In France, it seems perfectly natural to get married in white or to throw confetti over the newlyweds as they leave the church. Yet these customs are far from universal! Every country has its own wedding traditions and rituals. If you can’t travel the world to discover them firsthand, here’s a brief overview of some of the most surprising, romantic, and unique wedding traditions from around the globe, plenty of inspiration to be found!
Germany
This tradition is called “Baumstamm Sägen” (log sawing). It involves the newlyweds cutting a tree trunk in half together using a saw. The ritual symbolizes teamwork and the couple’s ability to overcome challenges together throughout their marriage.
Greece
Deeply rooted in tradition, Greek weddings are rich in customs. For example, the main music played at weddings is Rebetiko, which gets both young and old dancing all night long! Dancing is just as important as the meal, so all the dishes are served at the beginning of the evening, allowing guests to alternate between eating and dancing.
Morocco
A traditional Muslim wedding in Morocco used to last an entire week, though today it is usually reduced to three days. It includes several key moments, such as the preparation of traditional dishes, a day at the hammam, and a henna ceremony. One of the most impressive traditions is that the bride wears seven different outfits on her wedding day. Each outfit represents a different Moroccan ethnic heritage. With every new dress, the bride is seated on a throne so guests can admire her.
China
China also has a wealth of traditions that couples are expected to follow closely. One of the most striking differences compared to Western weddings is the dominant color: not white, but red. Red symbolizes success, loyalty, honor, fertility, and love, making it a very auspicious color for the newlyweds. White, on the other hand, is associated with mourning in China.
Another fascinating custom helps explain why Chinese tourists often take wedding photos in Paris. The wedding album is actually a pre-wedding photo album, created in advance so it can be displayed during breakfast on the wedding day. The album typically features photos of the couple taken around the city, especially at famous tourist and romantic landmarks.
Canada
A touch of humor can be found in Canadian wedding traditions!
The newlyweds are expected to kiss every time one of their guests clinks a glass. That same guest must then kiss the person sitting next to them. This turns into a fun challenge that keeps everyone entertained throughout the evening!
Brazil
To help her single friends find their soulmates, the bride writes their names into the hem of her wedding dress. This tradition is believed to increase their chances of getting married in the months that follow.
