Weird and Wonderful Wedding Traditions from Around the World

Over the years, some cultures have practiced wedding traditions that others would consider really out there. While many of these traditions are associated with long-held beliefs and cultural practices, they provide an interesting look in to the way weddings have been held across the world.

Greece

During Greek weddings, tradition dictates that, as the bride and groom share a traditional dance, guests pin money to their clothing, which is not a bad way to start your marriage considering the cost of many weddings these days!

Germany

If you're invited to a traditional German wedding, be sure to bring along some kind of porcelain for the bride and groom – just don't bring glass, which isn't allowed. In an effort to ward off evil spirits, these gifts are all smashed. But there's a lesson involved too – the happy couple are expected to clean up all the smashed porcelain together in an act designed to teach them about the difficulties of married life and how these can be overcome by working together.

China

Many brides who cry in the lead up to their wedding day are encouraged to get the tears out of the way so they don't spoil their make-up on the big day. But for Tujia women, from China, tradition holds that they cry for one hour a day, beginning a month before the wedding. Ten days in, she is joined by her mother, and ten days later, her grandmother will join in too. By the time the wedding arrives, every female family member is crying alongside the bride in what is believed to demonstrate joy. They even cry in different tones, which is said to be reminiscent of a song.

Russia

While many of us see marriage as an equal union between two partners, in Russia the bride and groom are presented with a special wedding pastry known as karavaya. This is decorated with symbols and ingredients to represent prosperity and faithfulness, but it also serves one more purpose. The newlyweds are expected to each take a bite without using their hands and whoever takes the biggest bite is considered head of the family.

Peru

In a twist on the old bouquet toss, single ladies at Peruvian weddings are keeping their fingers crossed for a special slice of cake. The main wedding cake is assembled with ribbons attached to charms, and one of the charms is a fake wedding ring. Whichever lady is served the slice of cake with the ring is said to be next to wed.

India

Some parts of India maintain a tradition called 'joota chupai', which translates to ‘hiding of the shoes'. As he makes his way to the altat, the groom removes his shoes and everyone from his side of the family tries to protect the shoes from the bride's family, who tries to steal them. The tradition acts as a bonding experience between the families.

Planning your own wedding and want to include something spectacular? Check out these outrageous things you can actually have at your wedding!