No matter where you get married, you’ll be celebrating the union of two people who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together. The expression of this celebration is what differentiates one wedding from another. And not surprisingly, there are so many interesting wedding customs from around the world. Everybody has their unique take on how things should be done. Want to be inspired by how weddings are celebrated around the world? Check this out!
Ukraine – Rushnyk and Korovai
Weddings in Ukraine include rushnyk (an embroidered cloth which covers the heads of the couple, celebrating their unity, fidelity and happiness) and the korovai (a round bread, decorated with symbols of prosperity, health and harmony).
Fiji – The Whale’s Tooth
In Fiji, before a man can marry a woman, he must present her father with a whale’s tooth (a tabua). Whale’s teeth are incredibly valuable and presenting one is a sign of respect and a token of wealth.
Norway – The Bride’s Crown
Brides in Norway often wear a silver or gold crown with small charms hanging all around it. The sound of the charms touching each other is said to deflect evil spirits. The crown is a symbol of purity and also something to protect the bride from harm.
Armenia – Balance Bread
When an Armenian couple arrives at their wedding reception, the mother of the groom will give them lavash, which is a flatbread, and honey. To ward off evil, the couple must balance the bread on their shoulders and they will eat the honey as a symbol of happiness.
Norway – Kransekake
Ever heard of kransekake? It’s a traditional Norwegian wedding cake and its literal meaning is ‘wreath cake’. Almond rings are stacked and form a tower in the shape of a cone, and decorated the flags, flowers and ornaments. As a gift to the newlyweds, there will usually be a bottle of champagne or wine inside the tower.
India – Henna Art
An important pre-wedding tradition in India is for the bride’s hands, arms, feet and legs to be painted with intricate patterns using henna paste. It is believed that the henna’s cooling and calming effect will enhance the bride’s beauty and fertility.
Mexico – The Lasso
To represent their eternal bond and unity, Mexican couples are draped with a lasso made of rosary beads and flowers. It is usually placed on the couple by their officiant or godparents who pledge to be their guides throughout the marriage.
China – Bow and Arrow
Here’s a tradition that goes all the way back to ancient times, when archery was popular. A groom will shoot his bride with a bow and arrow (without the heads, of course) before the wedding. He will then collect the arrows and break them during the ceremony. This is said to ensure that their love will last forever.
Germany – Baumstamm Sägen
Want to test your teamwork and strength? This German wedding tradition is called baumstamm sägen, which means ‘sawing a log’. The couple is given a big log and a two-handled saw and must work together as a team to saw the log in half.
Brazil – Kidnap the Bride
This playful tradition involves friends of the groom kidnapping his bride before or during the reception. They’ll take her to a bar or club and the groom can only get her back after paying a ransom of money, drinks or a public declaration of love for her.
