Wedding good luck charms

Couples' wedding days are special moments, ones they hope pave the way to a life filled with happiness and good fortune. That's why the bride and groom surround themselves with close friends and family who want to celebrate and support their new life joined together.

Perhaps due to superstition or tradition, many couples employ some wedding day strategies to increase their good luck. The following are some of the symbols that couples may want to keep an eye out for on the day they walk down the aisle.

• It's good luck for the bride to see a dove on the way to the wedding because doves symbolize peace and prosperity. Because doves mate for life, this symbol is doubly beneficial on a couple's wedding day, as it can be a harbinger of a long, happy marriage and home.

• Some brides believe sugar cubes tucked into their wedding gloves leads to a sweet union.

• Hindu tradition states that rain on a wedding day is good luck. Rain is believed to be a symbol of fortune and abundance, especially after times of drought. What's more, rain can foretell a strong marriage. That's because a wet knot is more difficult to untie.

• Ancient Romans were so concerned with ensuring good luck that they actually studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry. If they consulted with the English, they might determine that a wedding shouldn't take place on a Saturday, which is unlucky. English tradition states Wednesday is the best day to get married.

• In Holland, well-wishers would plant pine trees outside of newlyweds' homes as a symbol of fertility and luck.

• Grooms may want to give a coin to the first person they see on the way to their weddings. This is another symbol of good luck.

• Some couples plan to marry during a full moon, because that can symbolize good luck and good fortune.

• On a couple's wedding day, tears from a bride or a child during the ceremony is considered lucky. English folklore suggests that brides who discover spiders in their gowns are in for some good luck.

• The Chinese believe that lighting fireworks at their wedding ceremonies chases away evil spirits. A red umbrella also might be held over a Chinese bride to keep bad spirits at bay.

• Many grooms do not see their brides in their wedding gowns before their wedding ceremonies, feeling it is bad luck if they do. Many brides also do not wear their complete wedding outfits prior to their big day.