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Fun Facts about Wedding Customs and Traditions
If you have ever been to a wedding in a foreign country, you probably know that wedding customs and traditions are often very different from one country to the next. We put together a list of some interesting wedding customs and traditions from all around the world.
Did you know….
How to get Hitched Around the World:
Wedding Customs in be2 Countries
Once you find the husband or wife of your dreams, you start dreaming about the wedding of your dreams. In different countries that can mean very different wedding customs. How are wedding customs celebrated in the be2 countries? What do people wear and which lucky charms do they carry? Below, we show you how to get hitched in different countries around the world. Maybe you can find some inspiration for your own wedding:
- Wedding customs in central Europe
The traditional bridal bouquet was originally made with herbs to keep away bad spirits. The veil used to be a symbol of the brides virginity and also a protection from evil spirits. 
The bridesmaids were another way of fooling the spirits as they would be distracted from the bride herself. Traditional lucky charms are…
… something old to symbolize her time as a single woman
… something new to take her into her life as a married woman
… something borrowed to show friendship
… something blue, the colour of faithfulness
- Wedding customs in Italy
The bride shouldn’t wear any jewellery, particularly gold, before the end of the ceremony.
- Wedding customs in France
There’s a big song and dance about the bridal garter. Men offer the bride money for each inch her skirt goes up. The women bid against them. When the garter becomes visible, the dance is over and the man who made the highest bid, gets it as a souvenir.
- Wedding customs in Mexico
The bride often carries a fan instead of flowers. Men often wear a mexican “wedding shirt“, ideal for the climate and beach weddings.
- Wedding customs in Belgium
Prime accessory are embroidered handkerchiefs. The name of the bride is stitched on and when the next single woman from the family is preparing to get married, her name is added and the handkerchief is passed on from generation to generation.
- Wedding customs in India
The bride’s hand and feet are decorated with henna. During the ceremony, she wears a coloured sari.
- Wedding customs in Croatia
The groom wears a small bouquet of rosemary tied with coloured ribbons. After the ceremony the bridal veil is exchanged for an apron to symbolize her new status as a married woman.
- Wedding customs in China
The traditional wedding colour is red, the colour of joy and luck. Many couples choose to marry western-style, but red is still a strong theme in decorations and gifts.
- Wedding customs in Sweden
By the end of the wedding, the bride wears three rings: the engagement ring, the wedding ring and a maternity ring. For financial luck, the bride places a coin from her father and one from her mother in each shoe.
- Wedding customs in Finland
The bride wears a gold crown. The unmarried female guests dance around her. With eyes closed, she puts the crown on one of the single women – she will be the next to marry
- Wedding customs in Norway
The groom wears a bunda, a hand made, wool suit. The bride wears a silver or gold crown which jingles when she moves her head – to keep evil spirits away.
>>>See all be2 countries at a glance here – and find out how to get hitched in your own country!
Dream Weddings and Dream Dates
The day of your wedding is supposed to be the best day of your life. Everything has to be perfect for the dream wedding and many couples want the date to be perfect, too.
Why is the wedding date so important? And which dates are particularly popular? Read more
