17 Unique Wedding Traditions from Around the World
Vogue's exploration of international wedding traditions showcases a variety of ceremonies that represent love, heritage, and unity. It juxtaposes American customs, such as the white wedding dress, with the German practice of smashing porcelain during polterabend for luck. In Greece, the koumbaro shaves the groom, while Hungarian brides don a red 'menyecske ruha' at midnight, a detail highlighted at Barbara Palvin's wedding to Dylan Sprouse. Indian celebrations feature the 'angothi khela' game, and Italian bomboniere serve as tokens of good fortune. Persian Sofreh Aghd tables are adorned with significant items, while Mexican lasso rituals unite couples, and Chinese tea ceremonies pay respect to elders. Contemporary couples often merge these traditions, as seen in Vogue weddings with Juju Smith-Schuster, Meeka Hossain, Ann Liu, and Arden Cho.
Key facts
- Germany: polterabend involves smashing porcelain for good luck.
- Greece: koumbaro shaves the groom as a trust ritual.
- Hungary: bride wears red 'menyecske ruha' at midnight.
- India: ring-in-the-rice game (angothi khela) predicts who rules the home.
- Italy: bomboniere favors are five sugared almonds.
- Iran: Sofreh Aghd table includes symbolic items like candlesticks and coins.
- Mexico: lasso ceremony binds couple's hands.
- China: tea ceremony serves parents and extended family.
- India: haldi ceremony applies turmeric paste.
- Peru: cake pulling (Cintas de la Torta) with ribbons and charms.
- Morocco: hammam spa day and henna party.
- Japan: San-san-kudo sake drinking ritual.
- Korea: paebaek ceremony with dates and chestnuts.
- Denmark: guests kiss the couple when they leave the room.
- Congo: couples do not smile on wedding day.
- Ireland: bride dances with one foot on the floor.
- Vogue weddings featured: Juju Smith-Schuster and Laura Kruk (Samoan dance), Meeka Hossain (Indian game), Ann Liu (tea ceremony), Arden Cho (paebaek).
Entities
Artists
- Barbara Palvin
- Dylan Sprouse
- Juju Smith-Schuster
- Laura Kruk
- Meeka Hossain
- Ann Liu
- Arden Cho
- Christopher Lee
Institutions
- Vogue
Locations
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Italy
- Iran
- Mexico
- China
- Peru
- Morocco
- Japan
- Korea
- Denmark
- Congo
- Ireland
- Los Angeles
- United States