8 Cultural Wedding Traditions Around the World

Though love is a universal, powerful force found in all corners of the globe, weddings are a special avenue for cultures to shine. From the flavorful abundance of India or the je ne sais quoi of the sleek French aesthetic, aspects of a nation’s heritage can serve as north stars when planning your wedding!

Perhaps you’re looking to tie in cultural details from the host country of your destination wedding, or drawing from your own personal heritage as a couple. Whether you’re working with a wedding planner or going the DIY route, you’re sure to find a meaningful custom specific to the country in question that also resonates with your love story.

8 Cultural Wedding Traditions Around the World

1. India

Indian weddings are high-spirited and filled with rituals, and often see massive guest lists partying over the span of several days! One beautiful custom is the Mehndi party, an event often held the day before the wedding, where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet, symbolizing beauty, joy, and spiritual awakening.

READ MORE: 10 of the Most Fascinating Wedding Traditions in India

2. Indonesia

Indonesia is the biggest archipelagic nation, with a total count of 17,508 islands and over 300 ethnic groups! One of the many touching rituals is ngerik, or the honoring of the elders. During this ritual, the bride and groom seek blessings and wisdom from their parents and elders by touching their feet, and placing their hands on their foreheads.

3. Lebanon

Lebanese weddings are a lively affair, often kicking off with the ancestral Zaffe, a live musical procession with dancers and drummers escorting the couple to their wedding venue.

4. Thailand

Thai weddings are profoundly influenced by Buddhist traditions. The water-pouring ceremony, Rod Nam Sang, is a central part of the wedding, where guests pour water over the couple’s hands as a blessing for their marriage.

5. United Arab Emirates

Emirati weddings are luxurious, with celebrations lasting up to seven days. Henna night is a key tradition, where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with henna in intricate patterns, believed to bring luck.

6. Italy

Italian weddings are a blend of romance and tradition. La Tarantella, a lively dance performed by the couple and guests, symbolizes good luck and happiness in the marriage.

7. France

French weddings often include a Vin d’honneur, a reception before the actual meal, where guests enjoy champagne and hors d’oeuvres. It’s a sophisticated way to mingle and celebrate the couple.

8. Türkiye

Turkish weddings are known to have large guest lists, and bring families together for an exciting celebration! The night before the wedding, the Henna Night or Kına Gecesi is celebrated, where the bride’s hands are adorned with henna, symbolizing happiness and health.

Each of these traditions will infuse your wedding day with a distinctive touch, making it a meaningful celebration of love and heritage. Wherever you are in the world, these customs remind us of the uniting joy that weddings bring!