Weddings look different wherever you go in the world. Some are 30-minute ceremonies, and some are week-long events. Some invite only an intimate group of guests, while others invite everyone in the neighborhood and beyond. But beyond these core logistical differences are an array of smaller traditions that make up wedding days. From walking down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon to having your friends send you off in style, there are many customs you might be considering for your big day.
Léal Vineyards is here to inspire and support your dreams. Below, we explore a mere sampling of some of the best wedding traditions from around the world. Read on to delight in the many beautiful ways cultures all over have been celebrating love and union for hundreds of years and beyond.
European Traditions
European wedding traditions embody centuries of romantic customs that continue to enchant couples worldwide. These practices emphasize unity, prosperity, and protection for the new marriage.
Italian Rice Throwing
Almost everyone is familiar with the custom of having wedding guests toss rice over the newlyweds, but not as many realize it originated in ancient Rome. In that time, rice represented abundance and good fortune. Today, the gesture is to wish the couple fertility and prosperity. Some modern Italian couples substitute rose petals or confetti, but the symbolic meaning remains the same—showering the couple with hopes for a fruitful marriage.
German Tree Planting Ceremony
Some German couples plant a tree together during their wedding celebration, symbolizing their growing love and commitment to nurturing their relationship. This beautiful tradition represents the roots they’re establishing and the branches of their family tree that will grow over time. Plus, the tree serves as a living reminder of their wedding day, growing stronger each year just like their marriage.
Greek Stefana Crown Exchange
Greek Orthodox weddings feature the exchange of stefana—crowns made of flowers, herbs, or precious metals connected by a ribbon. The priest places these crowns on the couple’s heads while they walk around the altar three times. This is to represent their journey through life together. The crowns symbolize the glory and honor being bestowed upon them as they become king and queen of their household.
Asian Ceremonies
Many Asian wedding traditions emphasize family unity, spiritual blessings, and harmonious relationships between couples and their extended families.
Chinese Tea Ceremony
For the Chinese tea ceremony, the bride and groom serve tea to their parents and elder relatives, kneeling as they present each cup. This ritual demonstrates respect for family hierarchy and formally introduces the couple into each other’s families. Recipients of the tea typically give the couple red envelopes containing money or jewelry as blessings for their future.
Indian Mehndi Application
Indian brides receive intricate henna designs on their hands and feet during pre-wedding celebrations. The mehndi ceremony brings together female relatives and friends who share stories, sing traditional songs, and celebrate the bride’s transition. The darker the henna stains, the stronger the love between husband and wife is believed to be. Additionally, the bride’s husband’s name can be hidden somewhere in the design, and he must find it on their wedding night.
Japanese San-San-Kudo Sake Ritual
Japanese couples participate in san-san-kudo, a sake-sharing ceremony that bonds the couple and their families. The ritual involves three cups of increasing size, with each person taking three sips from each cup. Because of this, it’s also known as the “three-three-nine” tradition. This ceremony represents the couple’s commitment to weather life’s bitter and sweet moments together.
African Customs
Many African wedding customs focus on community involvement, ancestral blessings, and the joining of families rather than just individuals.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Ethiopian weddings feature elaborate coffee ceremonies that can last for hours. The bride’s family roasts, grinds, and brews coffee beans while guests gather to share blessings and advice for the marriage. This tradition emphasizes the importance of community support and the time needed to build strong relationships. Moreover, the aromatic ceremony creates a sacred space for meaningful conversations about marriage and family.
South African Unity Candle with Mothers
South African couples light a unity candle together, but their mothers also participate by lighting the individual candles first. This tradition acknowledges the role both families play in creating the new union. The mothers’ involvement symbolizes their blessing and ongoing support for the marriage and the fact that weddings unite families, not just individuals.
Jumping the Broom
This tradition originated in Ghana and was later adopted by enslaved Africans in the US. In it, couples jump over a decorated broom together, symbolizing their leap into married life. The broom represents the hearth and home they’re creating together. Today, many African American couples still incorporate this meaningful tradition into their ceremonies.
Latin American Practices
Latin American wedding traditions embody protection, unity, and community celebration with vibrant, joyful customs.
Mexican Las Arras (Unity Coins)
Mexican couples exchange 13 gold coins during their ceremony, which are supposed to represent Jesus and his 12 apostles. The groom gives the coins to the bride, symbolizing his commitment to provide for their family, and she accepts them, showing her trust in his ability to care for them. The coins are blessed by the priest and represent the couple’s shared financial responsibilities and mutual support.
Peruvian Ribbon Cake Pulling
Peruvian weddings feature a cake decorated with ribbons, with one ribbon attached to a ring. Single female guests pull ribbons, and whoever gets the ring is believed to be the next to marry. This lighthearted tradition adds excitement to the reception and honors single friends.
Colombian Serenata
Colombian grooms organize serenatas—musical serenades performed outside the bride’s window the night before the wedding. These romantic performances feature traditional songs and demonstrate the groom’s love and commitment to his bride. The entire community often participates, creating a festive atmosphere that generates excitement for the wedding day.
Find Customs That Mean Something to You
Love transcends cultural boundaries, and it’s beautiful to see how different societies honor and celebrate marriage. We hope some of these wedding traditions from around the world have helped to inspire your own big day.
As you figure out which customs you wish to follow, remember that where you perform them matters too. A beautiful venue is one of the best gifts you can give your wedding day, as it will be the background for your traditions, vows, photos, and beyond.
Léal Vineyards invites you to celebrate at one of our four venues. Whether you want your guests to experience world-class wine tasting in Hollister, CA, or the elegant luxury of a private mansion in Morgan Hill, we have the spot for you. We specialize in all-inclusive services to make wedding planning as easy and stress-free as possible for you. Inquire today—your dream wedding is a click away!