Seven civil ceremonies were carried out in locations across the city, including the Registrars’ Office, Woodlands Hotel and Broughty Castle. Four other couples were married today in religious ceremonies.

Blushing bride Erin Whyte calmed her nerves with a glass of bubbly this morning at the hairdressers.

Erin and John Mill were married at the Woodlands this afternoon and hoped the date would bring them good fortune as, in some Asian cultures, the number eight is considered lucky.

Speaking from her mother’s home in Broughty Ferry this morning, she said, “I’m really nervous and I’ve not had much sleep.

“I’ve just got back from the hairdressers and the flowers have arrived, so I suppose we are almost there.

“My mum brought me my first glass of bubbly at the hairdressers, so that made me feel a bit better.

“I’m nervous, but excited at the same time and I’m just thankful the weather has brightened up a bit.”

The couple, who both work at Sitel in the Technology Park, chose the date after a colleague pointed out the significance of it.

The number eight is considered lucky because it sounds like the word prosper or wealth.

Additionally, in Japan it is considered lucky because the numeral resembles a mountain, specifically Mount Fuji.

In China, there is also a resemblance between the digits 88 and the shuang xi — a popular decorative sign meaning double joy that is composed of two stylised characters.

Of course, the number eight also has a special significance this year as the Olympics began in Beijing today at 8:08.08pm local time.