Wedding Traditions: Each Country’s Own Style

Although most of wedding traditions are universal, some are celebrated differently in different parts of the world. Love is one but each culture has its own ways of making someone’s big day special. In Greece, a groom’s best friend becomes his barber and has to shave his face with a razor, while in Kenya, the bride’s father spits on her head and breasts as a blessing. So weird, right? Check out these traditions from around the world to know more.

1- Scotland

Scottish traditions are not particularly in great favor of the bride and groom, as their friends and family are supposed to take them out one day before their wedding, shower them with alcohol and cover them with feathers, flour and ash. This custom is said to help avoid evil spirits and bring good luck.

2- Poland

Have you heard of the money dance? In Poland, guests should buy the bride dances on her wedding day. The bridesmaid is charged of collecting the money, which is supposed to help fund the couple’s honeymoon. Cool idea, right?

3- Romania

In Romania, the bride is kidnapped by her close friends or hired entertainers before the wedding ceremonies. The main purpose of this abduction game is to let the groom come for her rescue and pay for her ransom whether by buying her drinks or showing his romantic gestures.

4- Niger

In this West Africa country, the celebrations are marked by a special camel dance that happens in the desert. Guests would gather around a drum player to watch the animal groove on the rhythmic beats.

5- Philippines

During their ceremony, the bride and groom release a pair of white doves, one male and one female, as a symbol of a long life of happiness and harmony together.

6- China

Sit down and enjoy the bridal fashion show in China! Chinese weddings witness three wardrobe changes as the bride walks down the aisle with an embroidered slim-fitting dress (called qipao or cheongsam), to later change into a more poofy gown for the reception, and finally into a third one for the cocktail party!

7- India

Indian weddings definitely beat the records when it comes to offering stunning colorful visuals. One of India’s wedding traditions is for the brides and female attendees to dye their skins with henna designs as a symbol of hope, joy and love for the occasion.

8- Germany

In Germany, newlywed couples have a teamwork challenge. After getting married, they have to saw a large log in half to prove that they are able to overcome obstacles together.

9- Peru

Peruvian wedding cakes are assembled with ribbons that are attached to charms, while the center of the cake hides a fake wedding ring. The single lady who is served the slice of cake that contains the ring is believed to be the next in line to get married.

10- Congo

In Congo, you’re not allowed to smile at your wedding. Believe it or not, smiling means that the bride and groom are not serious about their wedding. That’s why they have to hide their excitement or happiness during the entire day! How hard must that be?

About Esposa

With a presence spanning over 30 years, Esposa is a luxury bridal boutique offering every bride-to-be a one-stop shop to find her perfect wedding look, from her dream gown to her wedding shoes and the accessories she needs.

Esposa Group includes the Esposa Privé stores located in Downtown-Beirut and Dubai where bridal creations offer the choice between a multi-brand selection showcasing the works of international designers including Viktor and Rolf, Vera Wang, Monique L’huillier, Marchesa and Esposa Privé’s own couture brand, Esposacouture, as well as a wide evening segment and a selection of shoes and accessories. Esposa Group encompasses also the Esposa boutiques located in Lebanon (Dbayeh and Ramleh Al Bayda), and Dubai, showcasing a multi-brand bridal collection in addition to its own couture brand, Plume by Esposa, an evening segment, and a selection of shoes and accessories.