From an Expert in Love, Travel, and Celebrations
One of the most beautiful things about planning a wedding, especially a destination wedding, is the chance to incorporate meaningful rituals from other cultures. Whether you’re honoring your own heritage or just love the symbolism, these wedding traditions around the world offer inspiration, depth, and a whole lot of flair.
Here are seven of our favorites, handpicked from across the globe — and totally worth borrowing (or at least bookmarking for Pinterest)!
1. Henna Night (Mehndi) – India, Middle East & North Africa
This joyful pre-wedding celebration features intricate henna designs applied to the bride’s hands and feet. It’s a moment of bonding, music, sweets, and good luck — and no two designs are ever the same. If you’re planning a multi-day wedding, this makes an unforgettable welcome event.
Modern spin: Add a henna station at your rehearsal dinner or pool party!
2. Tea Ceremony – China
In this elegant tradition, couples serve tea to their elders as a sign of respect and gratitude. It’s both intimate and ceremonial, and often incorporates stunning traditional attire.
Modern spin: Blend this with a western rehearsal or day-after brunch to honor family roots.
3. Jumping the Broom – African American Tradition
A powerful symbol of sweeping away the old and jumping into the new, this tradition became rooted in African American weddings during slavery and remains a meaningful part of many ceremonies today.
Modern spin: Personalize the broom with your wedding colors and have guests bless it before the ceremony.
4. Breaking the Plate – Greece
Opa! Once a tradition to scare away evil spirits and invite abundance, plate-breaking is now mostly symbolic but still wildly fun and Instagrammable.
Modern spin: Create a smashing moment with a breakable ceramic at your reception or rehearsal dinner (just make sure it’s safely managed!).
5. Money Dance – Latin America, Philippines, Poland
Guests pin money onto the couple as they dance — a sweet (and fun!) way to support their future together.
Modern spin: Make it a playlist highlight and let each guest pick the song for their turn!
6. Tying the Knot – Celtic Traditions
Yes, the phrase is literal! In handfasting ceremonies, couples have their hands tied together with fabric to symbolize unity.
Modern spin: Choose fabrics that represent your story — maybe from a parent’s wedding dress or family tartan.
7. Log Cutting – Germany
After the ceremony, the couple uses a saw to cut through a log — a metaphor for teamwork in marriage.
Modern spin: If a log isn’t your thing, swap it for a cake-cutting moment with a twist (a giant macaron tower, perhaps?).
Celebrate the World Through Weddings
Whether you’re jetting off to Tuscany, saying “I do” in Santorini, or hosting a fusion wedding at home, incorporating wedding traditions from around the world is a meaningful way to bring depth, culture, and joy to your celebration.
At Wedaways, we specialize in luxury destination wedding travel, helping couples celebrate their love in unforgettable locations around the world. Wherever your traditions take you, we’ll get you there beautifully.
