No matter where you are in the world, the wedding ceremony stands out as a very special moment. These days, more couples are blending various traditions from their family cultures to honor the past and toast their future. Birkat Elyon, experts in beautiful, affordable cubic zirconia wedding rings, is happy to share some charming wedding traditions from around the world.
African American couples often do something called “jumping the broom” at the end of the ceremony. Jumping together over a broom laid out before them signifies moving together into their new life. Another tradition is pouring out a liquid onto the ground as a way to honor their ancestors.
Eastern Orthodox wedding ceremonies involve placing crowns on the heads of the couple, tied together by a white ribbon to symbolize their connection.
In Germany, friends and family of the wedding couple break porcelain items on the night before the ceremony. After this raucous celebration, the couple sweeps up the broken bits as a way to show they can work together to achieve a goal.
The tradition of adding “something blue” to the bridal attire stems from Irish/English culture, as does including a piece of Irish lace to the wedding dress.
In India, the bridal party attends a “mehndi party” ahead of the wedding ceremony where they receive intricate (yet temporary) henna designs on their hands.
Couples of Chinese descent focus on bringing good luck to the marriage as well as honoring their ancestors. You’ll find the traditional “double happiness” symbol and the color red in places of prominence as a way to usher in luck with this new joining.
In Hawaiian weddings, colorful floral leis are exchanged between the bride and groom. At the end of the ceremony, the officiant ties their hands symbolizing their new life bond.
Consider adding some of these beautiful, global customs to your own wedding as a way to make the ceremony truly unique!