Weddings are often steeped in tradition and superstition, ranging from the benign to the bizarre. One such belief that has managed to capture the collective consciousness of society is the idea that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony. But what about the other way around? Can the bride see the groom’s suit before the wedding? Let’s check out some practicalities that might help answer this question!

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The Roots of the Tradition

The superstition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding traces back to the days of arranged marriages in medieval times when the couple often wouldn’t meet until they were at the altar. The veil and indeed the tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony was a way to prevent the groom from backing out of the deal if he didn’t find his bride-to-be attractive.

Fast forward to modern times, many couples still uphold the tradition of not seeing each other until the aisle walk, often more for the sake of maintaining an element of surprise and romance rather than warding off any supposed bad luck.

However, when it comes to the groom’s attire, there doesn’t seem to be any longstanding traditions or wedding superstitions regarding the bride seeing it before the wedding. The decision usually hinges more on personal preferences and logistical practicalities than any luck-related concerns.

Personal Choice and Communication

The first thing to consider is your personal choice. Some brides might prefer not to see the groom’s suit before the wedding to maintain the surprise element, mirroring the suspense that’s typically associated with the bride’s gown. Others might not see it as a big deal and could even prefer to be involved in the choice of the groom’s attire to ensure it complements the overall wedding aesthetic.

The key here is communication. Discuss this with your partner to understand each other’s views and come to a mutual agreement. Remember, every couple is unique, and what matters most is that you both are comfortable and happy with the decision.

Practical Considerations of The Bride Seeing The Groom’s Suit

While tradition and personal preferences are important, so too are practical considerations. Here are a few reasons why the bride seeing the groom’s suit before the wedding might be a good idea:

Coordinating Outfits:

To create a cohesive wedding attire, the bride and groom’s outfits should ideally complement each other in terms of style, color, and formality. The bride seeing the groom’s wedding suit in advance can help ensure their outfits harmonize well, and also with the rest of the wedding party.

Wedding Theme and Colors:

The groom’s attire plays a significant part in the overall color palette and theme of the wedding. Not only the suit, but seeing the bow tie, dress shirt, or pocket squares go with everything beforehand can help ensure it aligns with the chosen colors and style of your special day. You also want to make sure that the groom’s suit matches the dress code. If it’s a formal wedding, then a black tuxedo is appropriate, if it’s a casual wedding or even a summer wedding, a linen suit in lighter shades might be the best option.

Wedding Photography:

How the bride and groom look together is crucial for wedding photography. The bride having an idea of the groom’s outfit can help coordinate any accessories, bouquet, or even specific photo shoot themes or poses.

Shopping Assistance:

Some grooms might appreciate the bride’s input or assistance in selecting their suit, especially if they’re unsure about styles, fits, or dress code if it’s a formal wedding.

Type A Bride:

If you’re a type A bride and want to make sure that your groom is dressed in the perfect suit, including the color, fit, and aesthetic, you might have no other choice than to look at the groom’s suit before the wedding to give you peace of mind. The last thing you want is to be upset on your big day because your groom picked a blue suit that does not match your color scheme or wedding vision.

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So, Can The Bride See The Groom’s Suit?

The answer is that it’s entirely up to the couple. If you want to follow tradition and keep the groom’s suit a surprise, then you should avoid any accidental encounters or sneak peeks. You can keep the groom’s suit at a separate location until your special day and have someone else bring it to the wedding venue on the day of the wedding. The most important thing is for it to align with your values and practicalities.

8 Ways For A Bride To Avoid Seeing The Groom’s Suit

While it’s relatively straightforward for the groom to avoid seeing the bride’s dress, how does a bride ensure she doesn’t accidentally catch a glimpse of her soon-to-be husband’s wedding suit? Here are some tips to navigate this tradition with grace and ensure that the first look remains as magical as intended.

1. Communicate Clearly

The first step is clear communication. Talk to your partner about the importance of the tradition of the bride not seeing the groom’s suit is to you and establish a mutual agreement to keep your wedding attire a surprise. This includes discussing who will be responsible for the suit and where it will be stored.

2. Designate a Suit Keeper

Just as brides often have a trusted person to keep their dress a secret, grooms can also choose a suit keeper. This could be the best man, a close relative, or a friend who is not only responsible for the safekeeping of the groom’s suit but also ensures it’s kept out of the bride’s sight.

3. Separate the Fittings

Schedule your dress fittings and his suit fittings on different days or times. Not only does this keep the surprise intact, but it also turns the fittings into special moments for each of you to share with your respective parties.

4. Use Technology Wisely

In the age of smartphones, it’s tempting to share every moment. Decide together if you’ll keep your outfit choices off social media or shared photo streams until after the ceremony. This minimizes the risk of the bride accidentally seeing the groom’s suit through photos or videos.

5. Implement a No-Peek Policy at Home

If you live together, designate a specific area of your home for wedding attire that is off-limits to the other person. Whether it’s a closet, a room, or even a locked trunk, having a physical space that’s agreed upon can add an element of fun and anticipation.

6. Trust in Your Vendors

Often, couples choose their wedding attire from the same boutique or tailor. If this is the case, inform your vendors of your wish to keep your looks a surprise from each other. They’re usually more than willing to assist by scheduling appointments separately and ensuring that your paths don’t cross unexpectedly.

7. Embrace the Mystery

Remember, the focus of this tradition is the excitement and the emotional impact of seeing each other fully dressed for the first time on your wedding day. Embrace the mystery and the anticipation. It adds a layer of excitement to your special day.

8. Plan a First Look

If you choose to do a first look, then it’s perfectly fine for the bride to see the groom’s suit before the wedding ceremony. A first-look session can be a beautiful and intimate moment for the couple. It allows them to share a special moment together and take some photos before the wedding ceremony.

Concluding Thoughts On Whether A Bride Can See The Groom’s Suit Before The Wedding:

Ultimately, whether or not the bride can see the groom’s suit is a matter of personal preference. It’s important to discuss your preferences with your partner and make a final decision that feels right for both of you. Remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Don’t stress too much about the small details and focus on enjoying the moment together. Good luck!