Format and tips for cultural weddings

When you think of weddings, what first comes to mind? White dress, bouquet toss, an elaborate cake? America has its own distinct cultural wedding traditions, derived mostly from Western and Northern Europe. But how do other cultures celebrate the joining of two people? Wedding traditions around the world are as varied and colorful as the people who make it up. Each element holds special significance in the culture. As the internet has spread around the world, it’s let us discover the customs of other cultures more than ever. Globalization brought with it the idea of “fusion”, of two or more cultures blending to create something fabulously new and unique. This trend also shows up at weddings. Instead of the typical American wedding, couples are surprising their guests with traditions from Asia to the Pacific Islands to Africa to the Caribbean. Take a look at some of the wedding traditions from across the world and find something to add to your special day.

Chinese Wedding

Traditional Chinese weddings are an elaborate multi-day affair and full of symbolism. 
To announce the engagement, gifts of food and cakes go out to family and friends, sent by the groom’s parents. Once the announcement is made, both families send out wedding invitations along with a traditional “double happiness cake”. The invitation is usually red, the color of luck, prosperity, and happiness in China. Details are printed in gold; the groom’s name first followed by the bride’s name, parents’ names, and the date, time, and place of the reception. 

On the big day, the bride and groom’s families perform ceremonies for hairdressing and capping, then go to the bride’s home for the Tea Ceremony, where the two families will officially meet. The traditional tea for the ceremony is Tsao Chun. Here the couple will receive a special lucky red envelope known as lai see that is filled with money.

During the ceremony, only family members are in attendance to watch the bride and groom exchange rings and drink Tsao Chun tea with linked arms. After the ceremony, the bride and groom drive to the reception in the car that the groom has decorated for the occasion.
The reception itself is a huge celebration, with foods to symbolize abundance, fertility, and joy. In past traditions, both the bride and groom’s families would have held separate receptions – two parties for the price of one!

Between the wedding ceremony and the banquet, and also somewhere between one of the six courses of dinner, the bride will change from her ceremony dress (nowadays often white) into a traditional red Qipao, then again into another dress, and sometimes into a fourth!

Persian Wedding

Despite its diverse religions and backgrounds, Iranians share common traditions when it comes to their weddings. The ceremony itself takes place with the couple seated on a bench with the sofreh aghd – literally “wedding tablecloth” spread in front of them. On the cloth are many symbols to represent wedding wishes. A bowl made of sugar and filled with rock candy to represent sweetness, nuts and beautifully decorated eggs to represent fertility, and a tray of seven different-colored spices to ward off evil.

One of the most important symbols is the Ayeeneh, a mirror that is used in the ceremony to represent the light of the bride and groom’s future together. A part of the tradition is for the groom’s first sight of his bride to be in the mirror as she approaches the altar. This mirror will be hung in a place of honor in the newlyweds’ home.

While the officiant is performing the ceremony, the couple sits under a canopy held by female attendants. The canopy symbolizes the new life under one roof. Family and friends rub two sugar cones together into the canopy over the heads of the bride and groom, showering the couple in sweetness. 
At the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom dip their little fingers into a jar of honey to feed each other. This is a gesture of promise that they will feed each other sweetness. 

Korean Wedding

For Koreans, a marriage is more than the joining of two people, but the joining of two families. Many of the customs involved in Korean weddings highlight this. Before the wedding, the groom will give his future mother-in-law a wild goose or a pair of wild geese – or at least ones made of wood. Geese will mate for life, and so by presenting this symbol to the bride’s mother, is a promise that the groom will be faithful to his wife. 

During the ceremony – usually a small affair with just close friends and family, the couple exchanges vows and seal the ceremony by drinking wine from a gourd that the bride’s mother has grown. This is a reminder that the bonds of marriage are strengthened and supported by the relationships that have come before.
The highlight of a Korean wedding, some would say, is at the reception, which is usually a very, very large affair. As a symbol of fertility, family and friends throw dates and chestnuts at the bride, who then tries to catch as many as she can in her large traditional skirt. The number she catches is said to foretell how many children she’ll have.

Vietnamese Wedding

Vietnamese couples celebrate not only their wedding but their engagement as well. The ceremonies often take place on the same day so guests can take part in the whole celebration.

On the morning of the ceremony, the groom’s family goes to the bride’s home with gifts wrapped or covered in red, a lucky color. The procession is made up of even numbers because odd numbers are bad luck. The groom asks the bride’s family’s permission to marry her; if they consent, the wedding ceremony begins. 
The ceremony itself is short and sweet. The couple pays honor to their ancestors and asks for a blessing on their marriage. After vows are spoken and rings are exchanged, the newly married couple serves tea as a symbol of respect for their family, starting with the oldest family members.

During the reception, the couple visits each table to visit with their guests. It’s also popular to take “welcome photos” of each guest as they come in and have them printed before the guests leave, a memento of the happy occasion.

No matter where you are in the world, weddings are full of symbolism of hope and prosperity for the future together. Every culture has its own way of symbolizing joy, family, and futures together, they all share the same bond of a promise of lifelong love. Make your wedding unique with one of these meaningful traditions, something you can look back to forever.

Indian Wedding

One of the magical things about weddings is the diverse cultural practices and rituals that make the event unique. Different countries and religions have particular customs that honor the special day that signifies the start of a new life for two people.

Matrimonial unions in Hinduism are full of culturally rich traditions that make them vibrant, colorful, and spiritual events. The ceremony symbolizes the union of two individuals and their families through celebration and prayer.

This multi-faceted culture unites two people in matrimony during a series of small ceremonies and rituals that lead to the big day, the main ceremony. All modern ceremonies and rituals usually take place over the course of three days.

Hindu weddings are still the most practiced in India, we will focus on this type of tradition. Continue reading to learn all about matrimonial customs in Hinduism and what you can expect when participating in such a special occasion.

Indian Wedding - Engagement Ceremony

Like many other traditions, one of the first events attended by the wedding party is the engagement ceremony. It is one of the most important pre-wedding events where close friends and family share an intimate dinner.

This day usually happens a few months before the actual matrimonial union. The fathers of both the bride and groom make a speech about their child's virtues. It is also a time for the couple to exchange rings that represent the solidification of their engagement.

The casual event serves the purpose of allowing family and friends to get to know each other. People dine, mingle, and play games while the families get to know more about one another. The dress code is usually casual attire.

Mehendi Ceremony

Next on the agenda is the Mehendi ceremony where the bride's hands and feet are adorned with Henna. In some parts of India, the groom does Henna as well. It is a day filled with dancing and music with friends and family.

The bride spends hours as the tattoos are applied. Many female guests also receive the Mehendi art on at least one hand. During the event, traditional music is performed with instruments such as the dholak, a two-headed hand drum that produces a high pitch.

Tilak or Sagan Ceremony

The Tilak or Sagan ceremony is considered to be the first step in the union of the two families. It usually happens in the groom's home where all the male family members of the bride visit to apply Kumkum or vermilion on the groom's forehead and bring gifts, tikka material, and sweets.

Tilak means "mark" in Sanskrit and it is part of the many practices of Hinduism. It indicates an individual's sectarian affiliation. The marking is performed by hand or using a metal stamp. It is composed of ash from a sacrificial fire, turmeric, sandalwood paste, clay, cow dung, red lead, and charcoal.

The mixture must always be made into a powder or paste, and when on the groom's forehead, it is the symbol of the approval and permission to marry on behalf of the bride's father.

There are many versions of the Tilak or Sagan ceremony, after all, India is a big country with diverse customs according to the region and other factors. Dancing and music are normally part of this ceremony.

Conversely, Chunni Sadan is where the groom's family members present gifts to the bride at her home. Some families celebrate both the Sagan and Sadan at the same time in one place.

Sangeet Ceremony

The term Sangeet means "music" and it is used to describe a celebration where both of the couple's families come together for fun and bonding. It is called the "Music Night" or "Musical Party" and it can be as lavish or as simple as the families desire and can afford.

Normally, the Sangeet ceremony occurs one day before the matrimonial union. These ceremonies are usually very loud and lively where the men and women separate according to their interests with men boozing, women doing henna, and the children dancing. It is like a wedding reception that can be held at a hotel or the bride's home.

Haldi Ceremony

On the day of the matrimonial union, first thing in the morning, the bride and groom partake in the Haldi ceremony or Pithi ceremony. It is where they apply turmeric paste that stains their skin yellow.

It is a symbol of good luck and it is believed to keep evil spirits away while providing strong healing properties. Not only is the turmeric paste symbolic, but it also leaves the skin radiant and ready to shine at the wedding.

Haldi (turmeric) has potent health properties for the body, which is another reason why it is applied. It purifies and cleanses as the past is rinsed off. The mixture detoxifies the skin by removing dead cells and relieves inflammation.

Also, It helps with nervousness, digestive issues, and immunity support. All great components for the couple who are about to experience one of the biggest days in their lives.

In addition to applying the yellow tint, the ceremony gives the families an opportunity to share traditional songs and dances. In some cases, the bride and groom share this sacred paste with their unmarried siblings by applying it to them. It is believed that it will bring them good luck in finding an attractive partner.

Because it is believed the yellow paste wards off evil spirits, the couple must not leave their homes after the Haldi ceremony until it is time for the matrimonial ritual. The ceremony itself is not serious, however, it is filled with laughter, color, and lots of energy!

Baraat on the Main Day

The matrimonial union begins its lavish ceremony with the Baraat, an intricate procession filled with singing and dancing introducing the groom and his family. The groom is extravagantly dressed in traditional finery and is seated on a ceremonial chariot, vintage car, horse, or elephant with his dancing guests leading the way.

Traditionally, the Baraat was meant for the groom, but today as women become more equal, brides are requesting to have their own Baraat processions. Some Baraat ceremonies bring the bride and groom together joined in dancing as both mothers receive them at the entrance of the event.

As cultural practices keep evolving, new practices are brought to please the modernized families. It is a big change from years past where the groom would visit the bride's hometown and bring her back to his home.

This grand entrance is now modernized to last only a few hours including the bride in the procession. It has morphed into a great musical entrance with live musicians, some processions include DJ sets, flash mob choreographed dance performances or other incredible displays. If the main ceremony is held at a hotel, the procession begins at the hotel entrance and ends at the banquet hall or lobby.

If it is a groom-only Baraat, at the end of the procession he is greeted by the bride's parents. The bride's mother gives the groom and his family tikaas followed by an Aarti (spiritual ritual) over them.

After the groom finishes his entrance, the bride waits for him with a garland accompanied by her sisters and bridesmaids.

Jaymala or Varamala Ritual

Once the bride and groom meet and exchange flower garlands, they make a vow to promise eternal union. Some communities believe that whoever puts the garland first on their partner will have the upper hand during their marriage.

These elaborate flower garlands add a unique and fun element to the matrimonial union. The ritual is performed with close family members and friends present rejoicing with the couple. The flowers are usually a similar color to the bride's dress and both garlands have to match.

A typical garland is composed of jasmine flowers with marigolds or roses. Bright colors are used and embellished with stones, gold threats, or pearls. Nowadays, artificial garlands made from silk or other fine fabrics are commonly used. Although artificial flowers are easier to maintain, many couples opt for the real thing.

Procession to Mandap

The Mandap is an alter in which the matrimonial union ceremony takes place. It is a four-pillar wooden structure adorned with fabric drapes, crystals, elaborate furniture, and flowers. It certainly adds to the grandeur style of Hindu ceremonies.

The bride and groom sit in royal chairs, while the parents seat inside chairs. There is a pedestal for the sacred fire. The bride's father gives the groom a mixture of yogurt and honey. In some cases, the groom also receives gifts such as jewelry or family heirlooms. Modern ceremonies have the groom's family provide gifts for the bride.

The four pillars that hold the altar represent the four Vedas or philosophies of Hinduism. They are Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Sanyasa, and Vanaprastha. It also signifies the four aspects of human life that include Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.

After the bride and groom receive the gifts at the altar, it is time for the Kanya Pratigrahan or Kanyadaan, a ritual where the groom's mother provides the bride with a mangala sutra. It is a long necklace made of black beads and gold.

The bride's father will then place his daughter's hand in the groom's. He announces the acceptance of the groom into the family and wishes for the groom's family to do the same. It is a sweet part of the ceremony where the couple's parents facilitate the union of their children.

After all of these intricate rituals and ceremonies, comes the sacred fire! This is the key aspect of any Hindu matrimonial union. The fire evokes God who is a witness to the ceremony and provides a blessed union.

The priest recites Vedic prayers over the fire while adding crushed herbs, ghee, sandalwood, and rice.

The couple then recites the same prayer spoken by the priest and promises to be faithful to each other and God. The groom then tells the bride while holding hands that she is now his wife. This ritual is called the Paanigrahan.

After this comes the Rajaham where the bride puts her hands in the groom's while her brother pours rice into her hands. The rice is then thrown into the fire together by the couple.

This follows by the Shilarohan where the bride climbs over a stone to symbolize her strength, fortitude, and willingness to fulfill her duties as a wife and mother. The woman is seen as the glue that holds her family together.

The bride is tied to the groom with her chuney worn by her husband as a scarf symbol of their coming together.

During the Saptapadi or Sath Phere, the bride and groom take four or seven steps or walk four or seven laps around while reciting their vows. Each step or lap has a unique meaning. The first step symbolizes honor and respect, the second is strength to overcome obstacles, the third means prosperity, the fourth is wisdom, the fifth is for having children, the sixth for health, and the seventh for a loving and affectionate partnership.

In some cases, instead of taking the steps or walking laps, the bride uses her right toe to touch seven beetlenuts or stones on the altar. The Saptapadi or Sath Phere is often one of the most anticipated rituals of the whole ceremony. It announces to everyone that the ceremony is coming to an end the union is finally complete.

After this part of the ceremony, both of the couple's parents bless them by sprinkling rose water on them. The groom then applies a red powder called sindoor to the parting in the hair of his wife. Also, he strings the mangalsutra, an auspicious thread, around her neck to symbolize the desire for their relationship to be as auspicious as the thread.

This necklace is made up of gold and black beads and it is meant to be always worn by the bride, similar to a ring. The couple then kneels and touches their parents' feet to seek their blessings. This ritual is called the Ashirwad and symbolizes the final confirmation and acceptance of the couple's union by both families.

The priest then declares the bride and groom man and wife and all guests cheer. The couple then bows from the altar to give appreciation to all present who came to honor this special day with them.

The matrimonial union comes to an end and it is followed by the grand finale, the reception!

Vidai Ceremony

After the matrimonial ceremony and before the reception, there's a ritual that is very dear to the bride's family. It is where the bride says goodbye to her family to join her husband. This is a time filled with nostalgia and high emotions as the bride's family have to let go of their precious daughter.

In some traditions, the couple initially stays at the bride's family's home before going on to the groom's home. Of course, modern practices are far from what they used to be where the couple lived at their parent's homes as adults until marriage.

Indian Weddings FAQs

What is the appropriate attire for guests to wear?

The brighter and more colorful your outfit the better. Guests often wear bold colors and extravagant jewelry. Some wear traditional lengha or sari. For women, a shawl or jewel-toned dress is commonly seen as well.

It is considered rude to wear red attire because the color is reserved for the bride. Black is also considered an inappropriate color for a matrimonial ceremony in Hinduism. Remember, these types of events are colorful and you may choose any other color than those two.

What can I expect during the reception?

Besides traditional delicious Indian food, be ready for colorful festivities. The reception is a hugely fun party with lots of music and dancing. You may see a performance of a traditional folk dance called Punjab, which is easily learned and followed by guests. Expect to hear modern pop music as well!

What type of food can I expect?

The food is determined by the unique taste of the couple and their families. You can expect traditional Indian food, but some couples add their favorites items as well. Not all food is vegetarian or spicy, you can expect to find something for all tastes.

Will I need to bring a gift?

As with traditional Western ceremonies, couples that practice Hinduism prefer the gifts to be sent directly to their home. It is requested that people don't bring boxes to the event since it can become a burden to transport.

Is it appropriate to gift money?

Yes, normally $50 to $100 is appropriate depending on how close you are to the couple. Jewelry is also an appropriate gift.

How many ceremonies will I need to attend?

Only very close family and friends partake in all the ceremonies. If you're a regular guest, you can expect to only attend the main ceremony. Some families invite all guests to the Mehndi ceremony. Overall, all ceremonies are completed in approximately three days. Your invitation will likely describe which ceremonies you are invited to attend.