttonhole of his suit for good fortune in the marriage.

Ultimately, whether or not the bride chooses the groom's suit depends on the couple and their circumstances. It is important for the couple to communicate their preferences, personalities, availability, and budget when making this decision.

The groom's suit should complement the wedding's theme and colours

The groom's suit is one of the most important decisions for the groom to make. It is a chance for him to express his personality and style on his big day. While the bride may have a specific vision in mind, it is important to remember that it is also the groom's day, and he should feel comfortable and confident in his chosen outfit.

The type of fabric and weight are also important considerations when choosing a suit. For autumn and winter weddings, heavier materials such as wool, wool-silk, or wool mohair blends are ideal. Lighter and breathable fabrics, such as linen or cotton blends, are more suitable for summer and beach weddings.

When it comes to colour, the groom doesn't have to match the bridal party perfectly, but the colours should complement each other. The groom can stand out by wearing a shade that is slightly lighter or darker than the groomsmen's suits. Accessories like ties, vests, pocket squares, and boutonnieres can also add a pop of colour or texture to the overall look.

Ultimately, the groom's suit is a reflection of his personal style and should make him feel confident and comfortable on his wedding day.

Brides can see the suit on a hanger as a compromise

There are many superstitions and traditions associated with bridal attire and who gets to see it before the wedding. However, there is no such superstition surrounding the groom's suit. It is not generally considered bad luck for the bride to see the groom's suit before the wedding.

In fact, most brides end up seeing their grooms' suits anyway. Brides are usually highly involved in the planning of their weddings and often attend a fitting and give input on their grooms' attire. In some cases, brides ultimately choose their grooms' attire. This is especially true if the groom is not keen on participating in wedding planning or does not have a strong opinion about his wedding attire.

If the groom does want to surprise the bride with his outfit, it is critical to be careful about where the suit is stored or kept so that the bride does not see it by accident. However, if the groom wants to show the bride his suit, but the bride is hesitant due to superstitions, a compromise could be for the bride to see the suit on a hanger. This way, the groom can show off his suit without wearing it, and the bride can get an idea of what he will look like on the big day.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the bride sees the groom's suit before the wedding is up to the couple. It is important to communicate early on and consider each other's preferences, personalities, and general patterns.

Arranged marriages may be the origin of this tradition

The tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other before the wedding may have its origins in the historical prevalence of arranged marriages. Arranged marriages, where the couple is selected by individuals other than themselves, such as family members or professional matchmakers, have been a common practice in many cultures throughout history. This tradition can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that marriage as an institution is about 4,350 years old.

In the past, particularly before the 18th century, arranged marriages were the norm worldwide. During this time, it was customary for marriages to be arranged by parents, grandparents, or other close relatives, and it was not uncommon for the couple to first meet on their wedding day. For example, in China, arranged marriages or "blind marriages" were the norm before the mid-20th century, and the prospective spouses were typically instructed to marry without having the right to object, even if they had never met beforehand. Similarly, arranged marriages were common in migrant families in the United States, where Japanese-American immigrants practiced "picture-bride marriages." In these arrangements, the bride and groom only knew each other through exchanged photographs before their wedding day.

The tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding may have stemmed from this historical context of arranged marriages. In such situations, the bride and groom would be kept apart to prevent either party from changing their minds upon seeing each other, especially if the arrangement was primarily made to unite families or for financial gain. Additionally, the veil played a role in this tradition, as it was used to cover the bride's face until the moment of the ceremony, ensuring that the groom did not see her beforehand.

While the dynamics of marriages have evolved, and autonomous marriages driven by individual choice and dating preferences have become more common, the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding has persisted in some cultures. This practice adds an element of anticipation and surprise to the wedding day, contributing to the significance and emotion of the occasion.

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