Wedding Traditions & Customs from Around the World

The United States is a melting pot of cultures; some are strong and some are watered down. Many brides and grooms looking for ways to incorporate their roots into their wedding day from having ducks to stepping on glass here are 10 cultures from around the world and a few of their traditions.

What traditions are you incorporating into your wedding?

Mazel tov! Jewish custom of breaking the glass.

African Weddings

- "Jumping the broom" is a popular ritual in African weddings. The practice was carried out to signify the couples' commitment to each other, and the beginning of creating a home together.

-Cowrie shells, which represent fertility and prosperity, are popular decor elements in African weddings.

Chinese Weddings

-For the Chinese, white signifies death, so they instead feature bright red, which is symbolic for love, joy and prosperity. Paired with gold accents, the bold color pops and allows for fun decorating opportunities.

-The Chinese believe the dove brings peace and long life. A dove release is an elegant way to incorporate the centuries-old tradition.

Filipino Weddings

-Unlike his bride, the groom's outfit is a bit more cultural. The Barong is a traditional Filipino male attire and is made from airy fabrics such as ecru. The transparent, light weight shirt is worn over a plain white T-shirt and black pants.

-The best way to incorporate Filipino culture is through the food. Trays of elaborate soups, meats, fish and relishes adorn the table at typical receptions. Today, many brides opt to include a few favorites to feature.

Japanese Weddings

-Instead of a traditional wedding gown, Japanese brides don a shiro-maku or a white wedding kimono. Shiro means white and maku means pure in Japanese.

-A thousand cranes made from origami paper often make their appearance at Japanese weddings for their belief to bring good fortune, fidelity and longevity.

Jewish Weddings

-Breaking the glass, a typical Jewish wedding custom, is a reminder of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. A goblet wrapped in fabric that is stepped on by the groom as everyone yells "Mazel tov!"

-Although a Chuppah is a popular decor choice for many brides today for its aesthetics, in the Jewish custom the use of the wedding canopy is symbolic for the new home the couple will make together. Although today not done for its original purpose, it's still a fun custom to incorporate.

Irish Weddings

- A popular symbol in Irish weddings is the use of the Celtic love knot. The pattern is created using continuous lines and represents eternity, unity and fidelity.

-The Claddagh, a ring that has two hands holding a heart topped with a crown, symbolizes friendship, love and loyalty.

Italian Weddings

-Italians consider Sunday to be the luckiest day of the week. It is said that couples who marry on that day will be blessed with fortune.

- "Tie-cutting," a custom where the groom would slice his tie into pieces at the reception to sell to guests as mementos, was a popular occurrence during Italian weddings. The tradition was practiced in an effort to help the couple pay for the wedding.

Hindu Weddings

- Saris are traditionally worn during Hindu wedding ceremonies. Saris, which are outfits for any occasion, can be as intricate and elaborate as one wishes, made of all the finest fabrics and jewels.

-Typical Hindu weddings take place for several days. It is during this time garlic and onion, which are considered aphrodisiacs, are removed from the cuisine. After the ceremony, the menu consists of vegetarian dishes, accompanied with alcoholic drinks in a buffet or stations.

Korean Weddings

-In a Korean wedding, the bride's attire consists of a chogori, a jacket with long sleeves tied back with two long ribbons, called the otkorum, and accompanied with a chima, a long, high-waist style, wrap around skirt.

-Ducks, often in the form of wood, ceramic or porcelain, are often seen at Korean weddings as a symbol for a long and happy marriage. A cute way to incorporate the use of the wedding ducks is through a cake topper.

Mexican Weddings

- Dresses with flowing ruffles and intricate embroidery topped with a bolero jacket are popular in Mexican weddings.

-The dollar dance, or money dance, is another reception tradition popular throughout the Mexican culture. Each guest dances with the bride or groom and pins money onto their outfits. It's a good way to talk to each guest individually and share a special moment with them.

Info from San Antonio Weddings Magazine.