We all love a good wedding here in the UK, from picking the venue and dress to shopping for the most luxurious wedding rings , However, different cultures have their own unique ways of preparing for and celebrating the happy couple’s nuptials.
Did you know this about weddings in Germany?
A lot of the wedding traditions set in Germany occur before the ceremony. For example, before a future bride-to-be is even engaged, she saves away pennies, which will then be used to purchase her wedding shoes. This tradition is said to help the happy couple get off on the right foot.
Don’t expect your invitation to come from the postman. They send out a Hochzeitslader, a gentleman dressed in formal, fancy wear complete with ribbons and flowers, to hand-deliver their invitations. Guests accept the invitations by pinning a ribbon from the Hochzeitslader’s outfit onto his hat, before inviting him into their home for a drink. Depending on the guest list, this can take quite some time!
Their rules appear to be stricter too, as they must have a civil ceremony in a registry office. Then, in the days following, a church ceremony can be held, although this isn’t required. Generally, few guests will attend the civil ceremony and the bride and groom will dress relatively simply.
Church Wedding
For church ceremonies, Polterabends must take place after the civil ceremony. Believing that negative spirits are attracted to brides, Polterabend takes place to scare them aware. On the night before the church ceremony, the bride and groom gather with their friends and family where they smash china and porcelain. The noise made is said to scare away the spirits, while illustrating that their marriage will never break. Glass is never broken, as this is believed to be bad luck.
Once they’ve said, ‘I do’, a lot of married couples begin to saw logs. A log is set up on
And maybe the most romantic tradition yet, the bride and groom dance beneath the veil! When the music stops, single women will tear pieces off the veil. The lady left with the biggest piece is said to be the next to marry. Alternatively, instead of ripping the veil, guests simply throw money into it while it is held up.
Did you know this about weddings in Spain?
Although you’re familiar white dress and black tux wedding in Britain, weddings in Spain are slightly different. For example, they don’t include bridesmaids, groomsmen, a maid of honour or best man, and the mother of the groom walks her son down the aisle. Likewise, there are no speeches and wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand.
Believe it or not, the traditional wedding dress is crafted from black lace. However, modern times have seen more brides wearing a white lace dress and mantilla, a type of lace headdress. The mantilla is traditionally given by the mother of the bride, who will have it embroidered especially. The mantilla is worn with a
As well as this, the wedding begins early in the evening! Often, the groom will present his bride with 13 gold coins, each blessed by a priest. This act is said to bring the couple good fortune and symbolise the groom’s commitment to support his bride.
When it comes to flower arrangements, many opt for orange as their main colour! The bride will give a small flower corsage to her girlfriends. If a lady is single, she must wear her corsage upside down and if she loses it during the night, it’s believed that she will be next to be married!
Did you know this about weddings in China?
As China is a big country, traditions can differ depending on the couples region. Tujia brides must cry for an hour a day every day for a month in the run-up to their wedding. After the first ten days, the bride’s mother joins her in crying daily before being joined by her grandmother. As the other women join in, it’s seen as an expression of their joy.
Did you know that the grooms part of the Yugar culture shoots their brides with arrows? Although I must note that they are without arrowheads! After shooting their bride three times, the arrows are broken, showing that the couple will always love each other.
When it comes to a brides hair, she will receive a ‘good luck woman’ who will help her throughout the day. This woman is considered lucky if she has living parents, a spouse and children, and it is hoped she will pass on some of this good fortune to the bride
However, traditions become slightly more serious when a groom tries to pick up his bride from her house — but the bridesmaids try to stop him from entering! The groom is required to prove his love for his future wife through answering a series of questions about her or even by offering money in red envelopes to buy his way into the house.
A lot of brides in the north of China will wear red on their wedding as part of their tradition. In southern China, brides wear a two-piece outfit — a Qun Gua, Kwa or Cheongsam — featuring a gold phoenix or dragon detailing.
As you can see, traditions truly vary depending on where you’re from. But, they’re all a celebration of love and happiness and are special in their own ways. Will you take any inspiration from these traditions for your special day?
This article was provided by QUIZ, who have a great range of plus-size clothing that you should definitely check out. #AD
Sources
https://pairedlife.com/relationships/German-Wedding-Customs https://www.donquijote.org/spanish-culture/traditions/spanish-weddings/ https://www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk/2017/06/spanish-wedding-traditions/ http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/guide.htm
https://www.thelocal.de/20160613/10-things-you-need-to-know-before-attending-a-german-wedding
