12 Wedding Traditions From Around the World That Would Shock People

Weddings can be such a beautifully unique event. Uniting two people in love, gathered by their friends and family, and celebrating in a way that feels genuine to them. While you might be picturing the common wedding traditions like the throwing of the bride’s bouquet, the bride’s garter, and walking down the aisle with the bride’s father, there are so many wedding traditions out there that would leave your jaw on the floor. From extravagance to simplicity, beliefs, and myths, wedding traditions come in all shapes and sizes. Today we’re sharing 12 wedding traditions from all over the world that will leave you in shock and maybe even disbelief! 

1. Log-Cutting Ceremony

The log-cutting ceremony is an old German tradition. The log symbolizes the couple’s first obstacle that they must overcome together as a team. Using a two-handled saw, the couple moves it back and forth to cut through the log. It shows their dedication to teamwork, communication to overcome challenges, and willingness to help each other out. 

2. Plate Smashing

Plate smashing is a Greek tradition that became really popular in the 1960s. Usually accompanied by music, dancing, and drinking, plate smashing is meant to camouflage that happy event and trick evil spirits. It’s thought that celebrations can bring bad energy and bad spirits, and plate smashing lets them know that it’s not a happy celebration and to keep moving on. Though many venues in Greece don’t actually permit plate smashing anymore, they’ve replaced it with flowers. Spectators and guests can buy the flowers and throw them onto the floor in celebration.

3. Wedding Lasso

The wedding lasso is an ancient Catholic tradition. The lasso is actually a large rosary, typically with silk flowers and beads. The placement of it happens after the couple exchanges their vows and is meant to symbolize unity. The wedding lasso is gently placed on the couple’s shoulders in a figure 8 or infinity motion, symbolizing that there isn’t a beginning or end. 

4. Camel Dance

The camel dance is an African tradition, and it’s exactly how it sounds. Camels dance during the wedding festivities. But not just dance! They move in choreographed sequences to the beat. Imagine that! Camels dancing!

5. Bury the Bourbon

Bury the Bourbon is a southern tradition that involves burying an unopened bottle of Bourbon one month before the nuptials to prevent rain on the wedding day. The burying of the bourbon should take place as close to the wedding venue as possible. Then, after the ceremony, dig up the bottle and enjoy!

6. Tooth Extraction

In Fiji, it’s common for a tabua (sperm whale tooth) to be given as a gift to the bride’s parents by the groom when he arrives to ask permission to marry. A tabua in Fiji is considered a holy object. It’s associated with good luck and sacredness.

7. Cutting the Tie

Cutting the groom’s tie is an Italian tradition. The groomsmen and friends of the groom cut a piece of the tie and auctioned it off during the wedding to raise money for the couple. It’s thought that if it raises a lot of money, then the couple is thought to have a prosperous life ahead. 

8. Kiss the Bride

This cheeky tradition involves other men stepping in to kiss the bride whenever the groom leaves the room. It’s a Swedish tradition that is said to bring luck to the couple. It also works the other way, too. When the bride leaves for a bathroom break or something, then all the women can sneak in a kiss with the groom.

9. La Serenata

La serenata takes place the night before the wedding. The groom serenades the bride from outside her window. Sometimes the bride may even lower down a basket of bread or cookies as a way of accepting the groom’s excitement and celebration for their wedding. 

10. Bread Breaking

Originally a Bulgarian tradition, the breaking of the bread takes place at the beginning of the reception. The bride’s mother gives the couple a loaf of bread. The couple then tugs on either side and the person with the larger piece once it breaks is considered the “boss” in the relationship. 

11. Bread and Salt Ceremony

The bread and salt ceremony is a Polish custom. Once the married couple arrives at the reception, their parents present them with a loaf of bread and salt. The bread is usually prepared in a specially decorated way. The giving of bread and salt is symbolic. It is thought that bread is given so the couple never knows hunger, and the salt reminds them of life’s challenges and the significance of learning to cope together.

12. Unity Bowl Ceremony

The unity bowl ceremony is an Australian tradition that involves guests filling a bowl with colorful sand and stones. The sand and stones are thought to represent the couple’s loved ones. At the end of the ceremony, the unity bowl is given to the couple as a visual reminder of all the love and support they have around them. It also symbolizes the two families being blended into one.

Final Thoughts

Weddings are incredible. Blended together with love, affection, and tradition, they become a showcase of the two families’ customs. And, if you’re just in the market for an amazing tradition to incorporate into your own special day, these twelve customs are delightful. From plate smashing (or flower throwing), being lassoed with a gorgeous rosary, having camels dance, and burying your favorite bottle of Bourbon, to the intimate serenading or even the bread breaking to determine who is the boss in the marriage, these wedding traditions are fun, filled with history, and woven by love. So whether you’re looking for a new tradition to bring to your special day or you’re just curious about different customs throughout the world, these twelve have stood the test of time.