African customs

Marriage in Ethiopia begins when the groom's family sends elders, called Shimagle, to the bride's family. The elders discuss the dowry, which is a gift given by the groom's family, and check the family tree of both the bride and groom to make sure they are not related for at least seven generations. Once the dowry is agreed upon and the families are not related, the wedding is announced, and both families prepare for two ceremonies: one at a church or mosque and another called the mels(i) ceremony.

On the wedding day, the groom and his groomsmen, called Mizé, get ready early at the groom's home and travel to the bride's family's house. The bride prepares at her family's home and waits for the groom. When the groom arrives, the bride's family and friends block the entrance to the house. The groomsmen must either sing songs or offer gifts to gain entry so the groom can take the bride. The best man sprays perfume inside the house during this time. After this, the groom takes the bride, and they go to a church or mosque for their vows.

After the religious ceremony, the couple and guests move to a park or garden for lunch. Later, the wedding party takes photos while guests go to the reception. At the reception, traditional dances are performed based on the family's ethnic background. Ethiopian weddings often include Ethiopian food, live music, and celebrations that continue into the early morning. To end the first day, elders are seated at the exit of the venue, and the bride and groom, along with the wedding party, bow and kiss the elders' knees as they leave. This marks the end of the first day of the wedding.

The mels(i) ceremony is smaller and depends on the family's ethnic background. It is a time for close friends and family to celebrate the newlyweds.

In Nigeria, there are three types of weddings: traditional, church, and court weddings. A civil marriage happens at a registry, followed by a traditional ceremony and then a church ceremony. Many couples choose to have all three, depending on their financial situation. Nigerian weddings are known for their bright colors.

Traditional weddings in Nigeria vary by region. In the north, middlebelt, southwest, southeast, and south-south, elders and officials meet to discuss the bride price, which includes gifts like shoes, textiles, jewelry, and bags. For example, Yoruba traditional weddings include cultural performances. In other areas, elders from both families meet to negotiate the bride price. After agreements are made, the gifts are given to the bride's family. The bride and her group of girls are then introduced to the groom's family and guests in a colorful celebration.

In some communities, such as the Pygmies, engagements are short. The groom-to-be gives gifts like game or arrows to the bride's family, takes the bride to live with his family, and is expected to find a wife for a brother or cousin of his wife. If he can support more than one wife, he may marry additional women.

In many cultures, marriage begins when a man proposes to a woman. If she accepts, he meets with his clan elders, who are older family members. A group carrying small gifts is sent to the woman's family to meet with her elders. Discussions about the bride price happen later and are led only by older men. After negotiations, a wedding date is set, and the elders provide a portion of the dowry. The rest is expected to be paid later. Failure to complete the payment is considered disrespectful to the family.

On the wedding day, the groom's family travels to the bride's home to take her. However, the bride's family locks the gate, and songs and dances begin to cover the negotiations. The groom's family may be asked for goods, and they must agree to these requests before being allowed to enter the home.

Middle Eastern customs

Christian weddings in the Arab World are similar to Western weddings, while Muslim weddings in Arab countries are shaped by Muslim traditions. Muslim weddings begin with a Sheikh and a ceremony called Katb Al-kitaab (book) for the bride and groom. A wedding is only considered valid in Islam if both the bride and groom agree to marry. The groom is often encouraged to visit the bride before the wedding, as taught in many sayings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. These visits must be supervised to ensure proper behavior. It is customary for the groom and his family to pay for all wedding costs. Before the wedding, the bride's family gathers at the bride's parents' home. The groom's family then arrives in a decorated car to take the bride, accompanied by one close female relative, such as a sister, cousin, or best friend. Other family members and friends follow in cars, honking their horns. The reception includes a meal, cake, and celebration for all family and friends. A traditional gift from the couple is candy-covered almonds. There is much dancing and a type of loud singing called zaghareet (ululation). In Muslim traditions, men and women often sit separately so women can remove their head coverings. In non-Muslim traditions, the wedding includes both men and women. Persian wedding traditions, though different in local areas, have roots in the ancient Zoroastrian culture. While Islamic traditions changed the meaning of marriage, many ceremony details remain similar to those from ancient times.

European customs

In Albanian traditional weddings, the bride's dress is described as elegant and see-through. In the Catholic tradition, the dress shows full colors. The Catholic bride's dress has colorful designs and a balanced look.

There are two types of wedding dresses. One is made from a large piece of wool called a "shajak," with floral patterns created using black cotton rope called "gajtan," sometimes mixed with green. The other type uses the same material but in red. This dress has small patterns decorated with bright colors. Both types have a belt made with gold and necklaces in red, rose, and orange, creating a warm appearance. The patterns on this dress are very small.

This collection of costumes, the variety of colors, and the emotions involved are important experiences for Albanians. They help preserve traditions and show the skill and artistry used in making the dresses.

The dress of a Catholic bride from Shkodër is made of soft, shiny white fabric that covers the body and suggests calmness and purity. This tradition uses white fabric and gold thread. The dress includes "barnaveke," which are long pants that look like skirts. Over the pants, the bride wears a shirt and a "jelek" (waistcoat).

Ritual songs mention items called "paja" (pronounced paya), which are gifts given by parents to their daughter. These include clothing, house furnishings, and gifts for her husband and cousins. The items are woven using looms. Preparing "paja" for the bride is a joyful task that shows parents' love and their family's economic situation.

In Shkodra, "dhunti" refers to gifts the groom gives the bride during the engagement. These include clothes, jewelry, gold, and other items sent to her before the wedding. The bride receives many gifts from the groom's family. "Dhuntia" had high value and showed respect and love for the bride. It also showed the family's care for their son's new wife. The gifts included items for all life situations, showing the importance of women's roles.

Handfasting is a wedding ritual where the bride and groom's hands are tied together. It comes from an ancient Celtic tradition and inspired the phrase "tying the knot." This ritual is used by followers of Celtic-based religions, such as Wicca and Druidism.

In the Western tradition, wearing a white wedding dress began in the Victorian era to symbolize purity, not virginity. In the "white wedding" tradition, a white dress and veil are not worn by widows or divorcees in their second or later marriages.

A wedding is often followed by a reception, sometimes called a "Wedding Breakfast," where a large cake is served. Western traditions include toasting the couple, the first dance, and cutting the cake. A bride may throw her bouquet to unmarried women, with folklore saying the person who catches it will marry next. A newer tradition has the groom throwing the bride's garter to unmarried men, with the same belief.

The "Wedding Breakfast" is a time when all family members involved in the wedding attend. It is the first meal the newlyweds share as a married couple. Modern "Wedding Breakfasts" serve food like traditional roasts, buffets, or regional dishes, such as those in London's East End.

A Victorian tradition is for brides to wear or carry "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" during the ceremony. This is believed to bring good luck. Sometimes, one item meets all these requirements, like a borrowed blue handkerchief that is new to the bride but given by her grandmother. Another custom is wearing a coin in a shoe for prosperity.

One Finnish wedding tradition was the bridal sauna, where bridesmaids took the bride to a decorated, cleansing sauna the night before the wedding. Instead of a flower bouquet, a bath broom was thrown.

Traditionally, the wedding dress was black, passed down from the bride's mother. It was decorated, and the bride received a crown made from shiny pieces. Even though nobles followed other traditions, black remained popular among most people until the 20th century. When Princess Diana married Prince Charles in 1981 in a white gown, it became the standard choice.

Early Finnish weddings took place at both the bride's and groom's homes, a tradition that lasted in Eastern Finland until the late 20th century. In Western Finland, grand processions to the church were held, and celebrations moved between homes. Wealthy families had weddings lasting 3 to 4 days. In the 19th century, gatecrashers called "puukkojunkkari" attended these events.

In France, many couples have two ceremonies: civil and religious. Only civil weddings are legally recognized because of the principle of laïcité. These are held at town halls by mayors or deputies. To marry in a specific town, at least one spouse or parent must live there. If there is a religious ceremony, it happens after the civil one, often on the same day. Town halls offer more elaborate ceremonies for couples who do not want a religious wedding.

If the ceremonies are separate, the civil one includes close family and witnesses. After the civil ceremony, the couple receives a "livret de famille," a booklet with a copy of the marriage certificate. This document is official and records the couple's children's birth certificates. Civil weddings in France are free.

Traditionally, wedding guests gathered at the bride's home and walked to the church in a procession. The procession was led by the groom and his mother, followed by the bride's mother and groom's father, witnesses, grandparents, siblings with spouses, and finally the bride and her father, with bridesmaids. Now, guests usually gather at the town hall or church, and the bride and groom enter together, followed by family and guests.

In some areas, the groom may meet his fiancée at her home on the wedding day and escort her to the chapel. As the couple walks to the chapel, children stretch long whistles.

South Asian customs

Bangladeshi weddings are ceremonies held in Bangladesh. Although Muslim and Hindu weddings have different religious traditions, many cultural customs are shared among Bengali people of all religions. Indigenous groups in Bangladesh also have their own unique wedding traditions that differ from Bengali customs. Before the legal and religious ceremonies, the bride and groom are covered in turmeric during the gaye holud ceremony.

Indian weddings can last from a few minutes to several weeks, depending on the region, religion, and other factors. Because of the many different cultures in India, wedding styles, ceremonies, and traditions vary widely across states, regions, religions, and castes. In some areas, the tilak ceremony (where the groom’s forehead is marked) and the mehendi ceremony (where the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with henna) are common. These events are often accompanied by music and dance. Another ceremony, called Haldi, involves covering the bride and groom with turmeric paste. Family members ensure both are anointed. On the wedding day, the groom, along with friends and relatives, may arrive at the wedding site in a procession called baraat. Religious rituals then take place based on the couple’s faith. The groom may wear traditional clothing like a Sherwani or dhoti, or a Western suit, and may have a flower-covered veil called sehra on his face. In some regions, the bride wears red clothing instead of white, as white is associated with mourning in Indian culture. In southern and eastern states, brides often wear a sari, while in northern and central states, they may wear a decorated red skirt-blouse and veil called lehenga. After the marriage is legally recognized, the bride leaves with her husband. This is a sad moment for her family, as she is expected to leave her relatives permanently to join her husband’s family. In some Christian communities in Kerala, the groom joins the bride’s family for the wedding. A reception may follow at the groom’s home, where gifts and money are given to the couple. Traditional dowry from the bride’s family is now illegal.

Pakistani weddings often include four ceremonies over four days, or three days if the Mehndi ceremony is combined. The first event is Mehndi, where families gather and celebrate. The bride’s hands are decorated with henna, and music and dancing occur throughout the night. The next day is the baraat, hosted by the bride’s family. The groom arrives with family and friends, and a large feast is served. The baraat is considered the main wedding event. The third day is the Nikah, a religious ceremony led by a pastor or imam, where the couple is officially married. The final day is the Walima, hosted by the groom’s family, where the bride’s family is invited for a feast.

On her wedding day, the bride may wear any color, but vibrant colors and traditional gold jewelry are common. She may wear traditional clothing like a lahnga, shalwar kameez, or sari. These weddings are also common among Muslim communities in India.

Sri Lankan weddings are usually held in two parts over two days. On the first day, the bride’s family hosts the poruwa ceremony, where both the bride and groom wear traditional Kandyan clothing. Most customs take place on this day. On the second day, the groom’s family hosts a celebration, offering food and entertainment. Minor communities in Sri Lanka may have similar events with slight differences. Tamil communities replace the poruwa ceremony with a Hindu wedding ceremony and wear traditional Tamil clothing. Burgher communities wear Western-style clothing and hold weddings in churches. Sri Lankan Moors include Islamic traditions in their weddings.

East Asian customs

Traditional Chinese marriage is a ceremony that families arrange before the wedding. In traditional Chinese culture, people could fall in love, and most people married only one person at a time. Musicians play music with gongs and special instruments during the wedding procession to the groom’s home. Similar music is played at the wedding feast. Depending on where the bride is from, Chinese weddings may include traditions like the Tea Ceremony or a person who helps with the ceremony. In modern times, couples often take many photos in different outfits and settings for their wedding.

Most Chinese wedding traditions are the same across regions, though some customs differ in southern China. In southern weddings, the groom’s family gives the bride’s family items like gold, fabric, money, or a roasted pig as a gift. This gift is meant to show the bride’s purity. Older couples or people older than the newlyweds give wedding gifts, while younger family members serve tea.

Japanese weddings have two types: traditional Shinto ceremonies and modern Western-style ceremonies. Before a ceremony can happen, the couple must legally marry at a government office and show proof of their marriage.

Before marriage, couples may meet in two ways: (1) miai, where families arrange the match, or (2) ren ai, where the couple chooses each other. In some Shinto weddings, the bride may wear white clothing to show she is unmarried. She may wear a white hood or a headpiece that hides her “horns of jealousy” and symbolizes her wish to be a kind and obedient wife.

Traditional Japanese weddings (shinzen shiki) take place at a Shinto shrine. Some modern weddings skip formal traditions and have “no host parties” where friends pay to attend. In recent years, many couples in Japan choose Western-style weddings, which are inspired by Christian ceremonies. These weddings often happen in a chapel, either simple or fancy, and may include a rehearsal.

Before the ceremony, the bride’s mother may lower her veil, a final act of care before the bride is “given away” by her father, who walks her down the aisle to the groom.

During the ceremony, the officiant wears a cross with two wedding rings, symbolizing the couple’s commitment. The officiant gives a speech, then the bride and groom exchange vows and rings. They sign a register, and the ceremony ends with a kiss. The service may be in Japanese, English, or both, and includes a Bible reading and a short message about marriage.

Some couples mix Shinto and Western traditions in a “contemporary Japanese wedding.” On the wedding day, the bride and groom prepare at a beauty shop, where they wear formal Japanese clothing. The bride changes outfits several times and must arrive early because the process is time-consuming. The groom and guests arrive later.

After getting dressed, the bride and groom meet relatives in a waiting room. A helper explains the day’s events. Then, they go to a photo studio for pictures, which are important for showing the couple’s future together.

Later, the group goes to a Shinto shrine, where a priest performs the ceremony. The bride and groom drink sake from shared cups in a ritual called san-san-ku-do. They also exchange rings and vows. Guests who miss the ceremony can watch it on screens.

After the ceremony, a reception happens. Guests include family, friends, and coworkers. The reception lasts exactly two hours and follows a strict order. The bride and groom make dramatic entrances with special effects, and speeches or performances take place. The bride changes outfits two to three times during the event. The nakodo, or matchmaker, plays an important role and is named on the wedding announcement.

Southeast Asian customs

A Malay wedding ceremony happens over two days. On the first day, the akad nikah ceremony takes place. During this time, the groom signs the marriage contract and agrees to give the bride a mas kahwin, which is a dowry. After this, the bride and groom's hands are dyed with henna during the berinai besar ceremony. On the second day, the bride is with her family and friends at her home. Musicians and people carrying bunga manggar, which are palm blossoms, are also present. When they arrive, guests are greeted with yellow rice and scented water being sprinkled over them.

In a matrilineal society, the bride's family is the one who proposes to the groom. This tradition is called maminang. If the proposal is accepted, the families sign the marriage contract. During the manjapuik marapulai ceremony, the bride's family invites the groom to their home. Then, the couple is introduced to the public as newlyweds.

The groom usually wears a barong tagalog during the wedding, along with the male attendants. However, some wealthy individuals choose to wear Western clothing, such as a tuxedo. Weddings held in the same year by two siblings, usually sisters, called Sukob, are considered bad luck and are not encouraged. Some people believe that if the wedding rings fall to the ground, it is a sign of bad luck. This belief is often shared with the ring bearer to remind them to handle the rings carefully. Sometimes, money in the form of paper bills is attached to the bride and groom's clothing during their first dance.

Singapore is a country in Southeast Asia with many different races. The main groups include Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasians. Because of this, there are many different wedding customs in Singapore. For most Chinese weddings, the groom picks up the bride during a tea ceremony, followed by a church lunch or dinner banquet.

Traditional Vietnamese wedding gowns were modeled after the áo nhật bình, which was worn by women of the Nguyễn Dynasty. This style of clothing is still popular today, both in Vietnam and outside the country. Some couples change the design slightly to match modern tastes, but the overall shape of the gown remains the same. Compared to other traditional Vietnamese clothing, the wedding gown is more detailed and is only worn on wedding days.

American customs

In a typical year, there are about 2.2 million weddings in the United States. This number is expected to increase to 2.6 million in 2022. According to the wedding website The Knot, 10 percent of weddings in 2022 will take place on Monday through Thursday. This is mainly because more weddings are being held on Saturdays, and weekday weddings often cost less.

Most weddings in the United States follow a pattern similar to English weddings. These weddings traditionally follow the "white wedding" style, named after the bride's white wedding dress. This style refers to a complete set of wedding traditions. Customs and traditions vary, but common elements include the following:

• The host sends invitations to guests one to two months before the wedding. Invitations may be written by hand to show the importance of the event. Large numbers of invitations are often printed using machines. In the past, engraving was the best printing method available, so it became part of wedding traditions. Receiving an invitation does not require guests to do anything except accept or decline the invitation and offer congratulations to the couple.
• Giving gifts to the newlyweds is not required, but most guests who attend choose to do so. Gifts can be brought to the wedding ceremony or reception, but it is thoughtful to send them to the address listed on the invitation or the couple’s bridal registry. Common gifts include household items like dishes, silverware, kitchen tools, and appliances. Guests are not required to use the registry information.
• Some couples choose a color theme to match elements like bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, invitations, and decorations. However, this is not necessary.
• The groom’s friends may throw a party called a "bachelor party." These events often include alcohol and entertainment. It has become more common for the bride’s friends to hold similar "bachelorette" parties.
• A wedding ceremony can take place anywhere, but it is often held in a church, courthouse, or outdoor location. The ceremony may follow the couple’s religious beliefs or lack thereof. A common non-religious ceremony is based on a simple Anglican ceremony from the Book of Common Prayer and can last less than ten minutes. It may be longer if music or speeches are added.
• American brides often wear white, off-white, silver, or other light-colored dresses, especially for their first marriage. While any color is allowed, black is avoided in some cultures because it is associated with mourning.
• Rice, white seeds, or confetti is sometimes thrown at the newlyweds as they leave the ceremony to symbolize fertility. Some people use birdseed instead of rice because of a mistaken belief that rice can harm birds. Due to the mess rice and birdseed can create, many couples now leave the ceremony in clouds of bubbles.
• The wedding party may form a receiving line at the ceremony or later at the reception so guests can greet the entire wedding party.

• Drinks, snacks, or a full meal are often served during long receptions so guests and the wedding party can socialize.
• Best men and maids of honor may give speeches to congratulate the newlyweds. Other guests may also give toasts. Champagne is usually provided for this purpose.
• During the wedding cake cutting, the couple may hold a cake knife together and cut the first pieces of the cake, which they then share with each other. In some traditions, the couple may smear cake on each other’s faces, but this is considered inappropriate in other cultures.
• If dancing is offered, the newlyweds may dance together first. In some traditions, they may then dance with their parents or other wedding guests. Special songs are chosen for dances like the mother-son or father-daughter dance. In some subcultures, a "dollar dance" occurs where guests pay money to dance with the newlyweds. This practice is considered rude in many social groups.
• In the mid-20th century, it became common for a bride to toss her bouquet over her shoulder to unmarried women at the reception. It is believed that the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next to marry.
• In a similar tradition, the groom tosses the bride’s garter to unmarried men. The man who catches the garter places it on the leg of the woman who caught the bouquet. This practice is becoming less common.

The purpose of inviting guests is to witness the couple’s marriage ceremony and share in their joy and celebration. Giving gifts is optional, but most guests try to give at least a small gift to express their best wishes. Some couples and families believe guests should give expensive gifts or cash in return for the cost of hosting them. Others think this is not proper etiquette. Some weddings have a special table for gifts and cards.

Couples often register for gifts at a store before their wedding. This allows them to create a list of household items they need, such as dishes, silverware, linens, or kitchen tools. The practice of registering for gifts began in the United States in the 1920s when couples did not live together, and it helped them set up their homes. Registries help guests choose gifts the couple truly wants. Most stores, from luxury shops to discount stores, offer this service. According to etiquette, registry information should only be given to guests who ask for it directly and should not be included in invitations. Some couples also register for money gifts to fund items like a honeymoon, home purchase, or college fund. Others believe registries are not appropriate because they go against traditional gift-giving ideas, such as the belief that gifts should be optional and chosen by the giver. Traditionally, weddings were private events, and inviting people who did not know the couple well was considered inappropriate. Some people believe weddings are opportunities to receive money or gifts from guests, and that invitations may imply an expectation of financial support.

Traditionally, letters of thanks are sent to guests who give gifts as soon as possible, ideally within two weeks of receiving the gift. These letters can be sent up to a year after the wedding.

Jumping the broom originated from the West African Asante custom. In Ashanti and other Akan cultures, brooms also had spiritual meaning, symbolizing the removal of past wrongs or protection from evil spirits. Brooms were waved over…

South American customs

In the Caribbean, it is commonly believed that the wife should pay for the wedding and the honeymoon. The honeymoon may last up to a month if the wife is kind.

In Brazil, a country in South America, weddings are often large and joyful events with many traditions. For Brazilian brides, these customs lead to weddings that are elaborate and full of celebration.

• Bridesmaids and groomsmen are chosen months before the wedding. These people are usually couples who are paired together at the altar. There are typically three men and three women on the bride’s side and more than three men and three women on the groom’s side. The groom arrives at the wedding location first, usually a church. The bride arrives at least 10 minutes after the groom. The couple should not see each other before the ceremony, as it is believed this might bring bad luck.
• In the wedding of a military officer, groomsmen are replaced by swordsmen from the sword honor guard. These swordsmen are usually close friends of the groom who have served with him. Their job includes forming a traditional saber arch for the couple and guests to walk through.
• About a month before the wedding, the bride or her best friends organize a "kitchen shower" (wedding shower). This event allows the bride to spend time with her closest friends. It was once a "girls-only" event and was small and private. Today, these gatherings are often larger and may include men. Guests usually give the bride items for her kitchen, which is why it is called a "kitchen shower."
• The wedding ceremony and party are usually paid for by the wife’s family. However, this tradition is not always followed because of the high costs involved.

• Brazilian weddings often follow Christian traditions. The bride and groom recite vows to each other after a prayer is read. They then exchange wedding rings. These rings are usually engraved with the groom’s name on the bride’s ring and the bride’s name on the groom’s ring.
• After the religious ceremony, the newlyweds host a large party where guests give them compliments. The party usually takes place at a private venue called a "ceremonial." Guests often sing and dance, especially after the couple dances a Waltz.

• Brazilian wedding receptions include food, drinks, and music. The couple gives gifts to their parents, and the parents give gifts to the couple.
• A unique tradition in Brazil is a sweet called "bem casado" (well married), which is given to guests as they leave. It is believed to bring good luck to the couple. At the end of the party or before the couple leaves, the bride throws her flower bouquet to her unmarried friends. It is believed that whoever catches the bouquet will be the next to marry. Another tradition is for the bride’s friends to write their names on the inside of the bride’s dress. This is thought to help unmarried friends find husbands.

Brazilian culture has many traditions, celebrations, and sometimes superstitions. Weddings are an important part of these traditions and are usually filled with music, dancing, and happiness.