12 Wedding Trends In Other Countries

Japan

In Japan during a traditional ceremony, the couples share sake. It is a ritual known as “san-san-kudo”. There are three cups of sake stacked on top of each other, the bride and groom both will take three sips from each cup. Then the parents will follow in their steps, taking three sips as well. This represents a formal bond between the families.

Guatemala

In Guatemalan wedding receptions, the mother of the groom has the job of breaking a white bell that is filled with flour, rice and other grains. The shattering of the bell signifies good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds.

India

In an Indian wedding, henna is painted on the bride’s hands and feet the night before the wedding. It is a ceremony called Mehndi, and it is between the bride and her family. The designs represent joy, beauty and a spiritual awakening.

Venezuela

During a Venezuelan wedding, it is signified as good luck if the bride and groom can slip away before the end of the reception unnoticed. It is also good luck if the first person to realize that the newlywed couple is missing will also receive good luck. 

Germany

There is a German tradition where a newlywed couple saws through a log together. Each of the couples grab onto opposite handles of the saw and work together till the log is cut in half. This is supposed to signify the obstacles the couple may encounter during their lives together and come out stronger because of them.

Ireland

In Ireland, the first dance for the bride and groom is as beautiful as it is a pressured event. During the dance, the bride has to dance with keeping one foot on the ground at all times. There is a legend that if she were to lift both feet off the ground, she may be carried off by fairies.

Namibia

In Namibia, it is tradition to “kidnap” the bride. Her friends kidnap her the day of the wedding and spend the day relaxing and being tended to. Then the bride is put into a ceremonial headdress know as the “okori”. She is then lovingly covered in herbs, butterfat and beautiful and expensive jewelry.

Greece

Greece has the tradition of the groom being shaved by his trusted best man, also known as “koumbaro”. Then the rest of the groomsmen will finish the job and help him get dressed for his big day.

French Polynesia

When the wedding comes to an end, the brides family member will lay next to each other face down on the ground. They will do this and support the weight of both bride and groom as they walk over them and “into” married life. These actions signify that a supportive family is the backbone that helps any relationship. 

Romania

In Romania, brides are “kidnapped’ by her friends and taken to a different location. Then it is the grooms job to get the love of his life back. He will call the brides friends and negotiate the ransom over the phone. It can range from sweet declarations of love to a demand of exchange of alcohol for the bridesmaids.

Peru

For a traditional Peruvian wedding, the wedding cake is placed on top of a pile of ribbons. Attached to each ribbon there is a small charm. And in the pile there is one fake wedding ring, whoever who pulls the fake wedding ring signifies that they will get married next.

Italy

It is an Italian tradition for the groom to serenade his bride under her window the night before the wedding. It is complete with musicians and other gestures of grandeur. Incredibly romantic!