Wedding customs by country

Pieter Bruegel the Elder - Peasant Wedding - Google Art Project 2

Apollonia (Albania)3

How a wedding looks like

wedding.carriage.bristol.arp

Robert Wilhelm Ekman - Bridal Sauna

Soir de noces dans les Landes (la Roste)

Wedding customs by country involve a variety of traditions that depend on the country, culture, and religion of the bride and groom. These customs can range from the very simple to the highly elaborate, reflecting the social, cultural, and religious importance of marriage in different societies. This article provides an overview of wedding customs in various countries, highlighting the unique practices that characterize celebrations around the world.

United States

In the United States, weddings can vary greatly but often involve a blend of traditional and modern elements. A typical American wedding includes a ceremony, often in a church, chapel, or outdoor setting, followed by a reception with food, music, and dancing. The bride usually wears a white dress, and it is customary for the couple to exchange wedding rings and vows. The wedding reception often features a wedding cake, speeches, and the first dance of the newlyweds.

India

Indian weddings are known for their vibrancy, color, and grandeur. They typically involve several ceremonies over multiple days, including the Mehndi (henna ceremony), Sangeet (musical evening), and the main wedding rituals conducted around a sacred fire. Indian weddings are deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions, with customs varying significantly between religions (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, etc.) and regions. The bride's and groom's attire is usually elaborate, with the bride often wearing a sari or lehenga in rich colors and adorned with gold jewelry.

Japan

Japanese wedding traditions blend ancient customs with modern practices. Traditional weddings are conducted at Shinto shrines, where rituals involve the exchange of symbolic gifts and sipping sake in a ceremony known as San-san-kudo. Modern Japanese weddings, often held in hotels or wedding halls, may include a Shinto ceremony or a Western-style exchange of vows. The bride might wear a white kimono (Shiromuku) for the ceremony and change into a colorful kimono or a Western-style dress for the reception.

Morocco

Moroccan weddings are lavish celebrations that can last up to seven days. The ceremonies include the Henna party, where the bride's hands and feet are decorated with intricate designs. The main wedding features a series of traditional outfits for the bride, culminating in the Takchita, a highly ornate dress. Moroccan weddings are characterized by rich decorations, vibrant music, and traditional dances, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage.

Italy

Italian weddings are steeped in traditions that date back centuries. A notable custom is the Serenade, where the groom serenades the bride under her window on the eve of the wedding. Italian weddings typically involve a religious ceremony, followed by a reception featuring a lavish meal that includes multiple courses. The reception is known for its lively atmosphere, with music, dancing, and often fireworks.

Nigeria

Nigerian weddings are colorful, elaborate events that often combine traditional and modern elements. They typically involve two main ceremonies: the traditional wedding, where the couple dresses in native attire and participates in rituals specific to their ethnic group, and the white wedding, which is similar to Western-style weddings. Nigerian weddings are known for their vibrant music, dance, and fashion, with guests also dressing in traditional attire.