Wedding Traditions

Everyone’s got to be from somewhere right? And if you are proud of your heritage and culture, it stands to reason that you would want some of your local wedding traditions reflected in your ceremony. Traditional weddings in each culture may have a few of the same elements, but there are also some unique customs as well.

To learn more about the different wedding traditions in other cultures, read on:

1. Mexican wedding traditions – The Mexican culture is largely based on Roman Catholicism. Therefore, you can expect a traditional mass for the wedding ceremony with a few added touches like Madrino de laso, a person in charge of carrying an ornate rope that is placed around the shoulders of the couple during the ceremony.
2. German wedding traditions – Germans have some funny customs that are sometimes practiced. For instance, the groom calls for the bride on their wedding day to provide a ride to the ceremony. The only catch is that family and friends have hidden her and he must try to find her first.
3. Italian wedding tradition – Some wedding customs we know today as American wedding traditions have stemmed from Italy. However, one Italian wedding tradition is unique. Bride and grooms in small towns and village have to saw a log together which symbolizes unity in life.
4. Hawaiian wedding tradition – For a Hawaiian wedding, traditional island food is served at the reception. For the ceremony, the bride wears a traditional white formal muumuu and the groom wears white pants, white shirt, lei of flowers and a colorful sash around his waist.
5. Korean traditional wedding – For a traditional wedding in Korea, half of them have stemmed from professional matchmaker efforts. The wedding feast is of traditional foods and the wedding attire incorporates symbols which represent a long lasting marriage.
6. Muslim wedding traditions – There are many different customs to follow. For instance, the wedding attire for the bride is typically a red color and a veil is also worn to cover the head. The groom typically wears a brocade suit with a turban and a sword in some regions.
7. Welsh wedding traditions – One of the most unusual customs happens in Wales. The Welsh custom of presenting a carved “love” spoon from the groom to the bride signifies his intentions of marriage.
8. English wedding traditions – Luckily for the modern English bride and grooms that some of the pre-arranged marriage traditions have petered out. Today, a couple must marry in a church which is register. In addition, you could only marry in a registered church in the area where either the bride or groom lives.
9. Filipino wedding traditions – For weddings in the Philippines, the groom also walks down the aisle, usually alone or with his parents. In addition, a decorative rope or string of flowers is draped over the couple during the ceremony.

Wedding traditions abound depending on your religion and/or what part of the world you are from. In addition, some religions and cultures overlap in their values and practices. For instance, Mexican weddings may have many of the Catholic wedding traditions incorporated in the ceremony. In addition, some cultures have unique and traditional wedding invitations and announcements. When you get married, just remember that it is your special day; you can choose what wedding traditions to follow.