Weddings are a time of celebration and love, and cultures around the world have their unique traditions to celebrate this special occasion. From ancient customs to modern trends, here are ten unique wedding traditions from around the world that will inspire you to add a personal touch to your big day.
Korea: Wild Goose Chase
In Korea, the groom’s friends and family capture the bride by her ankles and swing her back and forth while the groom tries to “rescue” her. The catch is that he must catch her with a wooden duck instead of his hands.
Mexico: Lasso Ceremony
In Mexico, the couple is joined by a rope or lasso to symbolize their unity in marriage. The lasso is placed in a figure-eight shape around the necks of the bride and groom by the celebrant or the couple’s family.
India: Mehndi Ceremony
Mehndi is a form of body art using henna paste that is applied to the bride’s hands and feet before the wedding. It’s believed to bring good luck, and the bride must leave it on until it wears off naturally.
Germany: Baumstamm Sägen
In Germany, the bride and groom saw a log together in front of their guests to symbolize working together and overcoming obstacles as a couple.
Scotland: Handfasting
Handfasting is a Scottish wedding tradition where the couple’s hands are tied together with a ribbon or cord to symbolize their union.
Japan: San San Kudo
San San Kudo is a Japanese tradition where the bride and groom drink three cups of sake to signify their union. The first two cups are shared by the couple, and the third is shared with the groom’s parents.
Kenya: Cow Ceremony
In Kenya, the groom presents a cow to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and to show that he is capable of providing for his future wife.
Peru: Cake Pull
In Peru, a ribbon is placed inside the wedding cake, and single women at the wedding pull the ribbon to reveal their fortune. Each ribbon has a charm attached, and the charm indicates the woman’s future.
Norway: Bunad
In Norway, the bride and groom wear traditional costumes called bunads, which represent their heritage and culture.
France: La Soupe
In France, the newlyweds are served a soup made from fish, champagne, and other ingredients. The tradition is believed to bring good luck and fertility to the couple.
These are just a few of the unique wedding traditions from around the world that showcase the diversity and richness of different cultures. Incorporating a tradition from your heritage or a culture that resonates with you can add a special touch to your big day and create memories that will last a lifetime.