From covering the bride and groom in ash, flour and feathers in Scotland to log sawing in Germany after the ceremony, tying the knot never gets boring. A far cry from “something borrowed, something blue”…
Here are some fun facts about wedding traditions around the world…
Ransom For The Bride
Before a Russian wedding takes place, the groom goes to the bride’s loved ones and asks for her hand. He has to give money, presents, and do dares like singing and dancing before finally hearing a yes. Only then is he allowed to be his bride.
Shoes For Money
In South Asian weddings, the bridesmaids steal the groom’s shoes and hide them on the day of the wedding, forcing him to be shoeless at the reception. The younger crowd gathers to take part in a negotiation of how much money the bridesmaids should get for the shoes. There’s even an iconic Bollywood song about it.
Pre-planned Crying
In China, crying is pre-planned. The bride is expected to cry for about an hour each day for a month before her wedding. Her mother, grandmother, sisters and other female friends also join in for several days.
A List Of Somethings
The tradition of having something old, new, borrowed and blue comes from a Victorian rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue … and a silver sixpence in your shoe.”
No Bathroom Trips
In parts of Malaysia, newlywed couples aren’t allowed to go to the washroom for three days and nights after their wedding. It’s believed that it will bring back luck, such as divorce or infertility. To ensure they follow the rules, their families keep close guard of washrooms.”
The Kissing Tradition
In Danish weddings, if the bride or groom leaves the other’s side, the remaining spouse gets swarmed with kisses from the wedding party until their better half returns. Better hurry up!
Bad Luck To See The Bride Before The Ceremony
This Western superstition is from back when arranged marriages were more common. The couple was kept separate in case they didn’t like what they saw and backed out. How romantic.
Sing-Off Between Bride’s And Groom’s Guests
In many South Asian cultures, the bride’s and groom’s sides enter into an intense sing-off. They sit gathered around a drum and take turns singing songs. The side that sings louder typically wins.
Brides Dances To Pay For Honeymoon
Because Cuba is a communist state, weddings can be difficult to afford. To have enough money for the honeymoon, the guests at the wedding do a money dance. Every man who dances with the bride pins money on your dress.
Wooden Ducks For Blessings
In Korea, married friends of the groom carve wooden ducks for the married couple, meant to symbolize marital harmony.
Congratulations To Empty Nesters
At Jewish weddings at which the parents’ last child is married, a special dance called the Mizinke is performed. The bride and groom give the parents crowns of flowers to wear, and guests make a circle and dance around them, coming forward to wish them ‘mazel tov.’
Blackening Of The Bride
This Scottish tradition involves dumping flour, tar, spoiled food (and whatever else they can get their hands on) on the bride and groom. The ritual is meant to ward off evil spirits.
Raisins For All
In Yemen, the groom’s father throws raisins on the ground for guests to pick up. Raisins are meant to symbolize happiness for the happy couple.
How To Include Your Pet In Your Wedding
There’s no doubt about it, having your pet in your wedding is super cute. But it’s not always practical, especially if your venue won’t allow it. Even if your pet can’t attend the wedding, they can still play a special role in your wedding day. From photobooth prop cardboard cutouts to custom pet cufflinks and even desserts in the shape of your pet.