Isn't it amazing how many ways a wedding can be celebrated? Each country holds its own cultural traditions that couples can choose to follow and some of them are simply fascinating. Take a look at just some of the wedding traditions from around the world.
India
Instead of wearing jewellery, brides will have henna-based mendhi intricately painted on their skin, usually across the hands in beautiful patterns. It lasts approximately two weeks and is said to help calm brides during their wedding day.
Kenya
Spitting, yes, spitting is seen as a mark of respect. At the end of the day you might find the father of the bride spitting on the bride for good luck!
Norway
We love the cake traditions in Norway. Instead of the three-tier fruitcakes in royal icing that the English love, in Norway they use a series of almond rings stacked on top of one another with icing to make a cone shape, called the kransekake. Inside the cone are hidden little gifts like wine or champagne. The best bit is the couple have to pick up the top ring and however many layers are stuck underneath show how many children they'll have.
Peru
This is a fun one to include! In Peru the wedding cake is filled with ribbons. Attached to one ribbon is a fake wedding ring. If you're served the slice with the fake ring in and you're a single lady, you'll be next in line to get married.
Cuba
Some brides may like this tradition best - everyone who dances with the bride is required to pin money to her dress to help the couple pay for the wedding and honeymoon. Nigeria follows a similar pattern, but guests traditionally throw money at the couple to show their happiness (and keep them on the dance floor!) I guess just putting it in an envelope is too much to ask...
Germany
Much like in Austrian tradition, the couple are given a manual task to complete together to show how they will work together to overcome obstacles as a couple, such as sawing a log in half.Â
Romania
Another tradition (also found in Austria) is the stealing of the bride. Family and friends hold the bride hostage and the groom has to pay the ransom to get her back so he can marry her - not money ransoms we might add, more like a round of drinks!
China
Whilst we've seen a rise in afternoon tea parties at weddings, in China couples host tea ceremonies to honour both families and celebrate their uniting. It's a lovely tradition for the couple to pay tribute to the families that raised and cared for them, and the first time they'll be addressing their in-laws by their new titles.
The Philippines
One that you may have seen floating around is releasing a pair of doves together, but did you know this is a Filipino tradition? It allegedly is to symbolise the couples harmonious journey ahead.
France
A tradition you've probably seen before but perhaps not known its origin. In France, instead of a wedding cake you'll be served a croquembouche. These pastry balls are usually decorated in fancy and elaborate ways - chocolate, spun sugar and caramel are favourites. They've even been tasked with creating these on The Great British Bake Off - have you seen one before?
Will you be incorporating any traditions into your wedding day?