Wedding Customs by Country 2025

Weddings around the world are rich with diverse customs and traditions, each with its own significance. In the United States, common traditions include the first dance, the ring ceremony, and the “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” custom. In contrast, the zaffe, a grand entrance with drumming and dancing, is central to weddings in Syria, Lebanon, and Sudan, with the Sudanese version featuring a procession of musicians and dancers escorting the bride and groom to the venue.

In Niger, the Yake tradition involves the groom’s family giving gifts to the bride’s family and sharing a feast, while in Palau, weddings are joyous white beach celebrations with music, dancing, feasting, and gift-giving. Greek Orthodox weddings are known for crowning the bride and groom with a stefana, two crowns joined by a ribbon. Meanwhile, Mongolian weddings showcase a hunting and archery demonstration by the groom to prove his worth.

In Puerto Rico, the Vejigante tradition involves masked dancers in colorful attire and sticks, a custom dating back to medieval Spain. Australian weddings often feature the unity candle and sand ceremony, symbolizing the merging of two lives. Barbados weddings include a Tuk band playing traditional folk music with bamboo instruments. The Chinese betrothal tradition involves the groom presenting gifts to the bride’s family, with the family returning half to accept the marriage proposal.

The Italian custom of throwing rice at weddings symbolizes fertility and prosperity. German weddings may include smashing plates at the bride’s home for good luck. Spanish weddings often see the bride wearing an orange bloom, representing happiness and fulfillment. In Cuba, it’s customary for guests to pin money on the bride’s dress in exchange for a dance. Lastly, the Mexican Lazo tradition involves a wedding lasso or rope signifying the couple’s union.