Globally the wedding service industry brought in $196.5 BILLION in 2023. Predicted to compound roughly 11.8% and rise to $219.8 BILLION in 2024 people are still celebrating their love even during cost of living crisis’ in the most extreme ways! Weddings are celebrated differently around the world, with unique traditions adding cultural richness to the ceremony. Here are a few fascinating wedding traditions.
Australia: As a multi-cultural country we have many different traditions. The Unity Bowl ceremony, where each guest places a small stone into a bowl to symbolise their support for the couple. Smoke Ceremonies, paying respects to land and aboriginal culture and the “knot tying” during the ceremony where the couple becomes one.
India: The Saptapadi or Seven Steps ritual, where the couple takes seven steps around a fire, each step representing a vow.
China: The Tea Ceremony, where the couple serves tea to their parents and elders as a sign of respect.
Greece: The Crowning Ceremony, where the couple is crowned with floral or bejewelled crowns to symbolise their union.
Mexico: The Lasso Ceremony, where a lasso is placed around the couple in a figure-eight shape, symbolising their eternal bond.
Scotland: The Handfasting Ceremony, where the couple’s hands are tied together with a ribbon or cord, symbolising their union.
Then of course you have Jewish culture – smashing the glass, and many many more!
Have you encountered any of these or have a favourite we haven’t included from your culture? Let us know in the comments.