Global Wedding Traditions

artbaari • June 27, 2024 • 3 min read

Wedding Traditions Around the World: A Journey of Love and Culture

Weddings are a beautiful mix of the old and the new. They’re not just about starting a new life together, but also about celebrating the unique backgrounds and families that brought couples together. That’s why wedding traditions are so important – they connect us to our past and help us share our culture with loved ones.

Get Inspired by These Amazing Traditions from Around the Globe!

Every country and culture has its own special way of celebrating weddings. Let’s take a trip around the world and explore some of our favorite traditions:

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• Arab Weddings: Get ready to dance! Arab weddings are known for their lively “zaffa” processions with music and dancing.

Arab wedding zaffa

• Chinese Weddings: Red is the color of luck in China, so expect to see it everywhere! Couples also serve tea to their parents as a sign of respect.

Chinese tea ceremony

• Indian Weddings: Indian weddings can last for days and are filled with vibrant colors, delicious food, and intricate rituals like the Mehndi ceremony (henna painting).

Indian Mehndi ceremony

• Japanese Weddings: These are very traditional and often take place during the day. The bride and groom wear special kimonos and exchange sake cups.

Japanese wedding ceremony

• Jewish Weddings: One of the most famous Jewish traditions is breaking a glass at the end of the ceremony. This symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and reminds us that even in the midst of joy, we should remember sadness.

Jewish glass breaking

• Mexican Weddings: Mexican weddings are full of fun and celebration! The “lasso ceremony” involves a rope being placed around the couple’s shoulders to symbolize their unity.
• Scottish Weddings: You’ll hear the sound of bagpipes at a Scottish wedding! The bride and groom may also wear traditional kilts.

Scottish wedding with bagpipes

• African Weddings: African weddings are rich in symbolism and often include rituals like jumping the broom or pouring libations to honor ancestors.

African wedding jumping the broom

And That’s Just the Beginning!  There are so many more fascinating traditions from around the world, each with its own special meaning and history. Check out our full blog post for more details and pictures.

Tips for Including Cultural Traditions in Your Wedding:

• Mix & Match: You don’t have to stick to just one culture. It’s perfectly okay to blend traditions from different backgrounds to create a wedding that’s truly unique to you.
• Do Your Research: Learn about the history and meaning behind each tradition before you include it in your wedding. This will help you honor the culture and avoid any misunderstandings.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask your family members or a wedding planner for advice. They can offer valuable insights and help you create a wedding that’s both meaningful and memorable.

Your Wedding, Your Way

No matter what your heritage or background, there are so many beautiful ways to celebrate your love and create a wedding that’s as unique as you are. Embrace your culture, have fun, and let your wedding be a reflection of your love story!