The tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding ceremony has deep historical and cultural roots. While the reasons may vary across different cultures and time periods, here are some common explanations for this tradition:

1. Superstition and Luck: In many cultures, it was believed that seeing the bride before the wedding ceremony would bring bad luck to the marriage. By keeping the couple apart until the ceremony, it was thought to ward off any potential misfortune and ensure a happy union.
2. Protecting the Bride’s Modesty: In more traditional societies, the bride’s face was often veiled until the ceremony as a symbol of modesty and purity. Keeping the groom from seeing the bride beforehand was a way to uphold these values and maintain the sanctity of the moment when the veil was lifted.
3. Enhancing Anticipation and Excitement: By keeping the couple separated until the ceremony, it builds anticipation and excitement for the moment when they finally see each other at the altar. This heightened emotional experience is often seen as more romantic and memorable.
4. Symbolism of Tradition: Many couples choose to uphold this tradition simply because it has been a customary part of weddings for centuries. By following in the footsteps of their ancestors, couples feel a sense of connection to the past and the broader institution of marriage.
5. Creating a Special Moment: Seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle can be a powerful and emotional moment for both the couple and their guests. By preserving this moment for the ceremony, it becomes a focal point of the wedding day and symbolizes the beginning of their new life together.

While the tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony continues to be observed by many couples, it’s important to remember that every wedding is unique, and couples should feel free to tailor their celebration to reflect their own values and preferences.

Building the Anticipation

Apart from the superstition and the old beliefs, the other reason why the bride and groom are kept apart till the ceremony is to build anticipation and excitement. By keeping them apart till the stage or wedding mandap will lead to the most emotional and dramatic expressions that one can only hope for on the wedding day!

The Emotional Aspect

Every day leading to the wedding day is a rollercoaster ride for the bride and groom. And, it is the big day that these two are extremely emotional. Naturally, when the bride and groom see each other for the first time, decked in wedding finery is a moment that even the guests look forward to. The raw emotions are out in the open and the tradition somehow seems not so bad.