Wedding Customs Around The World
Want to make your wedding extra special? Consider choosing
elements from traditional wedding ceremonies around the world!
Here are some of the ways lovers come together for a lifetime in
different cultures. You may find some unique ideas to
personalize your own day of days.
Africa
Did you know that in some modern-day African tribes, the wrists
of the bride and groom are still bound with braided grass ties
to symbolize their union?
Spain
The brides of early Spain got to wear what may be the most
beautiful of all wedding headdresses: Delicate lace mantillas
over the hair with orange blossoms judiciously tucked in!
China
The color of love in China is red, and the bridal gown was a
brilliant red until just recently in that country. Party favors,
flowers, candles and so on were also typically a bright and
glowing scarlet.
Russia
Party favors to express appreciation to the wedding guests
include tiny pictures, small candies or other exquisite little
items.
Mexico
Several nice traditions still survive in old Mexican wedding
ceremonies. One custom encircles the bride and groom in a loose
lasso made of some pretty, soft cord twisted into a figure eight
or infinity symbol.
Finland
Brides of old in Finland got to wear a crown of gold, which was
featured in their "Dance of the Crowns." The crown, a
gold-colored wreath wrapped prettily around the bride's head,
was used to crown another maiden during the dance.
Ireland
Instead of the usual white wedding cake, Irish wedding
receptions feature a brandy or bourbon soaked fruit cake, heavy
on the spice!
Italy
In Italy, the wedding guests toss what they call "confetti,"
which is not colored paper, but almonds sprinkled with sugar.
You will almost surely find these almonds gathered into pretty
nets, tied with a bow and given out as thank-you's to wedding
guests.
Poland
This country originated what's known as "the money dance," a
popular custom which has now made its way into many other
culture's wedding parties. The guests dance with the couple and
pin money to their clothes to give them a little start in their
new life.
Germany
A lovely idea for using candles comes to us from Germany. The
custom is for the wedding couple to both hold decorated candles,
which are then lit when the ceremony concludes.
Happy wedding; blessed life!