Wedding Traditions from Around the World

A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage or a similar institution. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, presentation of a gift (offering, ring(s), symbolic item, flowers, money), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or leader. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers, or readings from Scripture or literature also may be incorporated into the ceremony.

Chinese 

• On the morning of the wedding, the groom "fetches" the bride in an elaborate ceremony that can involve "tasks" from the bride's family -- things the groom must do before they will "let her go".
• The pre-wedding tea ceremony at the groom's family home is an integral part of any Chinese wedding. It's the formal "introduction" of the bride to her new in-laws.
• Red is the central color in Chinese culture, and is used for invitations, decorations and more.
• The bride and groom have to keep their shoes on from the time they put them on in the morning until the end of the wedding. 
• Only after the wedding reception are the bride and groom considered truly married in the eyes of their friends and families.
• Traditionally, the bride returns home three days after the wedding, as a guest bearing gifts of her family. Now, a simple outfit after the tea ceremony at the groom's home represents the passing of three days. 

Jewish

• Sometimes, both the bride and groom wear white on their wedding day to symbolize purity.
• It's not just the bride who is walked down the aisle at Jewish weddings -- the groom's parents escort him to the Chuppah then the bride and her parents follow.
• Traditionally, Jewish brides and grooms signed an Aramaic document called a Ketubah  that indicated the bride's acceptance of the groom's proposal and his ownership of her.  
• Jewish couples say their vows under a Chuppah or wedding canopy, sometimes covered in flowers. It symbolizes the couple's new home.
• "The Breaking of the Glass" is a huge Jewish wedding tradition. After the ceremony, the groom steps on a cloth-covered glass. This has many meanings, such as the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, or simply a reminder of the fragility of life and sanctity of marriage. 
• The reception meal begins with Hamotzi, the Blessing the Challah, a sweet breaded loaf of bread.
• The Hova, or chair dance is a huge, and fun, part of Jewish wedding receptions. Brave guests hoist the bride and groom their heads on chairs to the sounds of Hava Nagila as others dance in a circle around them. 

Indian (Hindu)

• In separate, pre-wedding ceremonies, called mandap muhurat, both bride and groom are smeared with turmeric, a yellow powder that makes their skin smooth.
• Bridal mehndi, elaborate henna hand paintings, are an integral part of an Indian bride's beauty regimen. Female friends help apply them during a mehndi party prior to the wedding. 
• Red symbolizes good luck in Hinduism. This is why brides wear traditional saris in red or red and white with gold detailing. 
• The most important part of a Hindu wedding ceremony is Saptapadi, or the exchanging of vows. The bride and groom do so while circling a sacred fire three times. After the first round (of exactly seven steps) they exchange vows. After the third, the groom gives the bride a silver ring as a gesture of love. The couple also exchange flower garlands as additional symbols of love. 
• Guests at Indian weddings don bright colors, in traditional garb, if possible. 
• Instead of cake, Indian newlyweds feed each other five bites of a sweet food (usually honey and yogurt).

Spanish

• It is custom for the groom to give the bride's father a watch after she accepts his proposal. The groom also gives the bride a gift of 13 gold coins (las arras) that symbolize God's love.
• Traditionally, Spanish women wore black, not white, silk dresses, with black lace veils. Now, white dresses are common, though veils are almost always present; they symbolize God's protection.
• In the past, men often wore embroidered shirts on their wedding days, handmade by their future wives. Some still adhere to this practice. 
• Orange blossoms, or azahares, are the flower of choice for Spanish weddings. They represent happiness and fulfillment. 
• Some Spanish couples exchange wedding rings on their right hands.
• Spanish wedding receptions are lively, often with a mariachi band. The Sequidillas Manchegas is a popular style of dance performed. 
• Paella, a Spanish "stew" made with seafood and rice is served, as is sangria, a cocktail made withe win and fresh fruit. 

Japanese

• Shinto shrines are the traditional place for Japanese weddings, with only the family in attendance, though many Western couples don't practice this. 
• The sharing of sake, or san-san-kudo, is the most important Japanese wedding tradition. The groom, then the bride takes three sip of rice wine from three different cups. Then they offer it to their families to symbolize a new bond. 
• Traditionally, brides wear colorful kimonos or shiromukus, formal Japanese-style gowns, for their weddings days. Now, it is standard for them to wear white, a symbol of purity, then change into an irouchiakake -- or red, gold, silver, and white kimono following the ceremony.
• Lobster is a common wedding food for the Japanese, because it's bright red -- the color of luck. Clams are also served whole -- to symbolize a couple's unity.
• Food is never served in courses of four at weddings. Four is an unlucky number for the Japanese, because their word for it, shi, sounds like their word for "death". 
• The standard wedding gift for a Japanese couple is cash, called Oshugi, often handed out in decorative envelopes, Shugi-Bukuro. 

African 

African wedding traditions vary greatly. These are some of the ones that "marry" well with modern Western weddings. 

• In some African tribes, the bride and groom are tied together at the wrist to symbolize their marriage.
• Kola nuts are essential in African medicine, and weddings. The newly married couple shares a kola nut with their parents to symbolize the newlyweds' willingness to always help heal each other. 
• The origins of a popular wedding tradition, "Jumping the Broom," are hugely up for debate. Today, the couple leaping the household item together symbolizes the start of their new home.
• In a Yoruba ritual, called "Tasting the Four Elements," the newlywed couple tastes four flavors that represent relationship's ups and downs: sour (lemon), bitter (vinegar), hot (cayenne), and sweet (honey). This symbolizes the couple's willingness to get through the tough times in their marriage and appreciate the sweet. 
• Cowrie shells, white, black and brown, from West Africa, represent fertility and prosperity. They are commonly used in wedding decorations and cake designs.
• Some couples incorporate traditional African dress into their weddings. Some go all out, while other weddings favor Western dress with African elements.

Italian

• Italians consider Sunday weddings the luckiest.
• Some tie a knot in front of the wedding chapel to symbol the couple's unity.
• Brides usually wear veils at Italian weddings to conceal their faces and ward off evil spirits
• Guests perform The Tarantella, a fast, energetic dance to wish the couple a long, happy future. Guests form a circle and dance around the newlyweds.
• Food is paramount at receptions. Some weddings feature as many as 14 food and drink courses, starting with antipasto and ending with espresso and cake.
• The drinks of choice at Italian weddings are wine and grappa.
• The Evviva gli sposi or "hurray for the newlyweds" is a common Italian wedding toast. Guest cheer thunderously in repsonse.
• Italians often break a glass at the end of the wedding reception. The number of shards of glass symbolize the number of happy years the couple will have. 

Muslim

The Islamic faith is the second-largest and fastest-growing religion in the world, spanning the continents, thus wedding celebrations vary from culture to culture. Here, are some of the inspirational shared and unique practices. 

• "Dads Night" is a religious tradition in many Muslim cultures. Male relatives on both sides meet at noon the Friday before the wedding to pray for the couple. 
• Dress greatly differs from culture to culture, but brides can be ornately decorated for their weddings. For Indian Muslims, mehndi, or henna on the hands and feet is popular. Some brides, however, are mostly or completely covered. 
• Some Muslim weddings are extravagant, but conservatives avoid lavish celebrations; it is considered an unnecessary expense. Instead, parents and relatives give the bride and groom money that would have been spent on the wedding to start their new lives together. 
• After the bride and groom sign their wedding contract, the families and friends celebrate with a feast called Walima, which can last two days. Guests dine on fish, chicken and rice -- all symbols of fertility. Candy-coated almonds, considered aphrodisiacs, are also served. 
• Guests often give the bride and groom eggs as gifts symbolizing fertility and righteousness. In Indonesia, the groom steps on an egg to indicate he approves the marriage, and in Morocco, eggs are broken at the reception. 

Greek

• The bride and groom perform many of the ceremonial wedding rituals three times to represent the Holy Trinity.
• Greek brides used to wear yellow or red veils, representing fire, to ward off evil spirits.
• Some contemporary brides still mix herbs into their wedding bouquets; in the past, carrying the aromatic plants or gains represented fertility.
• Greek wedding receptions sometimes turn into cooking competitions, with attendees bringing cakes and sweets or simply submitting recipes to earn praise.
•  The Kalamatiano is an energetic circle dance the bridal party performs at the reception.
• Sometimes, the bride and groom will perform a "money dance," where the guests throw bills at them.
• At the reception, people smash dishes on the floor for good luck.
• Grooms cut up their ties at the end of the wedding reception; the couple then "sells" the pieces to guests. 

Irish

• In Ireland, every leap year it's tradition for women to propose to men. The practice goes back to the time when leap years had no meaning in English law.
• If you can get married on St. Patrick's Day, do so. The Irish consider this the luckiest anniversary date of the year. 
• The Irish consider it good luck to have your birthstone on your engagement ring, even if that stone isn't otherwise "lucky". 
• Wardrobe malfunction: the Irish consider it lucky to accidentally tear your dress on your wedding day.
• Irish brides used to carry real horseshoes for good luck on their wedding day. Now, it's more common for brides to have porcelain or fabric horseshoes, the latter worn on the wrist.
• Couples want to receive at least one bell as a wedding gift to keep in their new home. When they get in a fight, one rings the bell to end the argument peacefully.
• Celtic music an integral part of any traditional Irish wedding reception. 

German 

• During the engagement period both the bride and groom wear a ring on their left hand. After the wedding they wear the wedding ring on their right hand. Usually the rings are gold with no diamonds.
• Before a church wedding the bride and groom will have been married in the Standesamt (Registry Office) by a registrar which is most often in the Rathaus (town hall). A witness is needed for the bride and also for the groom.
• Brides often carry salt and bread as an omen for good harvests and the groom carries grain for wealth and good fortune.
• At a party on the evening before the wedding plates and dishes are smashed to scare off evil spirits. Only china can be used. Anything else would bring bad luck. The bride and groom have to clean up everything. This is to indicate that they can work together.
• Another tradition is for the bride to collect pennies for years to pay for her wedding shoes in which to insure that the marriage "gets off" on the right foot. The bride's mother would place some dill and salt in her daughter's right shoe.
• Another old Bavarian tradition occurs right after the church ceremony. When the couple exits the Church there is a log on a sawhorse and the couple has to cut the log in half! This is to symbolize the first tough tasks of their future they can accomplish together.
• The first dance is danced by the bride and groom and is traditionally a waltz. The next dance is only for the bride with her father and groom with his mother, while the bride's mother dances with the groom's father.

Veil Tips and Trends

1)   The first and probably most important decision to make is how long you want your wedding veil to be.

• ·         Flyaway: This super-short style, which hits just above the shoulder, will give you a playful, flirty look. It’s most appropriate for daytime weddings and looks best with a simple gown with clean lines, a mini-dress, or a wedding suit.
• ·         Elbow-length: As the name implies, this veil reaches just to your elbow. It’s a sweet, simple style that can work virtually any wedding gown, although you should pick something a bit longer for a formal evening wedding.
• ·         Fingertip:  A veil that falls to your fingertips when your arms lie straight along your sides, this length is perfect for the indecisive bride – it’s dressier than shorter styles but doesn’t have all the drama of longer ones.
• ·         Waltz: This type of veil falls between your knees and ankles, unlike longer veils, it allows you to dance with ease.
• ·         Chapel: A veil that reaches to the floor and extends up to three feet past your hem falls into this category. It’s a romantic look that’s been growing in popularity for the past few years.
• ·         Cathedral: Think Princess Diana – yards of tulle extending down the aisle behind you. This is the choice of brides who want to feel like royalty, but keep in mind that it’s not a low-maintenance look. You’ll need at least one bridesmaid or flower girl to tend to your veil as you enter and exit the ceremony. It looks most appropriate in a grand church or other house of worship, and works only if the aisle you’re walking down is a long one.

2)      What you will or won’t wear in your hair is as important as veil length. Your options range from dramatic pieces such as sparkly tiaras and crowns to jewel –encrusted barrettes, combs, and pins. You can have your veil attached to one of those accessories, to keep the two separate and attach the veil to your wedding hairstyle via a simple comb that disappears into your ‘do.

3)      If you want to remove your veil after the ceremony but leave your decorative headpiece on throughout the reception, have the veil attached to the headpiece with hook-and-loop closures, which will make it easy to remove.

4)      Tulle and other veil fabrics come in many shades. Bring a swatch of your wedding gown when selecting your veil.

5)      Another important thing to consider is whether you want your veil to be visible in your photographs. If you attach it with a back piece (a barrette or comb that fastens to any wedding updo hairstyle) then little, if any, of the veil will show up in your wedding-day portraits. This is a good option if you want to keep the focus on your hairstyle or jewelry.

6)      For photos that really say “It’s my day!” you’ll want a veil that makes a statement from the front as well as the back. One such variety is a fountain veil (also called a waterfall), which rises up from the top of your head. This style adds height, which may be desirable to petite brides, but it’s a poor choice if it will make you taller than your groom.

7)      The classic material for a veil is tulle, though lace, silk, and satin are also options and make a more original statement.

8)      For a very lush, romantic look, consider a veil with more than one layer of tulle – some veil makers suggest a minimum of two layers.

9)      If you wear a chapel –or cathedral—length veil, you may want to pair it with a fingertip-length as a top layer. That way, you can remove the floor-length layer for the reception but leave on the shorter top layer – and you’ll still look very much the bride in photos.

10)   The embellishments you can choose for your veil include embroidery, tiny pearls, and sparkly stones such as rhinestones and crystals. As a general rule, if your wedding dress is heavily decorated, your veil should be clean and simple, perhaps with just a bit of the gown's beads or stones echoed around the edge of the veil, or with no extras at all.

11)   If you pick a simple, streamlined wedding gown, feel free to go to town with veil decorations (though you can also choose a veil that matches your dress in elegant understatement). The embellishments on your veil don't have to match those on your dress exactly as long as they don't clash. For instance, a sequined veil would strike the wrong note next to a romantic wedding dress embroidered with tiny pearls.

12)   One popular, simple veil embellishment is a ribbon edge, which gives a sleek, clean line to the rim of the veil. However, this may not be the best choice on a veil that's fingertip length because it creates a horizontal line across your body, visually chopping you in two. If your goal is to appear as long and lean as possible, contemplate before choosing this option.

13)   A blusher is the part of the veil that covers your face during the first part of the ceremony and is swept back either by your father as he gives you away, or later by your groom before the kiss-the-bride moment. It's a beautiful touch that ups the drama and romanticism of your look.

14)   The blusher should fall between the bottom of your neck and your bust and can be worn with any length or style of veil in back. Choose one that falls at least an inch above or below the neckline of your wedding gown -- if it hits right at the neckline it will look awkward -- and make sure it’s long enough to be swept over your head.

15)   Take all of your hair accessories to your trial wedding hair appointments. If you want to wear a tiara or crown, it's essential that it work with your veil.

16)   You can have fun and let your personality come through with your veil choice. A mantilla, for example, is very fashion-forward. This Latin-inspired style frames the face nicely because it is made of a circular piece of lace with a feminine scallop-edge border.

17)   Make sure whatever style and length veil you choose works to complement, not compete with your entire bridal look.

18)   Want to wear your mom's veil but you're afraid it's dated? Take it to a trusted tailor to readjust the style. Trims, shades, and lengths can all be reworked to your taste, and you'll still have that sentimental "something old and borrowed" as you walk down the aisle.

19)   After reading these tips, you're sure to love your veil. Ask at the shop where you purchased it for storage and preservation specialists. While it might seem costly or unnecessary, you never know -- vintage wedding veils may be totally chic for the next generation too.

The 14 Hottest Wedding Trends for 2014

Wedding experts and everyone agree: 2014 will be the year of true romance. Weddings are going to softer, sweeter, lusher, and more heartfelt. It's a return to classic chivalry, to the things that made our mother's cry, and it's happening just in time for you to melt hearts and make memories.

1. Pink is back!

Do you already feel like a blushing bride? Carry that sweet love over to your color scheme, says Tara Guerard, the event designer behind ultra-luxe Soiree in Charleston and New York. "It's the nudes, the blushes, the peaches -- not Pepto Bimsol pink!" she announces.

2. The return to romance ushers in a new love for the formality of days gone by.

Think white-gloved waiters and big band dancing, crystal candlesticks and gold-rimmed china. One major bridal inspiration for the return to tradition comes from Hollywood. "It's the look of 'The Great Gatsby,'" says Beth Helmsetter of Beth Helmsetter Events in Los Angeles. Her brides are still falling hard for the bubbly, approachable elegance of the Roaring Twenties. 

3. Pattern is making a new play but throw out the hard-edged looks.

"Chevron was big last year," says Tara, "but now I'm seeing trellies-patterns, bold stripes and florals" 

4. Lush, soft, exquisitely romantic -- the flower of the year is the many-petaled tree peony.

Amber Gustafson of LA's Amber Events picks similar bloom -- the sweet smelling garden rose. 

5. The flower garland is back in a big way.

Ariella loves citrus garlands for bars and over doorways -- lemons, limes, oranges on the stem. "And fern garlands are really beautiful. I love them down the center of a long table.

6. Adorable little freehand illustrations will adorn invitations everywhere this year.

Melinda Morris of of Lion in the Sun, a paperie boutique in Brooklyn, New York, tells us that these invites are completely custom, so if you can dream it, an artist can help you bring your vision to life. 

7. And in the sweetest trend of all, invitations this year are getting small. 

The most requested look is for an invitation smaller than the standard 5x7 -- something little, dainty and infinitely precious.

8. 2014 is the year to get spicy.

Elizabeth reports that brides are over the moon for heat on the menu. "We are using a lot of Calabrian chili oil, a lot of srirachs -- and are seeing guests reach first for the spicy things on the menu." 

9. The favorite service style to capture this year's approachable elegance?

While the waiters might be wearing black dinner jackets and white gloves, they're presenting food family style. "It's more interactive when everyone helps themselves," says Morris Kitchen's Karina Seljak.

10. In 2014, your cake will shine!

Cheryl Kleinman of Betty Bakery says the look ranges from a fairy dusting of very fine glitter on the top tiers, to wild disco ball sparkle. 

11. Right now flavor is very driven by season.

In the summer, choose a lemon cake with lemon flavor. In the winter, bride are looking for chocolate cakes with rich accents of mocha or praline.

12. Music that fits your theme.

New York society bandleader Alex Donner says his clients are requesting music to go along with wedding themes ranging from films (The Great Gatsby) to locales (like France -- all songs performed in French). 

13. The element of surprise

Stick to songs that your guests know and love but mix up the musical styles. "Think a bluegrass playing 'Hava Nagila' or a string quartet playing Coldplay," says bandleader Amber Gustafon.

14. Looking for a chic wildcard idea?

Forget reception favors altogether for a "pillow present" a little welcome gift left for guests at their hotel. Who doesn't want to arrive from a big trip to find milk and cookies, or wake up to a breakfast surprise of scones and local jam?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/05/wedding-trends_n_4476377.html

Top 9 Spring 2014 Bridesmaid Dresses

Whether you're planning on picking the bridesmaid dress your bridesmaid will be wearing or just giving them some guidelines, there are plenty of stylish looks for you and your maids to choose from. Over the past few seasons designers have been creating fashion-forward looks that include hi-low hemlines, asymmetrical necklines in a range of hot hues from rich jewel tones to soft pastels. Here are some of the top nine key looks for the spring season.

Number 1. Lace

Lace, which is popular on ready-to-wear runways and red carpets and is one of the top picks for bridesmaid dress fabrics. You'll see all lace dresses as well as part lace gowns where the bodice or skirt is paired with a complementary fabric.

Number 2. Purple and Blush

According to bridesmaid dress designers purple still reigns supreme as the NO. 1 bridesmaid dress color in shades as dark and rich as eggplant to the palest soft lavender, followed by light blush tones. While other colors seem to come and go, purple remains a trusty option.

Number 3. Asymmetrical Neckline and Hemlines

Whether it's a one-shoulder neckline or a hi-low hemline, asymmetry is definitely in for both wedding dresses and bridesmaid styles. Great for those with toned upper arms and shoulders.

Number 4. Illusion Necklines

Illusion necklines have been huge on wedding gown runways for a while now and they're becoming increasingly popular as bridesmaid styles. We like to think of illusion necklines as strapless with a bit more coverage, and whether it's lace or sheer, it provides a classic and elegant look on most styles.

Number 5. Hint of Sparkle 

Bridesmaid dresses are usually fairly simple, but we're seeing more and more designers add a wee bit of glam to their bridesmaid styles. Whether it's a small brooch or a bodice decorated in sequins, these styles are great for super-formal black tie weddings.

Number 6. Beach Ombre Style

If you're having a warm-weather beach wedding then we love lightweight ombre gowns, which have proven popular all season. Whether you choose bright colors or something subtler, these styles scream summer.

Number 7. Peplums

Another trend that we first saw on bridesmaid runways last season - peplums! This modern detail was shown on both romantic gowns and more structured minis and is set continue into next year. 

Number 8. Gorgeous Back Detail

Designers are focusing more and more on the back view of both wedding and bridesmaid dresses, which look fab with up-dos hairstyles. Similar to on-trend wedding gown styles, keyhole, illusion, and gorgeous ruffled backs, these are all hitting the bridesmaid dress scene.

Number 9. Two-Tone

Black and white is such a modern and classic color scheme, plus we love how it looks on bridesmaid dresses. It's easy to throw on a simple blazer over a short black-and-white bridesmaid style to turn it into an office outfit.

http://www.tulleandchantilly.com/blog/top-9-spring-2014-bridesmaid-dress-trends/