Wedding Traditions You May Not Know: Before, During, and After the Big Day

Wedding Traditions You May Not Know: Before, During, and After the Ceremony

Weddings are much more than dresses and receptions, they are a reflection of cultures, family history, and customs that transcend borders. At RM Magic Dreams, we believe every couple is unique, and their roots deserve to be celebrated meaningfully.

In this article, we take you on a fascinating journey through global wedding traditions, from pre-wedding rituals to symbolic ceremony moments and meaningful post-wedding customs. We also share a real story from a multicultural wedding we had the honor of planning in Granada.

A Real Story: Multicultural Wedding in Granada

Recently, in Granada, we planned a wedding for an American-Spanish couple who wanted to combine the best of both cultures.

We held a traditional Catholic ceremony with arras, thirteen symbolic coins deeply rooted in Spanish culture, while incorporating classic American wedding elements like groomsmen and bridesmaids.

This was the perfect example of how blending traditions can create a personalized, emotional, and culturally rich celebration.

Pre-wedding Traditions: Rituals That Lead to the Aisle

In many cultures, the wedding journey begins long before the "I do." Here are some fascinating examples:

• In China, some brides cry for a month before the wedding as a show of respect and love for their parents.
• In India, the Mehndi ceremony adorns the bride's hands with henna, symbolizing fertility and good fortune.
• In Scotland, brides are "dirtied" with ingredients like flour or fish sauce to show they are ready to face the challenges of marriage.
• In France, the vin d'honneur is an elegant pre-reception cocktail with close family and friends.
• In some parts of Spain, a raw egg is placed on the windowsill to ensure good weather on the wedding day.

During the Wedding: Traditions That Enrich the Ceremony

Wedding day rituals carry deep symbolic meaning. Here are a few unforgettable ones:

• In India, couples circle the sacred fire seven times, each turn representing a spiritual promise.
• In The Philippines, doves are released to symbolize peace and fidelity.
• In Poland, the "money dance" allows guests to contribute financially to the couple.
• In Ukraine, families prepare a Korovai bread decorated with symbols of unity and fertility.
• In Spain, it is customary to cut the wedding cake with a sword, symbolizing strength and unity. The sword may be provided by the venue or purchased by the couple as a keepsake. Also essential are the arras — thirteen coins exchanged to represent the promise of sharing and mutual protection, a tradition that dates back to ancient Rome.

Post-Wedding Traditions: When the Celebration Continues

Many cultures carry the celebration beyond the ceremony through meaningful traditions:

• In Germany, the Polterabend involves breaking plates the night before the wedding to bring good luck.
• In Greece, plates are also broken at the reception to ward off evil spirits.
• In Sudan, the bride visits her family to close one chapter and begin the next.
• In Spain, post-wedding photo sessions offer a more relaxed way to capture memories.
• In The United States, "Trash the Dress" photo shoots symbolize renewal and freedom after the big day.

Superstitions and Wedding Symbols You May Not Know

• In Italy, wearing "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" brings luck.
• In Japan, the San-San-Kudo ritual involves sipping sake to unite families.
• In South Africa, brides may be symbolically "kidnapped" and "rescued" by the groom to represent unity.
• In parts of Spain, placing an egg in a shoe or on the window is believed to keep the rain away.

How to Integrate Multicultural Traditions Into Your Wedding

At RM Magic Dreams — a registered agency in Florida specializing in destination weddings in Spain, France, and the U.S. — we help couples honor their cultural backgrounds with authenticity and elegance.

We carefully integrate each tradition into the event's logistics and style, creating a celebration that is both meaningful and stress-free.

Tips for Multicultural Couples

• Keep open communication with both families to understand what matters most to them.
• Choose only the traditions that hold real meaning for you and your partner.
• Adapt rituals to fit your style and the practicalities of your wedding day — tradition does not mean rigidity.

Conclusion

Wedding traditions are more than just rituals — they are a living connection between generations and cultures. When integrated thoughtfully, they transform your wedding into a truly unforgettable celebration.

Would you like a destination wedding in Spain, France, Florida, or anywhere else in the world that reflects your heritage and style? At RM Magic Dreams, we are ready to make it happen, with international experience and cultural sensitivity in every detail.