The Most Unusual Wedding Traditions From Around The World

1. French Polynesia: Newlyweds Step On Relatives

LLG EventsIt's good to be a tight knit family but, on the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, that closeness is taken to another level.  Once the wedding is over, the relatives of the bride lie side by side and face down on the ground.  The bride and groom then walk over them, much like a human rug. I totally respect their traditions but I'd be very worried about ruining my hair and make up - and getting crushed!

2. China: Crying Before Wedding

Image source Reckon TalkEvery bride likes to prepare for her wedding well in advance and in China there is an extra note to add to the list which is to remember to cry.  A month before the big day, brides of the Tujia people in China start crying  for an hour every day.  Ten days into the waterworks, the bride's mother joins in and 10 days after that, her grandma starts weeping buckets. By the end of the month, every female in the family is crying which is annoying  if you are trying to watch your favourite programme on the telly.  Then there is the added health and safety issue of a soggy floor.  The tradition is believed to be an expression of pure joy at the forthcoming nuptials.

3. Norway: Brides Wear Crowns To Deflect Evil Spirits

One of many Norwegian tradition states that the bride must wear an ornate gold and silver crown with small charms dangling all around it (not corks as in Australia).  As she moves around, the constant tinkling sound, very annoying for her guests, will keep evil spirits away.  I bet it does!Image source Pinterest

4. Mexico: Wedding Lasso

Image source OneWedDuring the wedding ceremony, as a Mexican couple are exchanging their vows, a 'lasso' made of flowers and rosary beads is draped around their shoulders in the shape of a figure eight (nothing to do with After Eight Mints).  This represents the infinity symbol that their marriage will last.

5. Armenia: Balance Bread

Image source PinterestKeeping evil spirits away from your marriage is easy if you are an Armenian couple.  Simply balance a flatbread on your shoulders and that will, understandably, scare them off.  The wedding reception is held at the grooms house, which would save the cost of hiring a hall.  The bride and groom break a plate for good luck and are given flatbread and honey to symbolise happiness.  Then the party begins!

6. Congo: No Smiling On The Wedding Day

Image source Brilliance BlogCongolese couples have to follow an unusual tradition.  Whilst they must feel like grinning from ear to ear on their wedding day, they must refrain from showing any happiness and this involves absolutely no smiling whatsoever, not even a cheeky grin.  During the entire day, from ceremony to reception, they have to look totally miserable.  If they are caught turning that frown upside down, it means they're not serious about marriage.  Makes perfect sense.

7. China: Bow And Arrow

Image source Getty ImagesIn China, there are many traditions which must be obeyed. One of them is that a prospective husband must shoot his bride with a bow and  arrow five times (don't panic, its a headless arrow).  He then collects the arrows and breaks them during the ceremony, meaning their love will last for ever.

8. Scotland: Eloping

Image source PinterestBack in the day, the law in England meant you were not allowed to get married before the age of 21.  Young couples who couldn't wait to put a ring on it found a loophole which involved travelling to Gretna Green, a small village in Scotland.  The age restrictions didn't apply and as long as you were 16, you could get that marriage certificate.  Gretna Green is still popular for many couples who want to 'elope', mainly because they don't want the fuss and expense of a big wedding.

9. Greece: Shaving The Groom

Image source Wedding in GreeceOn his wedding day, a Greek groom must allow his best man to shave his face with a cut throat razor.  Hopefully the groomsman will have a steady hand and not bear any grudges to the groom!  Once his face is smooth, his future mother-in-law feeds him honey and almonds.

10. Guatemala: Breaking A Bell

Image source PinterestThe parents of Guatemalan grooms are responsible for the wedding reception and it is their responsibility to go wild and break things!   They actually fill a ceramic bell with rice and flour and smash it to bring prosperity to the happy couple.  A quick hoover round and the festivities continue.

11. Lebanon: Music And Dancing Before The Ceremony

Image source DailyMailIn Lebanon, the wedding celebrations start with music and belly dancing by professional dancers and musicians.  After an hour, they all pile into the bride's house and throw flower petals and shout out blessings for good luck.  Then the wedding ceremony begins.

12. Germany: Polterabend

Image source Business WeddingsGerman newlyweds do a bit of cleaning before they exchange their vows.  They gather up piles of porcelain dishes that their guests have thrown, not because they were angry but to ward off evil spirits.  It is known as 'polterabend'.  This means the couple can face any challenges that are thrown at them.

13. Norway: Kransekake

Image source Pinterest

You won't spot a traditional wedding cake at a Norwegian wedding.  In its place will be a 'kransekake', a ring of iced almond cakes, stacked on top of each other with a hollow centre.  That is then filled with a wine bottle.  Sounds interesting but tricky when the newlyweds try to cut the cake!

14. China: Carrying The Bride

Image source Ecns.cnAnother Chinese wedding tradition is that the bride's family hire a 'good luck' woman to take care of her as she travels from her home to meet the groom.  She is carried in an elaborate sedan chair and attendants shield her with parasols and throw rice at her (hopefully uncooked).  This symbolises good health and prosperity.

15. Cuba: The Money Dance

Image source PinterestIt's a strict Cuban custom that every male who dances with the bride must pin money to her dress.  This helps the couple pay for the wedding and honeymoon.  I bet the happy couple can't wait to get rid of their guests at the end of the celebrations so they can count up the dosh!.

16. Czech Republic: Placing A Baby On The Bed

Image source BridesBefore a Czech bride and groom say 'I do', a baby is placed on the couples marital bed, nothing to do with the babysitter not turning up - it's to bless and enhance their fertility.  Once they are legally married, their guests throw rice, lentils and peas at them, again to promote fertility.

17. India: Joota Chupai

Image Wedding BazaarOn the day of the wedding, in a ritual named 'Joota Chupai' an Indian bride's  sisters and female cousins go all mischievous and daring by running off with the groom's shoes.  Surely they had time to buy their own before the nuptials.  They then demand ransom money for the footwear's return and then the wedding kicks off!

18. China: Wedding Door Games

Image source Story AmourYet another Chinese tradition is when the bridesmaids put the groom and his groomsmen through various tests (not as hard as A levels).  It's all very light hearted to prove the bride has picked her perfect match.  It's known as 'wedding door games' and once completed, the groom gives the girls envelopes filled with money.  Sounds like a nice little earner.

19. Niger: Camel Dance

Image source YouTubeIn the West African country of Niger, there's no worries about fitting all the wedding guests into the venue as it takes place in the desert.  Entertainment is provided by a camel who moves and grooves to a rhythmic drumbeat - he's probably a big attention seeker!  The guests dance round HUMPhrey and the party gets into full swing.

20. Venezuela: Couple Leaves Before The Guests

Image source PinterestDon't waste your time looking for the Venezuelan bride and groom to thank them for the wonderful wedding.  They will have been long gone as it's deemed good luck for them to sneak away before their guests and they are supposed to disappear without anyone noticing.  It's also good luck for the first person to notice that they've gone - erm anyone seen a young lady in a white dress and veil, holding hands with a smart young man!

21. Wales: Myrtle in the Bridal Bouquet

Image source BridesWelsh brides are so very kind as they think not only of themselves on their special day but also of their bridal party.  The wedding bouquet includes a herb called myrtle which symbolizes love.  A small cutting is given to each single bridesmaid who will plant it in her garden and if it blooms, she will be the next bride to walk down the aisle.

22. Italy: La Serenata

Image source YouTubeThe night before the wedding, it's good to get an early night in preparation for the big day.  Italians have different ideas though.  The groom traditionally throws a surprise party outside his soon to be wife's window and 'La Serenata' begins.  The groom and backing musicians serenade her, the couple's family and friends turn up and they all tuck into a lavish buffet.

23. Turkey: Hanging Flags

Image source BridesOn the wedding day in Turkey, the groom's friends arrive at his house and plant the Turkish flag which features a red crescent and star.  Depending on the area, fruit, vegetables and mirrors are placed on top of the flag, signifying that the wedding ceremony has begun.

24. Spain: Cutting the Tie

Image source PinterestAt some Spanish weddings, the groom's friends will all pick up scissors and chop up his tie (surely it cannot have been that distasteful).  They then sell the pieces to guests to raise more money for the newlyweds. The same practice is often applied to the bride's garter as well.

25. Ireland: Keep A Foot On The Ground For First Dance

Image source PinterestThere's nothing better than watching a bit of  'Riverdance' and those talented Irish dancers.  In Ireland, when the bride and groom take to the floor for the first dance, the bride must keep one foot off the floor at all times .  If she doesn't she mut be prepared for evil fairies to come and sweep her away.

26. Mongolia: Chicken Liver Tradition

Image source PinterestThere are unusual wedding traditions all over the world and Mongolia is no different.  Before setting the wedding date, a Mongolian couple must first kill a baby chicken and cut it apart, holding the knife together, to find a healthy liver.  They then keep it until the wedding date is confirmed.  Don't think I'll be ordering chicken liver pate for my starter next time I eat out).

27. Romania: Hiding The Bride

Image source Daily MailIn Romania, before the wedding begins, the guests 'hijack' the bride and whisk her away to a secret location, demanding a ransom from the groom.  This usually takes the form of alcohol and sweet confectionery.  To really embarrass the groom, they make him sing a love song in front of everyone.

28. China: Three Dresses

Image source Daily MailIn China, brides would walk down the aisle in a 'qipao' or 'cheongsam' which is a slim fitting, embroidered dress.  For the reception they would change into a more Western style gown and later in the evening a final change into a cocktail dress - makes Brooklyn Beckham's £5 million wedding pale into insignificance!

29. Peru: Cake Pull

Image source Inside WeddingsIn Peruvian weddings, the cake is assembled with ribbons attached to charms.  Watch out for the one with a fake wedding ring as the single lady who is fortunate enough to select this will be the next one to get married.  The tradition is known as, surprisingly, 'cake pull'.

30. India: Marrying a Tree First

Image source BridesIn India, If you are a Hindu woman born during the astrological period when Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house, it means you're cursed.  If you marry, it won't last long before you become a widow.  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but don't panic because there is a simple solution to avoid such a terrible fate.  Simply marry a tree first, have it cut down and the evil spell will be broken.