Here in the United States, we have several wedding traditions we stick to, like tossing the bouquet to the bridesmaids, having a first dance, picking a wedding theme, cutting the cake, not letting the groom see the bride before the ceremony, and a whole bunch more. But we’re not the only country with unique wedding traditions. If you’re tying the knot in another part of the world or simply wish to have diverse nuptials, here are some customs to consider:
In China…
When you pick a wedding date, maybe you choose based upon your favorite time of year. But Chinese brides and grooms go about it a bit differently. Some couples decide on their wedding date with the help of a fortune teller. This person uses the birth dates of the bride and groom to find a unique day that works for both of them and their astrology signs.
In Japan…
Sake anyone? Newlyweds in Japan sip on sake together, which is a Japanese alcoholic beverage derived from fermented rice. Drinking sake with each other represents the coming together of two people. As husband and wife, they take the first sip at the same time.
In Mexico…
In Mexico, brides have a similar tradition as the United States. They have bridal attendants that assist with anything they may need during the big day, whether it’s holding a purse, fixing an issue among guests or arranging floral centerpieces. But the responsibilities of these women extend long past the wedding day. It’s expected that they be there to guide the bride throughout her marriage as well.
In Jamaica…
You know that intimate guest list you had planned for your big day? That may not fly in Jamaica. Their weddings are often community affairs, with everyone coming together to help plan and celebrate the nuptials.
In Sweden…
In this region of the world, the bride and her bridesmaids swap out floral arrangements for bouquets of smelly weeds. Sure, it doesn’t sound too appealing, but they do so because it’s believed to ward off trolls. Another interesting wedding tradition in Sweden? The bride and groom enter the ceremony together.
In Germany…
This wedding tradition starts long before the bride’s wedding day. Trees are planted when a girl is born, and once the date of her nuptials roll around, those majestic trees are sold to anyone who wants to buy them. The money earned from the tree sales goes toward the bride’s dowry, otherwise known as the money that a wife’s family gives to her husband when they marry.
What other unique wedding traditions do you know of? Share your thoughts with us!
Photo credit: A. Blake Photography via Rustic Wedding Chic
