Wedding customs from around the world..pdf

Wedding Customs Around the World: A Look at Different Traditions and Rituals
Every country has its own unique customs and traditions when it comes to weddings.
From the food to the attire to the ceremonies themselves, weddings are a reflection of
the cultural and social values of each society. In this article, we'll explore wedding
customs from around the world.
Research conducted by The Knot reveals that some of the most popular wedding
customs in the United States include the bride wearing a white dress, the exchange of
rings, and the throwing of the bouquet. However, these customs are not universal and
many other cultures have their own unique traditions.
In Latin American countries like Costa Rica, it is customary for the groom to give his
bride thirteen gold coins during the wedding ceremony, which represents his
commitment to provide for her. In Venezuela, the couple will often exchange thirteen
coins as well, but they are made of silver and are blessed by the priest before being
given to the bride.
Moving on to the Caribbean, many islands have their own unique wedding customs. In
Jamaica, it is traditional for the bride to be escorted down the aisle by a group of
dancing bridesmaids, while in the Bahamas, the couple may jump over a broomstick to
symbolize their new life together.
In Mexico, the wedding ceremony is typically a blend of Catholic and indigenous
traditions. The couple may be married in a church, but they will also perform rituals
such as the lazo ceremony, where a rosary or lasso is placed around the couple's
shoulders to symbolize their unity.
In Europe, wedding customs can vary widely depending on the country. In Greece, it is
common for the bride to wear a crown of flowers, while in Italy, the groom may
serenade his bride with a love song during the reception. In Norway, the bride will
wear a silver crown with dangling charms, which jingle as she moves.
In Asia, wedding customs are just as diverse. In India, the bride and groom will often
have a henna ceremony a few days before the wedding, where intricate designs are
painted on their hands and feet. In China, the bride may change her outfit several times

during the reception, and in Japan, the couple will drink sake together to symbolize
their union.
These are just a few examples of the many different wedding customs from around the
world. Whether you're planning your own wedding or simply curious about how other
cultures celebrate this special day, it's fascinating to see the unique traditions and
rituals that make each wedding ceremony so special.
Research for this article was conducted by The Knot. Below you can see wedding
customs for all countries discussed in this article, along with additional information
and numerical data where available.
Country Wedding Custom Description
Albania Gun fire
Guns are fired when the bride
arrives at the groom’s house
and sometimes at other points
during the ceremony,
symbolizing joy and
celebration2
Andorra Bread and wine
The bride and groom share
bread and wine at the end of
the ceremony, symbolizing
their union and mutual
support
support
Azerbaijan Candle lighting
The bride’s family lights
candles in their windows to
announce their daughter’s
availability for marriage
Belgium Bridal bouquet
The bride gives her bouquet to
a friend who is not married

yet, hoping that she will be the
next one to get married1
Bosnia Flag waving
The bride waves a flag with
her maiden name on it as she
leaves her parents’ house,
symbolizing her farewell to
her old life
Bosnia Flag waving
her old life
Bulgaria Bread breaking
The bride and groom break a
loaf of bread over their heads,
and whoever gets the bigger
piece will be the head of the
household1
Croatia Apple throwing
The groom throws an apple
over the roof of his house, and
if it doesn’t break, it means a
happy marriage1
Denmark Kissing game
The guests can kiss the bride
or groom when their spouse
leaves the room1
Estonia Log sawing
The bride and groom have to
saw a log in half together,
symbolizing teamwork and
cooperation1
Finland Bridal sauna
The bridesmaids take the
bride to a decorated sauna on
the night before the wedding2
France La noce
The guests follow the
newlyweds to different
locations on their wedding
day while making noise as a
form of celebration2
Germany Plate smashing
The day before the wedding,
plates are smashed at the

bride’s home, which brings
good luck1
Greece Wedding crowns
Crowns worn by the bride and
groom on their wedding day
signify wisdom, justice, and
integrity. They also represent
Aphrodite-Goddess of love2
Iceland Wedding cake
The wedding cake is a layered
ring cake decorated with
marzipan and cream1
Ireland Claddagh ring
The bride and groom exchange
rings with a heart, a crown,
and two hands, symbolizing
love, loyalty, and friendship1
Italy Rice throwing
Guests throw rice over the
bride and groom as they leave
the church, symbolizing
fertility and prosperity2
Kazakhstan Bride kidnapping
The groom’s friends kidnap
the bride before or during the
wedding and demand a
ransom from the groom to
return her2
Latvia Crowning
The bride and groom wear
crowns made of flowers,
leaves, or wheat, symbolizing
Norway Bridal crown
The bride wears a silver or
gold crown with small charms
that make a tinkling sound to
ward off evil spirits1
Poland Bread and salt
The parents of the bride and
groom greet them with bread
and salt at the reception,
symbolizing prosperity and
hospitality1
Portugal Bolo de noiva
The wedding cake is a fruit
cake with nuts and dried

fruits, symbolizing abundance
and fertility2
Romania Bride kidnapping
return her1
Russia Bread and salt
hospitality3
Spain Orange blossom
The bride wears orange
blossom in her hair or
bouquet, symbolizing
happiness and fulfillment1
Sweden Coin exchange
The bride and groom exchange
coins before the wedding
ceremony, symbolizing their
shared responsibility for their
finances1
Turkey Henna night
The night before the wedding,
the bride’s hands and feet are
decorated with henna
patterns, symbolizing beauty
and fertility
Italy Rice throwing
Guests throw rice over the
bride and groom as they leave
the church, symbolizing
Greece Wedding crowns
Crowns worn by the bride and
groom on their wedding day
signify wisdom, justice, and
integrity. They also represent
Aphrodite-Goddess of love1
Spain Orange blossom
The bride wears orange
blossom in her hair or

bouquet, symbolizing
happiness and fulfillment2
Portugal Bolo de noiva
The wedding cake is a fruit
cake with nuts and dried
fruits, symbolizing abundance
and fertility2
Croatia Apple throwing
The groom throws an apple
over the roof of his house, and
if it doesn’t break, it means a
happy marriage2
Albania Gun fire
Guns are fired when the bride
arrives at the groom’s house
and sometimes at other points
during the ceremony,
symbolizing joy and
celebration2
support
Bosnia Flag waving
her old life
Russia Bread and salt
hospitality3
Turkey Henna night
The night before the wedding,
the bride’s hands and feet are
decorated with henna
patterns, symbolizing beauty
and fertility
Kazakhstan Bride kidnapping

return her2
Azerbaijan Candle lighting
The bride’s family lights
candles in their windows to
announce their daughter’s
availability for marriage
Austria Bride kidnapping
wedding and take her to a pub
or a friend’s house, where they
drink until the groom finds
them
Australia Unity candle or sand ceremony
A symbolic act of joining two
lives into one by lighting a
candle or pouring sand into a
container
Fiji Kava ceremony
A ritual of sharing a
root-based drink that signifies
respect and commitment
Kiribati Tevutevu ceremony
A tradition of placing mats
one on top of the other to
symbolize where the couple
will sleep
Marshall Islands Land tenure and property
A system of inheritance and
ownership of land and
property based on family ties
and clan membership
Micronesia Constructed kin relations
A practice of adopting
children from relatives or
friends to strengthen social
bonds
New Zealand Traditional Maori weddings
A ceremony that follows
deeply rooted customs and
ceremonies of the native
Maori people

Palau White beach wedding
A romantic ceremony
surrounded by the sea, the sky
and the sand
Papua New Guinea Commercial transaction
A negotiation of the bride
price in pigs, shells and cash
between the groom’s and
bride’s families
China The Betrothal
The groom presents betrothal
gifts to the bride’s parents as a
formal proposal and they
return half of them as an
acceptance1.
India Mehndi Ceremony
The bride and her female
relatives have their hands and
feet decorated with henna
designs by a professional
mehndi artist2.
Japan San San Kudo
The couple and their parents
take turns to sip sake from
three cups of different sizes,
symbolizing unity and
harmony2.
Indonesia Siraman
The bride and groom are
bathed by their parents and
relatives with water mixed
with flowers and herbs, to
cleanse them of bad luck and
prepare them for marriage3.
Thailand Rod Nam Sang
The couple sits on a stage
while guests pour water over
their hands from a conch
shell, while giving them
blessings and advice3.
Vietnam An Hoi
The groom’s family visits the
bride’s family with gifts of
betel nuts, fruits, cakes, and a
roasted pig, to ask for their

permission to marry their
daughter4.
Malaysia Bersanding
The couple sits on a
throne-like platform while
guests sprinkle them with
yellow rice and scented water,
to wish them prosperity and
happiness5.
Philippines Money Dance
The guests pin money bills on
the bride’s gown or the
groom’s suit while dancing
with them, to help them start
their married life6.
Singapore Gate-Crashing
The groom and his
groomsmen have to pass a
series of challenges set by the
bridesmaids before they can
enter the bride’s house, to
prove his love and sincerity.
South Korea Pyebaek
The couple bows to their
parents and elders while
offering them dates and
chestnuts, which symbolize
children and fertility.
Afghanistan Mehndi Ceremony
Mehndi is a traditional
pre-wedding ceremony where
the bride has henna applied to
her hands and feet, and the
guests often participate in
dancing and singing.
Armenia Traditional Armenian Wedding
The wedding ceremony in
Armenia includes the groom's
family visiting the bride's
house and asking for
permission to marry her. The
wedding reception typically
includes lots of food, music,
and dancing.

Azerbaijan Nikah
Nikah is the Islamic wedding
ceremony that includes the
signing of the marriage
contract and a blessing from a
religious authority.
Bahrain Al Aghd
Al Aghd is the traditional
wedding ceremony in
Bahrain, which includes the
signing of the marriage
contract and the exchange of
gifts between the families of
the bride and groom.
Bangladesh
Gaye Holud and Mehndi
Ceremony
The Gaye Holud ceremony
involves the bride and groom
being covered in turmeric
paste to ward off evil spirits.
The Mehndi ceremony is
similar to the one in India,
with the bride having henna
applied to her hands and feet.
Bhutan
Reducing Ceremony and
Traditional Ceremony
The Reducing Ceremony
involves the bride's hair being
cut as a symbol of leaving her
old life behind, and the
Traditional Ceremony
includes blessings from
Buddhist monks and the
exchange of traditional gifts
between the families.
Brunei Bersanding Ceremony
The Bersanding Ceremony is
the wedding reception in
Brunei, where the bride and
groom sit on a dais and
receive guests. There is often a
lot of food and music at the
reception.
Cambodia
Engagement Ceremony and
Wedding Ceremony
The Engagement Ceremony
involves the groom's family
visiting the bride's house and

exchanging gifts. The Wedding
Ceremony includes a
procession and traditional
blessings.
Georgia Supra and Tamada
The Supra is the traditional
Georgian feast that is often
held before the wedding, and
the Tamada is the toastmaster
who leads the drinking and
toasting. The wedding
ceremony itself involves the
bride and groom exchanging
vows and exchanging rings.
Iran Aghd
Aghd is the traditional
Persian wedding ceremony,
which includes the signing of
the marriage contract and the
exchange of rings. There is
often music, dancing, and a
large feast at the reception.
Iraq Traditional Iraqi Wedding
The traditional Iraqi wedding
includes the groom's family
visiting the bride's house to
ask for permission to marry
her. The wedding ceremony
itself involves the bride and
groom exchanging vows and
rings, and there is often
music, dancing, and food at
the reception.
Israel Chuppah and Hora Dance
The Chuppah is the Jewish
wedding canopy under which
the bride and groom stand
during the ceremony. The
Hora Dance is a traditional
Israeli dance that often takes
place at the reception.
Jordan Traditional Jordanian Wedding
The traditional Jordanian
wedding involves the bride's

family visiting the groom's
family to ask for permission to
marry her. The wedding
ceremony itself involves the
bride and groom exchanging
vows and rings, and there is
often music, dancing, and food
at the reception.
Kazakhstan Kazakh Wedding
The Kazakh wedding includes
a traditional blessing from a
religious leader and the
exchange of gifts between the
families of the bride and
groom.
Kuwait Al-Zaffa
Traditional wedding march,
featuring drumming and
dancing
Kyrgyzstan Kidnap and Rescue
The groom must negotiate
with the bride's family for her
release after she is
"kidnapped" by his friends
Laos Baci Ceremony
A traditional ceremony to call
the spirits of the bride and
groom back to their bodies
and to bring them good luck
Lebanon Zaffe
A traditional wedding march
dancing
Maldives Dhandhaanu Neshun
Traditional Maldivian music
and dance performed during
weddings
Mongolia Wedding Archery
The groom and his family
must demonstrate their
hunting and archery skills to
prove their worth to the
bride's family
Myanmar (Burma) Na Tin Nyo
The groom and his family
must present gifts to the

bride's family, which may
include betel leaves, fruit, and
traditional clothing
Nepal Kanyadaan
The father of the bride gives
her away to the groom during
the wedding ceremony
North Korea Traditional Korean Wedding
A traditional Korean wedding
typically includes a ceremony
where the bride and groom
exchange vows and share a
drink of rice wine
Oman Al Azi
Traditional wedding march
dancing
Pakistan Mehndi
A pre-wedding ceremony
where the bride has henna
applied to her hands and feet
Qatar Traditional Qatari Wedding
A traditional Qatari wedding
typically includes a henna
ceremony for the bride,
followed by a reception with
dancing and food
Saudi Arabia Arda
Traditional wedding march
sword dancing
Sri Lanka Poruwa Ceremony
A traditional ceremony where
the bride and groom stand on
a decorated platform and
exchange vows
Syria Zaffe
A traditional wedding march
dancing
Taiwan Guo Da Li
A traditional pre-wedding
ceremony where the groom's
family presents gifts to the
bride's family

Tajikistan Plov (traditional rice dish)
Plov is a traditional dish in
Tajikistan that is typically
served at weddings. It is a rice
dish that is made with carrots,
onions, and lamb or beef. The
dish is often served with
raisins, apricots, and quince.
Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Payment of bride price by the
groom and his family
In Timor-Leste, the groom and
his family are expected to pay
a bride price to the bride's
family. The amount of the
bride price varies depending
on the wealth and social
status of the families involved.
Turkmenistan
Traditional wedding feast and
gift-giving
In Turkmenistan, weddings
are celebrated with a
traditional feast, which
includes a variety of dishes
such as pilaf, kebabs, and
dumplings. The bride and
groom receive gifts from their
families and friends, such as
clothing, jewelry, and
household items. The wedding
ceremony is typically held in a
mosque or in the bride's home.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Henna night for the bride and
traditional dance performances
In the UAE, it is common for
the bride to have a henna
night before the wedding,
during which intricate henna
designs are applied to her
hands and feet. Traditional
dance performances, such as
the Al Ayala and the Al Razfa,
are often performed at
weddings. These dances
involve drumming and
chanting, and are intended to
celebrate the wedding and to

bring good luck to the
newlyweds.
Uzbekistan
Traditional matchmaking and
dowry payment
In Uzbekistan, marriages are
often arranged by the families
of the bride and groom. The
groom's family is expected to
pay a dowry to the bride's
family, which can include
money, clothing, and
household items. The wedding
ceremony is typically held in
the bride's home, and is
followed by a traditional feast
that includes dishes such as
plov and shashlik.
Yemen
Traditional henna night for the
bride and wedding feast
In Yemen, the bride has a
henna night before the
wedding, during which henna
designs are applied to her
hands and feet. The wedding
feast typically includes dishes
such as lamb, chicken, and
rice, and is followed by
dancing and music. In some
parts of Yemen, the bride's
face is covered with a veil
during the wedding ceremony.
Algeria Henna Night
Henna night is a pre-wedding
ceremony where the bride and
her female friends and
relatives gather to have their
hands and feet decorated with
henna. It is often accompanied
by music and dancing.
Angola Kucula
Kucula is a traditional
Angolan wedding custom
where the groom visits the
bride's family to ask for her
hand in marriage. He brings

gifts such as cloth, salt, and
sugar to show his commitment
to the marriage. The bride's
family may ask the groom to
perform certain tasks or
rituals to prove his
worthiness.
Benin Fanti
Fanti is a traditional Beninese
wedding custom where the
groom presents gifts to the
hand in marriage. The gifts
may include kola nuts, palm
wine, and fabric. The bride's
family may also ask the
groom to perform certain
tasks or rituals to prove his
worthiness.
Botswana Lobola
Lobola is a traditional
Botswanan wedding custom
where the groom pays a bride
price to the bride's family in
exchange for her hand in
marriage. The bride price may
include cattle, money, and
other gifts. The bride's family
may also ask the groom to
worthiness.
Burkina Faso Colo
Colo is a traditional Burkina
Fasan wedding custom where
the groom and his family visit
the bride's family to ask for
her hand in marriage. The
groom's family brings gifts
such as kola nuts, cola drinks,
and money to show their
commitment to the marriage.
The bride's family may also

ask the groom to perform
certain tasks or rituals to
prove his worthiness.
Burundi Gusaba
Gusaba is a traditional
Burundian wedding custom
where the groom and his
family visit the bride's family
to ask for her hand in
marriage. The groom's family
brings gifts such as cows,
goats, and fabric to show their
commitment to the marriage.
The bride's family may also
ask the groom to perform
certain tasks or rituals to
prove his worthiness.
Cabo Verde
Noite de Perguntas (Night of
Questions)
Noite de Perguntas is a
traditional Cabo Verdean
wedding custom where the
bride and groom are asked
questions about each other's
families and backgrounds. The
questions are intended to test
the couple's knowledge of each
other and their commitment
to the marriage.
Cameroon Groom's Family Pays Bride Price
In Cameroon, the groom's
family traditionally pays a
bride price to the bride's
family in exchange for her
hand in marriage. The bride
price may include money,
livestock, and other gifts. The
bride's family may also ask
the groom to perform certain
tasks or rituals to prove his
worthiness.
Central African Republic (CAR) Payment of Bride Price
In the Central African
Republic, the groom

traditionally pays a bride
price to the bride's family in
exchange for her hand in
marriage. The bride price may
include money, livestock, and
other gifts. The bride's family
may also ask the groom to
worthiness.
Chad Payment of Dowry
In Chad, the groom
traditionally pays a dowry to
the bride's family in exchange
for her hand in marriage. The
dowry may
Comoros Ndzumgsi
A traditional wedding custom
in Comoros where the groom
and his family must prepare a
"bride price" to offer to the
bride's family. This is a
negotiation process that can
last several months and
involves the exchange of gifts
and money between the two
families.
Democratic Republic of the Congo La Dot
In the Democratic Republic of
Congo, the groom is required
to pay a dowry to the bride's
family before the wedding
ceremony. This dowry, known
as "La Dot," includes money,
gifts, and household items
such as furniture, appliances,
and livestock.
Republic of the Congo The Rite of Passage
The Rite of Passage is a
traditional wedding custom in
the Republic of the Congo
where the bride is initiated
into womanhood by receiving

blessings and guidance from
the older women in her family
and community. This
ceremony is considered a
crucial part of the wedding.
Cote d'Ivoire La Dot
In Cote d'Ivoire, the groom is
expected to pay a dowry to the
bride's family, which includes
money, gifts, and livestock.
The amount of the dowry is
usually negotiated between
the two families and can take
several months to finalize.
Djibouti Kulam-Wedding
A traditional wedding custom
in Djibouti where the groom
and his family must pay a
"bride price" to the bride's
family. The bride price
includes livestock, money, and
other gifts, and is negotiated
between the two families.
Egypt Katb El-Kitab
Katb El-Kitab is a traditional
Islamic wedding custom in
Egypt where the couple signs a
marriage contract in the
presence of a sheikh or imam.
The contract outlines the
rights and obligations of the
bride and groom and serves as
a legal document.
Equatorial Guinea La Guinea
In Equatorial Guinea, the
groom is required to pay a
dowry to the bride's family
before the wedding. The
dowry, known as "La Guinea,"
includes money, gifts, and
livestock. The amount of the
dowry is usually negotiated

Eritrea Gezane
Gezane is a traditional
wedding custom in Eritrea
where the groom must bring
gifts and food to the bride's
family. The groom is also
required to pay a dowry,
which can be in the form of
livestock or money, and is
negotiated between the two
families.
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) Umcwasho
In Eswatini, the groom is
required to pay a dowry,
known as "Umcwasho," to the
bride's family before the
wedding. The dowry includes
money, livestock, and other
gifts and is negotiated
Ethiopia Kidame
Kidame is a traditional
wedding custom in Ethiopia
where the groom and his
family must pay a dowry to
the bride's family. The dowry
can be in the form of livestock,
money, and other gifts, and is
usually negotiated between
the two families.
Gabon Bride Price
In Gabon, the groom and his
family are required to pay a
"bride price" to the
Gambia Libation Ceremony
The groom's family performs a
libation ceremony to ask for
blessings from their ancestors.
A bowl of water, kola nuts, and
a bottle of gin or wine are used
to perform the ceremony.
Ghana Kente Cloth
The bride and groom wear a
brightly colored, hand-woven
cloth called kente, which is

traditionally made of silk or
cotton. The patterns on the
cloth are symbolic and
represent different virtues
such as love, loyalty, and
prosperity.
Guinea Bride Price
The groom pays a bride price
to the bride's family, usually
in the form of money or
livestock. The amount of the
bride price is negotiated
Guinea-Bissau Sharing of Palm Wine
The bride and groom share a
cup of palm wine as a symbol
of their union. They also pour
some of the wine on the
ground as an offering to their
ancestors.
Kenya Blessing from Elders
The bride and groom receive a
blessing from their parents
and other elders in the
community. They also
exchange rings and light a
unity candle.
Lesotho Gift Giving
The groom's family presents
gifts to the bride's family,
including livestock and
clothing. The bride's family
returns the gifts with a
smaller amount of money
added.
Liberia Jumping the Broom
The couple jumps over a
broom as a symbol of their
union. This tradition is said to
have originated during the
time of slavery in the United
States and was adopted by
Liberians during their
struggle for independence.

Libya Henna Ceremony
The bride and her female
relatives have a henna
ceremony before the wedding.
The bride's hands and feet are
decorated with intricate
henna designs.
Madagascar Famadihana
The couple participates in a
traditional ceremony called
famadihana, in which the
bones of their ancestors are
exhumed and wrapped in new
cloth. The couple then dance
with the wrapped bones as a
way of honoring their
ancestors. This ceremony is
only performed every few
years.
Malawi Kucotsa
The groom and his family go
to the bride's home to ask for
her hand in marriage.
Mali Bogolanfini
The couple and their families
wear traditional outfits made
from handwoven cloth.
Mauritania Fatnaya
followed by a feast.
Mauritius Bhojpuri Wedding Customs
Hindu wedding customs are
followed, with traditional
songs and dances.
Morocco Henna Night
henna designs.
Mozambique Lobolo
The groom's family pays a
dowry to the bride's family,
followed by a celebration.
Namibia Ovambo Wedding Customs
The bride wears a traditional
outfit made of animal skin and

the couple participates in a
symbolic cow ceremony.
Niger Yake
Nigeria Igbo Traditional Wedding
The groom and his family visit
the bride's family to ask for
her hand in marriage,
followed by traditional
wedding ceremonies.
Rwanda Gusaba
Sao Tome and Principe Roça Wedding Customs
The couple is blessed by a
priest in the Roça, followed by
a feast.
Senegal Khoy
traditional ceremony where
they exchange gifts and are
blessed by elders.
Seychelles Kreol Wedding Customs
Traditional Seychellois music
and dance is featured, with
the bride and groom
exchanging gifts.
Sierra Leone Bondo Society
The bride is initiated into the
women's society, followed by a
feast.
Somalia Sheekooyin
Traditional Somali poetry and
stories are shared, followed by
a feast.
South Africa Umabo
The couple participates in
traditional ceremonies,
including a gift exchange, and
wear traditional attire.
South Sudan Dinka
beaded headdress and the
couple exchanges gifts.

Sudan Zaffa
A procession of musicians and
dancers escort the bride and
groom to the wedding venue.
Tanzania Send off Ceremony
The bride's family holds a
ceremony to say goodbye to
her, with traditional songs
and dances.
Togo Kpessosso
The couple exchanges gifts
and are blessed by their
parents, followed by a feast.
Tunisia Henna Night
henna designs.
Uganda Kwanjula
The groom's family visits the
hand in marriage, followed by
traditional ceremonies.
Zambia Chilanga Mulilo
ceremony where they are
blessed by elders and
exchange gifts.
Zimbabwe Rovora
American Samoa Fa'ataupati
A traditional Samoan dance
performed by men
Antigua and Barbuda Jumping the Broom
African American tradition
where the couple jumps over a
broom
Bahamas Junkanoo
Street parade with music,
dance, and costumes
Barbados Tuk Band
Procession of musicians
playing bamboo instruments
Belize Money Dance
Guests pay to dance with the
bride and groom
Canada Wedding Shower
Pre-wedding party where
guests give gifts to the couple

Dominica Wedding Breakfast
A breakfast feast for the
couple and their guests
Dominican Republic Arras
Thirteen gold coins given by
the groom to the bride as a
symbol of his commitment
and ability to provide for her
El Salvador La Marcha Nupcial Wedding March
Grenada Old Time Wedding
Traditional wedding
ceremony featuring the
Quadrille dance
Guatemala Las Madrinas y Padrinos
Godmothers and godfathers
who assist the couple during
the wedding
Haiti Rara Festive street music and dance
Honduras La Hora Loca
The Crazy Hour - a lively
celebration with masks and
props
Jamaica Jonkunnu
Parade with music and
dancing
Mexico Lazo
A wedding lasso or rope used
to symbolize the union of the
couple
Nicaragua Baile de la Vibora Snake Dance
Panama La Hora Loca
The Crazy Hour - a lively
celebration with masks and
props
Puerto Rico Vejigante
Masked dancers with colorful
costumes and sticks
Saint Kitts and Nevis Cake Pull
Charms are attached to
ribbons and pulled out by
bridesmaids
Saint Lucia La Woz
A traditional dance performed
at weddings
Saint Vincent and Grenadines Wedding Reception
A festive meal with music and
dancing

Trinidad and Tobago Limbo
A dance where participants
bend backwards and pass
under a stick
United States of America Bridal Shower
Pre-wedding party where
guests give gifts to the bride
Argentina La Vibora de la Mar The Sea Snake dance
Bolivia Tinku
Dance of indigenous origin
with ritual fights
Brazil Dança dos Noivos The Bride and Groom's Dance
Chile Torta de Novios Wedding Cake
Colombia Serenata de Bodas Wedding Serenade
Costa Rica La Marcha Nupcial
The bride and groom walk
down the aisle to the sounds of
the wedding march.
Cuba Money Dance
Guests pin money on the
bride's dress in exchange for a
dance.
Ecuador Serenata
The groom serenades the bride
the night before the wedding.
Guyana Jumping the Broom
Couple jumps over a
broomstick to symbolize
sweeping away the old and
welcoming the new.
Paraguay Candle Ceremony
Bride and groom each hold a
lit candle, which they use to
light a larger candle,
symbolizing their union.
Peru Arras
Thirteen coins are presented
to the bride by the groom,
symbolizing his commitment
to support her.
Suriname Koto Dress
African dress called a koto.

Uruguay El Tocado
The bride wears a crown of
flowers and ribbons in her
hair.
Venezuela La Hora Loca
Late-night party with masks,
noisemakers, and other festive
props.
Uruguay Cotillón
Cotillón is a traditional
custom where guests receive
party favors, including hats,
masks, noisemakers, and
other items to use during the
reception.
Suriname
Brasa nanga tranga fu lobi
(Embracing with a strong love)
In Suriname, it is customary
for the couple to receive
blessings and wishes from
family and friends during the
reception.
Peru Las arras
Las arras is a custom where
the groom presents thirteen
coins to the bride, symbolizing
his commitment to support
her.
Paraguay Candle ceremony
The bride and groom each
hold a lit candle, and together
they light a third candle to
symbolize their union.
Guyana Steelpan music
Steelpan music, a genre of
music unique to the
Caribbean, is a popular choice
for wedding receptions in
Guyana.
Ecuador La Hora Loca
Similar to the Venezuelan
custom, La Hora Loca is a
festive hour during the
reception where guests dance
to upbeat music and wear
masks and costumes.

Cuba Money dance
During the reception, guests
pay to dance with the bride,
and the money collected is
used to help the couple start
their new life together.
Costa Rica
La vibora de la mar (The sea
snake)
The vibora de la mar is a
traditional game played
during the reception, where
the bride and groom sit on
chairs while guests try to
capture their shoes.
Cuba The Money Dance
Guests pay money to dance
with the bride, with the groom
sometimes cutting in for a
dance
Ecuador La Hora Loca
A party within the party that
begins late in the evening and
involves masks, noisemakers,
and confetti
Guyana The House Warming
The newlyweds move into
their new home and have a
housewarming party
immediately following the
wedding ceremony
Paraguay La Serenata
The groom serenades his bride
with love songs, accompanied
by a group of musicians
Peru The Cake Pull
Charms are placed in the
wedding cake, and female
guests pull them out to
determine their romantic fate
Suriname The Rooster
A rooster is tied to a tree, and
the bride and groom must
work together to untie it
Uruguay The Lasso Ceremony
A cord or ribbon is placed
around the couple in a
figure-eight pattern to
symbolize their eternal unity

Venezuela The Groom's Arrival with Friends
The groom arrives with a
group of his closest friends,
called "Los Cachorros," to pick
up the bride

Wedding customs from around the world..pdf

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