50 Fascinating Wedding Traditions Around the World

Bride in a white wedding dress and groom in a navy blue suit breaking bread during their wedding ceremony. — Serhii Sobolevskyi / Getty Images

Weddings are filled with time-honored traditions that have existed for centuries. While plenty of modern couples put their own unique spin on their big day, when engaged duos embrace long-standing customs, the affair is infused with a sense of history, meaning, and familiarity, linking the pair to their family lineage, their culture, and those who tied the knot before them. It’s also said that following certain wedding traditions brings eternal happiness and good fortune to the newlyweds, which is the ultimate goal of any wedding celebration.

While American nuptials typically adopt customs, such as the first dance and bouquet toss, countries around the world also have their own set of wedding-related rituals. And many of them have a specific purpose with symbolic significance. Take, for instance, nuptials in Guatemala, which often involve the mother of the groom breaking a white ceramic bell to bring prosperity to the newlyweds. Or, consider brides and grooms in the Philippines who release a pair of white doves after they wed, signifying a harmonious life.

If you’re part of a certain culture or heritage, you don’t have to be living in that country or throwing your wedding there to observe these traditions; if you align with a ritual that’s part of your background, you can certainly implement it into your special day.

Whether you want to read up on your culture or you’re simply curious how other cultures celebrate their marriage, here are 50 of the most fascinating wedding traditions around the world.

01 of 50

Norway: Wearing a Crown to Deflect Evil Spirits

Bride's gold beaded headpiece in Norwegian wedding ceremony tradition — Photo by Katherine Rose Photography

One wedding tradition that Norwegian brides follow is sporting a crown to ward off evil spirits. The tiara in question is usually an ornate diadem made of silver and gold that is decorated with small charms. Whenever the bride moves, the charms create a tinkling sound that is supposed to scare off the spirits.

02 of 50

Mexico: Draping a Lasso Around the Couple's Shoulders

brides perform lasso ceremony with rope at wedding — Photo by Ana Hinojosa

During a Mexican wedding ceremony, when the pair exchanges vows, "el lazo," or lasso (often a string of rope) is draped around their shoulders in the shape of a figure eight. Not only does "el lazo" represent the union of the couple, but its shape also resembles the infinity sign, which signifies how long they're hoping the marriage will last.

03 of 50

Armenia: Balancing Bread on the Couple's Shoulders

Pita Bread and Stalk of Wheat and White Flowers At Wedding Ceremony — Photo by 515 Photo Co.

With this ritual, when a newly married Armenian couple enters their wedding reception—typically at the groom's house—they break a plate for good luck. Then, the mother of the groom gives them lavash flatbread and honey. They eat spoonfuls of the honey to symbolize happiness, and they balance the bread on their shoulders to counteract evil spirits.

04 of 50

Congo: Concealing a Smile on the Wedding Day

Lower Half of Bride and Groom in White Attire Standing in Front of White Flowers — Thales Antonio / Getty Images

While most soon-to-be spouses brim with excitement leading up to and on their big day, Congolese couples have to keep their happiness in check. Throughout the entirety of their wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception, the two are not allowed to crack a smile, as grinning is evidence that they aren't serious about marriage.

05 of 50

China: Shooting the Bride With a Bow and Arrow

Closeup of Man's Hand With Silver Wedding Band While Pulling Back Arrow — Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images

In China, a prospective husband shoots his bride with a bow and (head-less) arrow several times. After collecting the arrows, he breaks each of them during the ceremony to ensure their love lasts forever.

06 of 50

China: Carrying the Bride

Chinese bride in traditional Chinese wedding attire being carried during the wedding ceremony. — Photo by DAVID BASTIANONI

A Chinese bride's family hires a "good luck" woman to take care of the soon-to-be Mrs. when she travels from her home to her groom's in an elaborately decorated sedan chair. The bride also has attendants shield her with parasols and toss rice at the chair to grant health and prosperity.

07 of 50

Ethiopia: Hosting the Melse

Wedding Couple in Traditional Ethiopian Clothing — Photo by Niki Marie Photography

On the day after an Ethiopian duo's wedding, the bride's family usually hosts the Melse, which only close friends and family attend. For the event, the bride and groom wear habesha outfits with a Kaba, an Ethiopian embroidered cape, and head jewelry.

08 of 50

France: Cutting a Heart into a White Sheet

newlyweds walking through a white sheet with a heart cutout — Courtesy of Vanessa Monnet

In contemporary French ceremonies, the newlyweds often walk through a cut-out heart that's carved into a white sheet. This ritual has evolved from a tradition in small French villages, in which children obstructed the bride's path down the aisle with white ribbons, which forced her to cross through them. The purpose was to represent the bride overcoming any challenges that might come her way in her marriage.

09 of 50

Hawaii: Blowing the Pū

Man Blowing Conch Shell During Hawaiian Wedding Ceremony — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Blowing the pū (a conch shell horn) has been a part of Hawaiian culture since ancient times. Hawaiian weddings also embrace this concept, with the officiant either sounding the horn at the start of the ceremony or after the newlyweds share their first kiss.

10 of 50

Greece: Shaving the Groom

Groom sitting on deck overlooking Greece island while getting a shave — Photo by Thanasis Kaiafas

Taking the term "groomsman" literally, a Greek groom's best man, or "koumparos," becomes his barber on his wedding day. Before the groom changes into his ceremony attire, his pal pulls out a razor and shaves the man of honor's face to demonstrate the trust between them.

11 of 50

Guatemala: Breaking a Bell

Closeup of Man Holding Silver Engraved Wedding Bell — Photo by JAMES x SCHULZE

When Guatemalan newlyweds arrive at the reception, it's a tradition that the mother of the groom breaks a white ceramic bell filled with grains, such as rice and flour, to bring prosperity to the couple.

12 of 50

Brazil: Incorporating Natural Elements

Bride and groom pouring sand into vessel during ceremony — Photo by Phil Chester

Wedding ceremonies in Brazil conventionally incorporate rituals that revolve around the natural elements of sand, water, or fire—each enhances the couple's future marriage in some way. To enact this tradition, couples might blend two different containers of sand into the same vessel, signifying their joint union.

13 of 50

Japan: Wearing a White Tsunokakushi

Bride in Kimono during a Japanese wedding ceremony — Ryouchin / Getty Images

On her wedding day, a Japanese bride celebrating a traditional Shinto ceremony wears white from head to toe, including makeup, a kimono, and a hood, called a "tsunokakushi." White denotes her maiden status, and the hood hides the so-called "horns of jealousy" she may feel toward her mother-in-law.

14 of 50

Libya: Sporting a Harisa

Bride in Traditional White and Gold Dress With Gold Jewelry and Veil Posing With Groom in Brown Outfit With Gold Cap And Gold Chain in Dimly Lit Room — Photo by Yazmine May

While some Libyan brides wear traditional wedding dresses on their big day, many don a harisa, a garment made of white silk that's embroidered in silver and gold. The woman of the hour often pairs the outfit with gold jewelry and a matching veil.

15 of 50

Lebanon: Playing Music and Dancing Before the Ceremony

Lebanese wedding with musicians playing guitar and trumpet and guests dancing — Photo by Holly Clark

In Lebanon, the wedding celebration, known as the Zaffe, gets off to a rowdy start at both the bride's and groom's homes, thanks to music, belly dancing, and shouting from the couple's friends and family and occasionally professional dancers and musicians. Eventually, everyone ends up at the bride's house, where guests shower the couple with blessings and flower petals once they leave for the ceremony.

16 of 50

Germany: Shattering Porcelain

German wedding tradition with bride sweeping porcelain from driveway — Courtesy of Lea Boekmann

Guests at German weddings traditionally throw porcelain dishes on the ground to ward off any evil spirits. Afterward, the couple cleans up the broken pieces, learning the lesson of "Polterabend," which asserts that as long as the two work together, they can face any challenge.

17 of 50

Norway: Serving Kransekake

Kransekake nordic wedding cake with white icing on white tray — Photo by Andrew Parsons

It's typical at Norwegian weddings to serve a towering cake, called a "kransekake." This special dessert has rings of iced almond cake that forms a cone shape with a wine bottle placed in the hollow middle.

18 of 50

Czech Republic: Placing a Baby on the Couple's Bed

Baby in Onesie Lying on White Bed Linens — Galina Zhigalova / Getty Images

Before a Czech couple ties the knot, an infant is placed on their bed to enhance their fertility. Once they wed, guests shower them with rice, peas, or lentils to further promote fertility.

19 of 50

Nigeria: Cracking Kola Nuts

Kola Nuts on White Tray With Two Bowls of Dipping Sauce — Photo by Emma McDonald

In Nigeria, many tribes signal the start of the traditional event by breaking the kola nut. After blessing the bitter fruit, they crack the symbolic food into pieces—the more pieces that are broken off, the more prosperity the host and guests will receive.

20 of 50

Russia: Sharing Karavay

Russian wedding bread eaten during the wedding ceremony — Serhii Sobolevskyi / Getty Images

Newly married Russian couples share a wedding sweetbread, called "karavay." The treat is decorated with wheat for prosperity and interlocking rings for faithfulness. Whoever takes the biggest bite without using their hands is considered the head of the family.

21 of 50

India: Stealing the Groom's Shoes

Closeup of Groom's Pink Embroidered Kurta and Pants With White Shoes Lined With Black — Photo by Caroline Lima Photography

On the day of the wedding, in a lighthearted ritual, called "Joota Chupai," an Indian bride's sisters and female cousins hide the groom's shoes. To safely return them to the groom, the bride's female relatives often negotiate with him. This tradition brings laughter and blessings to the couple.

22 of 50

China: Playing Wedding Door Games

Bride in Traditional Red Dress With Floral Detail Seated and Looking at Groom in Black Tuxedo — Photo by Jen Huang

In this humorous, playful tradition, Chinese bridesmaids challenge the groom (and sometimes his groomsmen) on the morning of the wedding day by putting him through a series of tests, which are called "wedding door games," to prove that he's worthy of the bride. Afterward, he must pay each one with envelopes of money.

23 of 50

Niger: Doing the Camel Dance

Camel Decorated in Colorful Red Flowers and Other Decorations for Wedding — Negarin Balouch / Getty Images

In the West African country of Niger, the reception is marked by a camel dance. As the humpback animal grooves the the beat of a drum in the desert, the wedding guests gather around to watch and dance along.

24 of 50

Philippines: Releasing White Doves

A traditional dove release during a Filipino wedding ceremony — Photo by Jenn Byrne

After tying the knot, brides and grooms in the Philippines release a pair of white doves—one male and one female—into the air. The birds are said to represent a harmonious life for the newly married couple.

25 of 50

Fiji: Presenting a Whale's Tooth

Engraved whale tooth used in a Fijian wedding ceremony. — Getty Images

In Fiji, when a man asks a woman's father for her hand in marriage, he must present his future father-in-law with a whale's tooth. This item is supposed to impart compassion and thoughtfulness to the bride's family.

26 of 50

Mexico: Exchanging Consent

bride reciting vows while holding microphone while groom in sombrero wipes away tears — Photo by Kelley Williams

Another tradition in Mexican weddings involves the couple exchanging consent. After the pair has the customary mass, the pastor performs the Exchange of Consent, which is when the two promise to love each other for the rest of their lives—before the eyes of God and the rest of the congregation.

27 of 50

Israel: Adopting the Bedeken

Groom unveiling bride at Jewish ceremony — Photo by Tomer Lesher Photography

For Ashkenazi couples in Israel, after the groom's friends and family dance him into the room where the bride is waiting (usually seated beside her mother and future mother-in-law), the groom lifts the bride's veil over her face, otherwise known as the bedeken (which is a Yididsh term that means "veiling ceremony"). The groom then recites a blessing, and the father of the bride or other loved ones in her life may also chime in.

28 of 50

Cuba: Pinning Money to the Bride's Dress

The Money Dance performed at a wedding in Cuba — Photo by Whitney Neal Studios

Some variation of the money dance is a common wedding tradition across many cultures. In Cuba, every man who dances with the bride must pin money to her dress to help the couple pay for their wedding and honeymoon.

29 of 50

Russia: Taking Photos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Russia — Maria Paina / Getty Images

As a sign of respect, pairs in Moscow, Russia, often take wedding photos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin. Then, they decorate the area with flowers.

30 of 50

Turkey: Hanging a Flag

Elder Turkish Woman Hanging Turkish Flag Outside of Window — ozgurdonmaz / Getty Images

On the day of a Turkish groom's wedding, his friends pay a visit to his home to plant the country's flag in the ground. Depending on the area, they might also scatter objects, like fruit, vegetables, and mirrors, around the flagpole, as a sign that the wedding ceremony has begun.

31 of 50

Venezuela: Departing Before the Reception Ends

Bride and groom riding in their getaway car — Photo by Emily Nicole Photo

Before the wedding reception comes to a close, it's good luck for Venezuelan newlyweds to sneak away—without getting caught. Whoever realizes that the two have left is also said to receive good fortune.

32 of 50

Wales: Adding Myrtle to the Bridal Bouquet

Bride Holding White Bouquet With Hydrangeas, Roses, Orchids, and Myrtle — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

Welsh brides include myrtle in their bouquets as a symbol of love, and they also give a piece of the herb to each of their bridesmaids. After the wedding, the bridesmaids are supposed to plant the myrtle cutting; if it blooms, she'll be the next bride.

33 of 50

Mongolia: Finding a Chicken's Liver

Chicken Standing on Grass With Blurred Trees and Countryside in Background — Tina Terras & Michael Walter / Getty Images

A Mongolian couple hoping to set a wedding date must first kill a baby chicken and cut it apart, holding the knife together, to find a healthy liver. They keep at it until they're successful.

34 of 50

China: Wearing Three Dresses

Bride in Lace Wedding Dress Holding Purple and White Bouquet — Photo by Jen Huang

In China, brides don three outfit changes: They typically walk down the aisle in a slim-fitting, embroidered dress (a qipao or cheongsam) before putting on a more decked-out, Western-inspired gown for the reception and a cocktail dress for the end of the evening.

35 of 50

Russia: Proving the Groom's Worth

Lower Half of Man in Jeans Walking Up Brick Steps to Front Door of Home — AJ_Watt / Getty Images

According to Russian wedding custom, a groom must go to the bride's parents' home on the morning of the wedding to prove his worth, either by paying a "ransom" for his future wife, showering the family with gifts, or dancing and singing until the family has had enough.

36 of 50

Ireland: Dancing on One Foot

Black and white photo of an Irish bride and groom dancing on the dance floor. — Photo by Tews Visual

In Ireland, when the bride and groom are dancing during the wedding reception, the bride must keep at least one foot on the floor at all times. According to Irish folklore, if the bride fails to do so, evil fairies will come and sweep her away.

37 of 50

India: Receiving Henna Designs

Close Up of Bride in White Beaded Indian Dress With Her Hands Covered in Henna — Photo by Lisette Gatliff

Right before the wedding, it's common for Indian women to gather their closest female friends and family members for the mehndi party, when their skin is intricately painted with mehndi, a type of paint made from henna.

38 of 50

French Polynesia: Stepping on Relatives

Closeup of Bride and Groom Holding Hands in Front of Ocean — apomares / Getty Images

On the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, once the wedding is over, the relatives of the bride lay face down on the ground beside one another, while the bride and groom walk over them like a human rug.

39 of 50

China: Crying Before the Wedding

Mother of the Bride Dabbing Tears While Sitting Next to Husband — Photo by Jen Huang Bogan

Brides of the Tujia people in China cry for one hour every day starting one month before they tie the knot. Once they reach the 10-day mark, the mother of the bride joins in, and another 10 days after that, her grandmother starts the waterworks. By the end of the month, every female in the family is crying alongside the bride. The tradition is believed to be an expression of joy, as the women weep in different tones, reminiscent of a song.

40 of 50

Germany: Sawing a Log

Sawing a log in half for a traditional wedding ceremony. — Fdevalera / Getty Images

After getting married, couples in Germany receive a large log and a saw. They're supposed to saw the log in half as a team, which foreshadows their ability to overcome obstacles in their marriage through collaboration.

41 of 50

Peru: Participating in the Cake Pull

Three-Tier White Cake With Purple Ribbons on Top — jhorrocks / Getty Images

Peruvian wedding cakes typically showcase ribbons, which are attached to charms—one of which is a fake wedding ring. During the reception, all of the single women in attendance participate in the "cake pull" by grabbing a ribbon. Whoever pulls out the fake bauble, per tradition, will be the next to get married.

42 of 50

Romania: Hiding the Bride

Closeup of Bride's White Shoes and Colorful Wrapped Bouquet on the Floor — Nadtochiy / Getty Images

In Romania, before the wedding, guests work together to playfully "abduct" the bride, whisking her away to an undisclosed location and demanding a "ransom" from the groom. Typical requests? A few bottles of alcohol or a performance in front of the entire wedding party.

43 of 50

Scotland: Covering the Bride and Groom

Bride and Groom Waving as They Leave the Church as Bagpipe Player Leads Them — Photo by Charla Storey

The day before a Scottish bride and groom's wedding ceremony, their friends capture them and cover them in any substance, from molasses and ash to flour and feathers, before parading them around town. The ritual stems from the practice of trying to combat evil spirits.

44 of 50

Sweden: Stealing Kisses

Black and White Portrait of Wedding Couple Kissing — Photo by Ryan Ray

In Sweden, whenever the bride leaves the table, all of the ladies at the reception are welcome to steal a kiss from the groom. And vice versa: Whenever the groom leaves the room, the men are free to plant a peck on the bride.

45 of 50

Wales: Carving Lovespoons

Welsh love spoons for a traditional Welsh wedding ceremony. — Nacho Mena / Getty Images

Back in the day, when a Welshman fell in love and was ready to commit to marriage, he carved spoons from wood, called "lovespoons," and gave them to his beloved. He often decorated them with keys (demonstrating the key to his heart) and beads (symbolizing the number of children he was hoping for).

46 of 50

India: Marrying a Tree First

wedding processional for a traditional Indian wedding, bride in red Indian wedding attire. — Photo by James x Schulze

Hindu brides who were born during the astrological period when Mars and Saturn were both under the seventh house are supposedly cursed with an early widowhood, according to Indian custom. To break this evil spell, these brides have to marry a tree first before having it cut down.

47 of 50

South Korea: Including the Falaka Ceremony

Couple in hanbok during a traditional South Korean wedding. — Photo by Flora + Fauna

As part of the "Falaka" ceremony in South Korea, the groom's friends and family hold him down as they beat the bottom of his feet with a stick or dried fish. In between beatings, they ask him trivia questions to strengthen his memory (and his feet).

48 of 50

Italy: Surprising the Bride With La Serenata

Wedding Guests on Dance Floor Beneath Disco Lights at Ceremony in Tuscany — Photo by David Bastianoni

The night before the wedding, an Italian groom traditionally throws a surprise party outside his bride-to-be's window. "La serenata" begins with the groom, backed by musicians, serenading his fiancée, before it turns into a full-blown bash, complete with a lavish buffet and all of the couple's friends and family.

49 of 50

Spain: Chopping the Tie

Closeup of Black Bow Tie, White Floral Boutonniere, and Printed Pocket Square — Photo by Clary Pfeiffer Photography

At some Spanish weddings, the groom's friends will chop up his tie with scissors and sell the pieces to guests to raise money for the newlyweds. The same practice is sometimes applied to the bride's garter, as well.

50 of 50

Canada: Throwing Money at the Couple

Guests Throwing Money at Couple Sitting at Dinner Table Outside — Photo by Lance Nicoll

At French-Canadian ceremonies, the couple's older, unmarried siblings traditionally perform a money dance. While wearing brightly colored socks, they dance and throw money at the couple. The bills are eventually collected and presented to the newlyweds.