This document discusses wedding customs from around the world. It begins by explaining that weddings reflect the cultural values of different societies and will explore customs globally. Examples are then given of popular American customs like the white dress and throwing of the bouquet. The document continues by describing unique traditions in countries like Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, various European nations, India, China, and Japan. Tables with additional details on customs in over 50 countries are provided.

2. WeddingCustomsAroundtheWorld:ALookatDifferentTraditionsandRituals
Everycountryhasitsownuniquecustomsandtraditionswhenitcomestoweddings.
Fromthefoodtotheattire totheceremoniesthemselves,weddingsareareflectionof
thecultural andsocialvaluesof eachsociety
.In this article, we'llexplorewedding
customsfrom around theworld.
Researchconductedby TheKnotreveals that someof themostpopular wedding
customsin theUnitedStatesincludethebride wearingawhitedress,theexchangeof
rings,andthethrowingof thebouquet.However,thesecustomsarenotuniversaland
manyothercultureshavetheirownuniquetraditions.
InLatinAmericancountrieslikeCostaRica,itiscustomaryforthegroomtogivehis
bride thirteen goldcoinsduring theweddingceremony
,whichrepresentshis
commitmenttoprovideforher.InVenezuela,thecouplewill oftenexchangethirteen
coinsaswell,buttheyaremadeof silver andareblessedby thepriest beforebeing
giventothebride.
MovingontotheCaribbean,manyislandshavetheirownuniqueweddingcustoms.In
Jamaica,it istraditional for thebride tobeescorteddowntheaisleby agroupof
dancingbridesmaids,whileintheBahamas,thecouplemayjumpoverabroomstickto
symbolizetheir newlifetogether
.
In Mexico,theweddingceremonyistypically ablendof Catholicandindigenous
traditions.Thecouplemaybemarried in achurch,buttheywill alsoperformrituals
suchasthelazo ceremony
,wherearosary or lassoisplacedaroundthecouple's
shoulderstosymbolizetheirunity.
InEurope,weddingcustomscanvary widelydependingonthecountry.InGreece,itis
commonfor thebride towearacrownof flowers,whilein Italy, thegroommay
serenadehis bride with alovesongduring thereception.In Norway,thebride will
wearasilvercrownwithdanglingcharms,whichjingleasshemoves.
In Asia,weddingcustomsare justasdiverse.In India,thebride andgroomwill often
haveahennaceremonyafewdaysbeforethewedding,whereintricate designsare
paintedontheirhandsandfeet.InChina,thebridemaychangeheroutfitseveraltimes

3. during thereception,andinJapan,thecouplewill drinksaketogethertosymbolize
theirunion.
Thesearejustafewexamplesof themanydifferentweddingcustomsfromaroundthe
world.Whetheryou'replanningyour ownweddingorsimplycuriousabouthowother
culturescelebratethis specialday, it's fascinatingtoseetheuniquetraditions and
rituals that makeeachweddingceremonysospecial.
Researchfor this article wasconductedby TheKnot.Belowyou canseewedding
customsforallcountriesdiscussedinthisarticle,alongwithadditionalinformation
andnumericaldatawhereavailable.
Country WeddingCustom Description
Albania Gunfire
Gunsare fired whenthebride
arrives atthegroom’shouse
and sometimesatotherpoints
during theceremony,
symbolizing joy and
celebration2
Andorra Breadandwine
Thebrideand groomshare
breadandwineattheendof
theceremony,symbolizing
their union and mutual
support
Andorra Breadandwine
Thebrideand groomshare
breadandwineattheendof
theceremony,symbolizing
their union and mutual
support
Azerbaijan Candlelighting
Thebride’sfamily lights
candlesintheir windowsto
announcetheir daughter’s
availability formarriage
Belgium Bridalbouquet
Thebridegivesher bouquetto
afriendwhoisnotmarried

4. yet,hopingthatshewillbethe
nextonetogetmarried1
Bosnia Flagwaving
Thebridewavesaflag with
hermaidennameonitasshe
leavesher parents’house,
symbolizing her farewell to
her oldlife
Bosnia Flagwaving
Thebridewavesaflag with
hermaidennameonitasshe
leavesher parents’house,
symbolizing her farewell to
her oldlife
Bulgaria Breadbreaking
Thebrideand groombreak a
loafofbreadovertheirheads,
and whoevergetsthebigger
piecewill betheheadof the
household1
Croatia Applethrowing
Thegroomthrows an apple
overtheroofofhishouse,and
if it doesn’tbreak, it meansa
happymarriage1
Denmark Kissinggame
Theguestscankissthebride
or groom when their spouse
leavestheroom1
Estonia Logsawing
Thebrideand groomhaveto
sawalogin half together,
symbolizing teamworkand
cooperation1
Finland Bridalsauna
Thebridesmaids takethe
bridetoadecoratedsaunaon
thenightbeforethewedding2
France Lanoce
Theguestsfollow the
newlywedstodifferent
locationsontheir wedding
daywhilemakingnoiseasa
form ofcelebration2
Germany Platesmashing
Theday beforethewedding,
platesare smashedatthe

5. bride’shome,whichbrings
goodluck1
Greece Weddingcrowns
Crownswornbythebrideand
groomontheir weddingday
signify wisdom,justice,and
integrity. Theyalsorepresent
Aphrodite-Goddessoflove2
Iceland Weddingcake
Theweddingcakeisalayered
ring cakedecoratedwith
marzipan andcream1
Ireland Claddaghring
Thebrideand groomexchange
rings with aheart, acrown,
and twohands, symbolizing
love,loyalty, andfriendship1
Italy Ricethrowing
Gueststhrow rice overthe
brideand groomastheyleave
thechurch, symbolizing
fertility andprosperity2
Kazakhstan Bridekidnapping
Thegroom’sfriends kidnap
thebridebeforeorduringthe
weddingand demanda
ransom from thegroomto
return her2
Latvia Crowning
Thebrideand groomwear
crownsmadeof flowers,
leaves,or wheat,symbolizing
fertility andprosperity1
Norway Bridalcrown
Thebridewearsasilver or
goldcrownwith smallcharms
that makeatinkling soundto
ward off evilspirits1
Poland Breadandsalt
Theparents of thebride and
groomgreetthemwithbread
and saltatthereception,
symbolizing prosperity and
hospitality1
Portugal Bolodenoiva
Theweddingcakeisafruit
cakewith nutsanddried

6. fruits, symbolizing abundance
andfertility2
Romania Bridekidnapping
Thegroom’sfriends kidnap
thebridebeforeorduringthe
weddingand demanda
ransom from thegroomto
return her1
Russia Breadandsalt
Theparents of thebride and
groomgreetthemwithbread
and saltatthereception,
symbolizing prosperity and
hospitality3
Spain Orangeblossom
Thebridewearsorange
blossomin her hair or
bouquet,symbolizing
happinessandfulfillment1
Sweden Coinexchange
Thebrideand groomexchange
coinsbeforethewedding
ceremony,symbolizing their
shared responsibilityfor their
finances1
Turkey Hennanight
Thenight beforethewedding,
thebride’shands and feetare
decoratedwith henna
patterns,symbolizing beauty
andfertility
Italy Ricethrowing
Gueststhrow rice overthe
brideand groomastheyleave
thechurch, symbolizing
fertility andprosperity1
Greece Weddingcrowns
Crownswornbythebrideand
groomontheir weddingday
signify wisdom,justice,and
integrity. Theyalsorepresent
Aphrodite-Goddessoflove1
Spain Orangeblossom
Thebridewearsorange
blossomin herhair or

7. bouquet,symbolizing
happinessandfulfillment2
Portugal Bolodenoiva
Theweddingcakeisafruit
cakewith nutsand dried
fruits, symbolizing abundance
andfertility2
Croatia Applethrowing
Thegroomthrows an apple
overtheroofofhishouse,and
if it doesn’tbreak, it meansa
happymarriage2
Albania Gunfire
Gunsarefired whenthebride
arrives atthegroom’shouse
and sometimesatotherpoints
during theceremony,
symbolizing joy and
celebration2
Andorra Breadandwine
Thebrideand groomshare
breadandwineattheendof
theceremony,symbolizing
their union and mutual
support
Bosnia Flagwaving
Thebridewavesaflag with
hermaidennameonitasshe
leavesher parents’house,
symbolizing her farewell to
her oldlife
Russia Breadandsalt
Theparents of thebride and
groomgreetthemwithbread
and saltatthereception,
symbolizing prosperity and
hospitality3
Turkey Hennanight
Thenight beforethewedding,
thebride’shands and feetare
decoratedwith henna
patterns,symbolizing beauty
andfertility
Kazakhstan Bridekidnapping
Thegroom’sfriends kidnap
thebridebeforeorduringthe

8. weddingand demanda
ransom from thegroomto
return her2
Azerbaijan Candlelighting
Thebride’sfamily lights
candlesintheir windowsto
announcetheir daughter’s
availability formarriage
Austria Bridekidnapping
Thegroom’sfriends kidnap
thebride beforeor during the
weddingand takeher toapub
orafriend’s house,wherethey
drink until thegroomfinds
them
Australia Unitycandleorsandceremony
Asymbolicactof joining two
livesintooneby lighting a
candleorpouring sandintoa
container
Fiji Kavaceremony
Aritualof sharing a
root-baseddrink thatsignifies
respectandcommitment
Kiribati Tevutevuceremony
Atradition of placingmats
oneontopof theother to
symbolizewherethecouple
will sleep
MarshallIslands Land tenure andproperty
Asystemof inheritance and
ownership of land and
property basedonfamilyties
and clanmembership
Micronesia Constructedkinrelations
Apracticeof adopting
childrenfrom relativesor
friends tostrengthensocial
bonds
NewZealand Traditional Maoriweddings
Aceremonythat follows
deeplyrootedcustomsand
ceremoniesof thenative
Maori people

9. Palau Whitebeachwedding
Aromantic ceremony
surroundedby thesea,thesky
and thesand
PapuaNewGuinea Commercialtransaction
Anegotiation of thebride
priceinpigs,shellsandcash
betweenthegroom’sand
bride’sfamilies
China TheBetrothal
Thegroompresentsbetrothal
giftstothebride’sparentsasa
formal proposal and they
return half of themasan
acceptance1.
India MehndiCeremony
Thebrideand her female
relativeshavetheirhands and
feetdecoratedwith henna
designsby aprofessional
mehndiartist2.
Japan SanSanKudo
Thecoupleand theirparents
taketurns tosipsakefrom
three cupsof different sizes,
symbolizing unity and
harmony2.
Indonesia Siraman
Thebrideand groomare
bathedby their parents and
relativeswith water mixed
with flowers and herbs, to
cleansethemof badluckand
prepare themformarriage3.
Thailand RodNamSang
Thecouplesitsonastage
whileguestspour waterover
their hands from aconch
shell,whilegiving them
blessingsandadvice3.
Vietnam AnHoi
Thegroom’sfamily visitsthe
bride’sfamily with giftsof
betelnuts,fruits,cakes,and a
roastedpig, toaskfortheir

10. permission tomarrytheir
daughter4.
Malaysia Bersanding
Thecouplesitsona
throne-likeplatformwhile
guestssprinklethemwith
yellow riceand scentedwater,
towishthemprosperity and
happiness5.
Philippines MoneyDance
Theguestspin moneybillson
thebride’sgownor the
groom’ssuit whiledancing
with them,tohelpthemstart
their marriedlife6.
Singapore Gate-Crashing
Thegroomand his
groomsmenhavetopassa
seriesof challengessetbythe
bridesmaids beforethey can
enterthebride’shouse,to
prove his loveandsincerity.
SouthKorea Pyebaek
Thecouplebowstotheir
parents and elderswhile
offering themdatesand
chestnuts,whichsymbolize
childrenandfertility.
Afghanistan MehndiCeremony
Mehndi isatraditional
pre-weddingceremonywhere
thebridehashenna appliedto
her handsand feet,and the
guestsoftenparticipate in
dancing andsinging.
Armenia Traditional ArmenianWedding
Theweddingceremonyin
Armenia includesthegroom's
family visiting thebride's
houseand askingfor
permission tomarry her.The
weddingreceptiontypically
includeslotsof food, music,
anddancing.

11. Azerbaijan Nikah
Nikah istheIslamicwedding
ceremonythat includesthe
signing of themarriage
contractandablessingfroma
religiousauthority.
Bahrain AlAghd
Al Aghdisthetraditional
weddingceremonyin
Bahrain, whichincludesthe
signing of themarriage
contractand theexchangeof
giftsbetweenthefamilies of
thebride andgroom.
Bangladesh
GayeHoludandMehndi
Ceremony
TheGayeHoludceremony
involvesthebrideand groom
beingcoveredin turmeric
pastetoward off evil spirits.
TheMehndi ceremonyis
similar totheonein India,
with thebridehavinghenna
appliedtoherhandsandfeet.
Bhutan
ReducingCeremonyand
TraditionalCeremony
TheReducingCeremony
involvesthebride'shairbeing
cutasasymbolof leavingher
old life behind,and the
Traditional Ceremony
includesblessingsfrom
Buddhistmonksandthe
exchangeof traditional gifts
betweenthefamilies.
Brunei BersandingCeremony
TheBersandingCeremonyis
theweddingreceptionin
Brunei, wherethebrideand
groomsit onadais and
receiveguests.Thereisoftena
lot of foodand musicatthe
reception.
Cambodia
EngagementCeremonyand
WeddingCeremony
TheEngagementCeremony
involvesthegroom'sfamily
visiting thebride'shouseand

12. exchanginggifts. TheWedding
Ceremonyincludesa
processionand traditional
blessings.
Georgia Supra andTamada
TheSupra isthetraditional
Georgianfeastthat isoften
heldbeforethewedding,and
theTamadaisthetoastmaster
wholeadsthedrinking and
toasting. Thewedding
ceremonyitselfinvolvesthe
brideand groomexchanging
vowsand exchangingrings.
Iran Aghd
Aghdisthetraditional
Persian weddingceremony,
whichincludesthesigning of
themarriagecontractand the
exchangeof rings. Thereis
oftenmusic,dancing, and a
largefeastatthereception.
Iraq Traditional IraqiWedding
Thetraditional Iraqiwedding
includesthegroom'sfamily
visiting thebride'shouseto
askfor permission tomarry
her.Theweddingceremony
itselfinvolvesthebrideand
groomexchangingvowsand
rings, and there isoften
music,dancing, andfoodat
thereception.
Israel Chuppah andHoraDance
TheChuppah istheJewish
weddingcanopyunderwhich
thebride and groomstand
during theceremony.The
Hora Danceisatraditional
Israeli dancethat oftentakes
placeatthereception.
Jordan Traditional JordanianWedding
Thetraditional Jordanian
weddinginvolvesthebride's

13. family visiting thegroom's
familytoaskfor permissionto
marry her.Thewedding
ceremonyitselfinvolvesthe
brideand groomexchanging
vowsand rings, andthere is
oftenmusic,dancing, andfood
atthereception.
Kazakhstan KazakhWedding
TheKazakhweddingincludes
atraditional blessingfrom a
religious leader andthe
exchangeof gifts betweenthe
families of thebrideand
groom.
Kuwait Al-Zaffa
Traditional weddingmarch,
featuring drummingand
dancing
Kyrgyzstan KidnapandRescue
Thegroommustnegotiate
withthebride'sfamilyfor her
releaseafter sheis
"kidnapped"by hisfriends
Laos BaciCeremony
Atraditional ceremonytocall
thespirits of thebrideand
groombacktotheir bodies
and tobring themgoodluck
Lebanon Zaffe
Atraditional weddingmarch
featuring drummingand
dancing
Maldives DhandhaanuNeshun
Traditional Maldivian music
and dance performed during
weddings
Mongolia WeddingArchery
Thegroomand his family
mustdemonstratetheir
huntingandarcheryskillsto
prove their worth tothe
bride'sfamily
Myanmar(Burma) NaTinNyo
Thegroomand hisfamily
mustpresentgifts tothe

14. bride'sfamily, whichmay
include betelleaves,fruit,and
traditionalclothing
Nepal Kanyadaan
Thefather of thebridegives
her away tothegroomduring
theweddingceremony
NorthKorea Traditional KoreanWedding
Atraditional Koreanwedding
typically includesaceremony
wherethebrideandgroom
exchangevowsandshare a
drink of ricewine
Oman AlAzi
Traditional weddingmarch
featuring drummingand
dancing
Pakistan Mehndi
Apre-weddingceremony
wherethebridehashenna
appliedtoherhandsandfeet
Qatar Traditional QatariWedding
Atraditional Qatariwedding
typically includesahenna
ceremonyfor thebride,
followedby areceptionwith
dancing andfood
SaudiArabia Arda
Traditional weddingmarch
featuring drummingand
sworddancing
SriLanka PoruwaCeremony
Atraditional ceremonywhere
thebride and groomstand on
adecoratedplatform and
exchangevows
Syria Zaffe
Atraditional weddingmarch
featuring drummingand
dancing
Taiwan GuoDaLi
Atraditional pre-wedding
ceremonywherethegroom's
family presentsgiftstothe
bride'sfamily

15. Tajikistan Plov(traditional ricedish)
Plovisatraditional dish in
Tajikistanthat istypically
servedatweddings.It isarice
dishthatismadewithcarrots,
onions, and lambor beef.The
dish isoftenservedwith
raisins, apricots,andquince.
Timor-Leste(EastTimor)
Paymentofbridepricebythe
groomand hisfamily
In Timor-Leste,thegroomand
his family are expectedtopay
abrideprice tothebride's
family. Theamountof the
brideprice varies depending
onthewealthand social
statusofthefamilies involved.
Turkmenistan
Traditional weddingfeastand
gift-giving
In Turkmenistan, weddings
are celebratedwith a
traditional feast,which
includesavariety of dishes
suchaspilaf, kebabs,and
dumplings.Thebrideand
groomreceivegifts from their
families and friends, suchas
clothing,jewelry, and
householditems.Thewedding
ceremonyistypically heldina
mosqueorinthebride'shome.
UnitedArab Emirates(UAE)
Hennanight for thebride and
traditional danceperformances
In theUAE,it iscommonfor
thebride tohaveahenna
night beforethewedding,
during whichintricate henna
designsare appliedtoher
handsand feet.Traditional
danceperformances,suchas
theAlAyalaandtheAlRazfa,
are oftenperformedat
weddings.Thesedances
involvedrummingand
chanting,and are intendedto
celebratetheweddingandto

16. bring goodlucktothe
newlyweds.
Uzbekistan
Traditional matchmakingand
dowrypayment
In Uzbekistan,marriages are
oftenarrangedbythefamilies
of thebrideand groom.The
groom'sfamily isexpectedto
pay adowry tothebride's
family, whichcaninclude
money,clothing,and
householditems.Thewedding
ceremonyistypically heldin
thebride'shome,and is
followedby atraditional feast
that includesdishessuchas
plovandshashlik.
Yemen
Traditionalhennanightforthe
bride andweddingfeast
In Yemen,thebride hasa
henna night beforethe
wedding,during whichhenna
designsare appliedtoher
handsand feet.Thewedding
feasttypically includesdishes
suchaslamb,chicken,and
rice, and isfollowedby
dancing and music.In some
parts of Yemen,thebride's
faceiscoveredwith aveil
during theweddingceremony.
Algeria HennaNight
Hennanight isapre-wedding
ceremonywherethebrideand
her femalefriends and
relativesgather tohavetheir
handsand feetdecoratedwith
henna. Itisoftenaccompanied
by musicanddancing.
Angola Kucula
Kuculaisatraditional
Angolanweddingcustom
wherethegroomvisitsthe
bride'sfamily toaskfor her
handinmarriage. Hebrings

17. giftssuchascloth,salt,and
sugar toshowhiscommitment
tothemarriage. Thebride's
family may askthegroomto
perform certain tasksor
rituals toprovehis
worthiness.
Benin Fanti
Fanti isatraditionalBeninese
weddingcustomwherethe
groompresentsgiftstothe
bride'sfamily toaskfor her
handin marriage. Thegifts
may include kola nuts,palm
wine,and fabric. Thebride's
family may alsoaskthe
groomtoperform certain
tasksor rituals toprove his
worthiness.
Botswana Lobola
Lobolaisatraditional
Botswananweddingcustom
wherethegroompaysabride
price tothebride'sfamily in
exchangefor her hand in
marriage. Thebride pricemay
include cattle,money,and
other gifts. Thebride'sfamily
may alsoaskthegroomto
perform certain tasksor
rituals toprovehis
worthiness.
BurkinaFaso Colo
Coloisatraditional Burkina
Fasanweddingcustomwhere
thegroomandhisfamilyvisit
thebride'sfamily toaskfor
her handin marriage.The
groom'sfamily brings gifts
suchaskolanuts,coladrinks,
and moneytoshowtheir
commitmenttothemarriage.
Thebride'sfamily mayalso

18. askthegroomtoperform
certain tasksor rituals to
prove hisworthiness.
Burundi Gusaba
Gusabaisatraditional
Burundian weddingcustom
wherethegroomand his
family visit thebride'sfamily
toaskfor her handin
marriage.Thegroom'sfamily
brings giftssuchascows,
goats,and fabric toshowtheir
commitmenttothemarriage.
Thebride'sfamily may also
askthegroomtoperform
certain tasksor rituals to
prove hisworthiness.
CaboVerde
NoitedePerguntas(Nightof
Questions)
NoitedePerguntasisa
traditional CaboVerdean
weddingcustomwherethe
brideand groomare asked
questionsabouteachother's
families and backgrounds.The
questionsare intendedtotest
thecouple'sknowledgeofeach
other and their commitment
tothemarriage.
Cameroon Groom'sFamily PaysBridePrice
In Cameroon,thegroom's
family traditionally paysa
brideprice tothebride's
family in exchangefor her
handin marriage. Thebride
price may include money,
livestock,and other gifts.The
bride'sfamily may alsoask
thegroomtoperformcertain
tasksor rituals toprove his
worthiness.
CentralAfrican Republic(CAR) Paymentof BridePrice
In theCentralAfrican
Republic,thegroom

19. traditionally paysabride
price tothebride'sfamily in
exchangefor her hand in
marriage. Thebride pricemay
include money,livestock,and
other gifts. Thebride'sfamily
may alsoaskthegroomto
perform certain tasksor
rituals toprovehis
worthiness.
Chad PaymentofDowry
In Chad,thegroom
traditionally paysadowry to
thebride'sfamilyin exchange
for herhandinmarriage.The
dowrymay
Comoros Ndzumgsi
Atraditional weddingcustom
in Comoroswherethegroom
andhisfamilymustpreparea
"brideprice"tooffer tothe
bride'sfamily. Thisisa
negotiation processthat can
lastseveral monthsand
involvestheexchangeof gifts
and moneybetweenthetwo
families.
DemocraticRepublicof theCongo LaDot
In theDemocraticRepublicof
Congo,thegroomisrequired
topay adowry tothebride's
family beforethewedding
ceremony.Thisdowry,known
as"LaDot,"includesmoney,
gifts,and householditems
suchasfurniture, appliances,
andlivestock.
Republicof theCongo TheRiteofPassage
TheRiteof Passageisa
traditional weddingcustomin
theRepublicof theCongo
wherethebrideisinitiated
intowomanhoodbyreceiving

20. blessingsand guidancefrom
theolderwomeninherfamily
and community. This
ceremonyisconsidereda
crucial partof thewedding.
Coted'Ivoire LaDot
In Coted'Ivoire,thegroomis
expectedtopay adowrytothe
bride'sfamily, whichincludes
money,gifts, andlivestock.
Theamountof thedowry is
usually negotiatedbetween
thetwofamilies andcantake
several monthstofinalize.
Djibouti Kulam-Wedding
Atraditional weddingcustom
in Djiboutiwherethegroom
and his family mustpay a
"brideprice"tothebride's
family. Thebrideprice
includeslivestock,money,and
other gifts, and isnegotiated
betweenthetwofamilies.
Egypt KatbEl-Kitab
KatbEl-Kitabisatraditional
Islamicweddingcustomin
Egypt wherethecouplesignsa
marriage contractin the
presenceof asheikhor imam.
Thecontractoutlinesthe
rights and obligations of the
brideand groomandservesas
alegaldocument.
EquatorialGuinea LaGuinea
In Equatorial Guinea,the
groomisrequiredtopay a
dowry tothebride'sfamily
beforethewedding.The
dowry, knownas"LaGuinea,"
includesmoney,gifts,and
livestock.Theamountof the
dowry isusually negotiated
betweenthetwofamilies.

21. Eritrea Gezane
Gezaneisatraditional
weddingcustomin Eritrea
wherethegroommustbring
giftsand foodtothebride's
family. Thegroomisalso
requiredtopay adowry,
whichcanbein theform of
livestockor money,and is
negotiatedbetweenthetwo
families.
Eswatini(formerlySwaziland) Umcwasho
In Eswatini, thegroomis
requiredtopay adowry,
knownas"Umcwasho,"tothe
bride'sfamily beforethe
wedding.Thedowry includes
money,livestock,and other
giftsand isnegotiated
betweenthetwofamilies.
Ethiopia Kidame
Kidameisatraditional
weddingcustomin Ethiopia
wherethegroomand his
family mustpay adowry to
thebride'sfamily. Thedowry
canbeintheformoflivestock,
money,and other gifts, and is
usually negotiatedbetween
thetwofamilies.
Gabon BridePrice
In Gabon,thegroom and his
family arerequired topaya
"brideprice"tothe
Gambia LibationCeremony
Thegroom'sfamily performsa
libation ceremonytoaskfor
blessingsfrom theirancestors.
Abowlofwater,kolanuts,and
abottleofginorwineareused
toperform theceremony.
Ghana KenteCloth
Thebrideand groomweara
brightly colored,hand-woven
clothcalledkente,whichis

22. traditionally madeofsilkor
cotton.Thepatterns onthe
clothare symbolicand
representdifferent virtues
suchaslove,loyalty, and
prosperity.
Guinea BridePrice
Thegroompaysabrideprice
tothebride'sfamily, usually
in theform of moneyor
livestock.Theamountof the
brideprice isnegotiated
betweenthetwofamilies.
Guinea-Bissau Sharing of PalmWine
Thebrideand groomsharea
cupof palmwineasasymbol
oftheirunion.Theyalsopour
someof thewineonthe
ground asan offering totheir
ancestors.
Kenya BlessingfromElders
Thebrideand groomreceivea
blessingfrom their parents
and other eldersin the
community. Theyalso
exchangerings andlight a
unitycandle.
Lesotho GiftGiving
Thegroom'sfamilypresents
giftstothebride'sfamily,
includinglivestockand
clothing.Thebride'sfamily
returns thegiftswith a
smaller amountof money
added.
Liberia JumpingtheBroom
Thecouplejumpsovera
broomasasymbolof their
union. Thistraditionissaidto
haveoriginatedduring the
timeof slaveryin theUnited
Statesand wasadoptedby
Liberians during their
struggle forindependence.

23. Libya HennaCeremony
Thebrideand her female
relativeshaveahenna
ceremonybeforethewedding.
Thebride'shands and feetare
decoratedwith intricate
hennadesigns.
Madagascar Famadihana
Thecoupleparticipates in a
traditional ceremonycalled
famadihana,in whichthe
bonesof their ancestorsare
exhumedand wrappedinnew
cloth.Thecouplethendance
with thewrappedbonesasa
wayof honoring their
ancestors.Thisceremonyis
only performedevery few
years.
Malawi Kucotsa
Thegroom and his family go
tothebride'shometoaskfor
her handinmarriage.
Mali Bogolanfini
Thecoupleand their families
weartraditional outfitsmade
from handwovencloth.
Mauritania Fatnaya
Thegroom'sfamilypresents
giftstothebride'sfamily,
followedby afeast.
Mauritius Bhojpuri WeddingCustoms
Hindu weddingcustomsare
followed, with traditional
songsanddances.
Morocco HennaNight
Thebride'shands and feetare
decoratedwith intricate
hennadesigns.
Mozambique Lobolo
Thegroom'sfamily paysa
dowry tothebride'sfamily,
followedby acelebration.
Namibia OvamboWeddingCustoms
Thebridewearsatraditional
outfit madeofanimalskinand

24. thecoupleparticipates ina
symboliccowceremony.
Niger Yake
Thegroom'sfamilypresents
giftstothebride'sfamily,
followedby afeast.
Nigeria IgboTraditionalWedding
Thegroomand his familyvisit
thebride'sfamily toaskfor
her handin marriage,
followedby traditional
weddingceremonies.
Rwanda Gusaba
Thegroom'sfamilypresents
giftstothebride'sfamily,
followedby afeast.
SaoTomeand Principe RoçaWeddingCustoms
Thecoupleisblessedby a
priest intheRoça,followedby
afeast.
Senegal Khoy
Thecoupleparticipates in a
traditional ceremonywhere
they exchangegifts and are
blessedbyelders.
Seychelles KreolWeddingCustoms
Traditional Seychelloismusic
and danceisfeatured,with
thebride and groom
exchanginggifts.
SierraLeone BondoSociety
Thebrideisinitiated intothe
women'ssociety,followedbya
feast.
Somalia Sheekooyin
Traditional Somali poetry and
stories are shared, followedby
afeast.
SouthAfrica Umabo
Thecoupleparticipates in
traditional ceremonies,
includingagiftexchange,and
weartraditionalattire.
SouthSudan Dinka
Thebridewearsatraditional
beadedheaddressand the
coupleexchangesgifts.

25. Sudan Zaffa
Aprocessionof musiciansand
dancersescortthebrideand
groomtotheweddingvenue.
Tanzania SendoffCeremony
Thebride'sfamily holdsa
ceremonytosaygoodbyeto
her, with traditional songs
anddances.
Togo Kpessosso
Thecoupleexchangesgifts
and are blessedby their
parents, followedby afeast.
Tunisia HennaNight
Thebride'shands and feetare
decoratedwith intricate
hennadesigns.
Uganda Kwanjula
Thegroom'sfamily visitsthe
bride'sfamily toaskfor her
handinmarriage, followedby
traditionalceremonies.
Zambia ChilangaMulilo
Thecoupleparticipates ina
ceremonywherethey are
blessedby eldersand
exchangegifts.
Zimbabwe Rovora
Thegroom'sfamilypresents
giftstothebride'sfamily,
followedby afeast.
AmericanSamoa Fa'ataupati
Atraditional Samoandance
performedbymen
AntiguaandBarbuda JumpingtheBroom
African Americantradition
wherethecouplejumpsovera
broom
Bahamas Junkanoo
Streetparadewithmusic,
dance,andcostumes
Barbados TukBand
Processionof musicians
playing bambooinstruments
Belize MoneyDance
Guestspay todancewiththe
brideandgroom
Canada WeddingShower
Pre-wedding party where
guestsgivegiftstothecouple

26. Dominica WeddingBreakfast
Abreakfastfeastforthe
coupleand theirguests
DominicanRepublic Arras
Thirteengoldcoinsgiven by
thegroomtothebrideasa
symbolof his commitment
andabilitytoprovidefor her
ElSalvador LaMarchaNupcial WeddingMarch
Grenada OldTimeWedding
Traditional wedding
ceremonyfeaturingthe
Quadrilledance
Guatemala LasMadrinas yPadrinos
Godmothers and godfathers
whoassistthecoupleduring
thewedding
Haiti Rara Festivestreetmusicanddance
Honduras LaHoraLoca
TheCrazy Hour - alively
celebrationwith masksand
props
Jamaica Jonkunnu
Parade with musicand
dancing
Mexico Lazo
Aweddinglassoor ropeused
tosymbolize the union of the
couple
Nicaragua BailedelaVibora SnakeDance
Panama LaHoraLoca
TheCrazy Hour - alively
celebrationwith masksand
props
PuertoRico Vejigante
Maskeddancerswithcolorful
costumesandsticks
SaintKittsandNevis CakePull
Charmsare attachedto
ribbons and pulledoutby
bridesmaids
SaintLucia LaWoz
Atraditional danceperformed
atweddings
SaintVincentandGrenadines WeddingReception
Afestivemealwithmusicand
dancing

27. Trinidad andTobago Limbo
Adancewhereparticipants
bendbackwardsandpass
underastick
UnitedStatesofAmerica BridalShower
Pre-wedding party where
guestsgivegiftstothebride
Argentina LaViboradelaMar TheSeaSnakedance
Bolivia Tinku
Danceof indigenousorigin
with ritualfights
Brazil DançadosNoivos TheBrideand Groom'sDance
Chile TortadeNovios WeddingCake
Colombia SerenatadeBodas WeddingSerenade
CostaRica LaMarchaNupcial
Thebrideand groomwalk
downtheaisletothesoundsof
theweddingmarch.
Cuba MoneyDance
Guestspin moneyonthe
bride'sdressin exchangefora
dance.
Ecuador Serenata
Thegroomserenadesthebride
thenight beforethewedding.
Guyana JumpingtheBroom
Couplejumpsovera
broomsticktosymbolize
sweepingaway theoldand
welcomingthenew.
Paraguay CandleCeremony
Brideand groomeachholda
lit candle,whichthey useto
light alarger candle,
symbolizing theirunion.
Peru Arras
Thirteencoinsare presented
tothebride by thegroom,
symbolizing hiscommitment
tosupporther.
Suriname KotoDress
Thebridewearsatraditional
African dresscalledakoto.

28. Uruguay ElTocado
Thebride wearsacrownof
flowers and ribbons in her
hair.
Venezuela LaHoraLoca
Late-night party with masks,
noisemakers,and otherfestive
props.
Uruguay Cotillón
Cotillón isatraditional
customwhereguestsreceive
party favors, includinghats,
masks,noisemakers,and
other itemstouseduringthe
reception.
Suriname
Brasananga tranga fu lobi
(Embracingwithastronglove)
In Suriname, it iscustomary
for thecoupletoreceive
blessingsand wishesfrom
familyandfriendsduringthe
reception.
Peru Lasarras
Lasarras isacustomwhere
thegroompresentsthirteen
coinstothebride, symbolizing
his commitmenttosupport
her.
Paraguay Candleceremony
Thebrideand groomeach
holdalitcandle,andtogether
they light athird candleto
symbolizetheirunion.
Guyana Steelpanmusic
Steelpanmusic,agenreof
musicuniquetothe
Caribbean, isapopularchoice
for weddingreceptionsin
Guyana.
Ecuador LaHoraLoca
Similar totheVenezuelan
custom,LaHora Locaisa
festivehour during the
receptionwhereguestsdance
toupbeatmusicandwear
masksandcostumes.

29. Cuba Moneydance
During thereception,guests
pay todancewith thebride,
and themoneycollectedis
usedtohelpthecouplestart
their newlifetogether.
CostaRica
Laviboradelamar(Thesea
snake)
Thevibora dela mar isa
traditional gameplayed
during thereception,where
thebride and groomsit on
chairswhilegueststry to
capturetheirshoes.
Cuba TheMoneyDance
Guestspay moneytodance
withthebride,withthegroom
sometimescutting in for a
dance
Ecuador LaHoraLoca
A party within the party that
beginslatein theeveningand
involves masks, noisemakers,
andconfetti
Guyana TheHouseWarming
Thenewlywedsmoveinto
their newhomeandhavea
housewarmingparty
immediately followingthe
weddingceremony
Paraguay LaSerenata
Thegroom serenadeshis bride
with love songs, accompanied
by agroupofmusicians
Peru TheCakePull
Charmsare placedin the
weddingcake,and female
guestspull themoutto
determinetheir romanticfate
Suriname TheRooster
Aroosteristiedtoatree,and
thebride and groommust
worktogethertountieit
Uruguay TheLassoCeremony
Acordorribbon isplaced
aroundthecouplein a
figure-eight patternto
symbolizetheir eternalunity

30. Venezuela TheGroom'sArrival withFriends
Thegroomarrives with a
groupof his closestfriends,
called"LosCachorros,"topick
up thebride