Traditions at a wedding. Advice for couples from PEOPLETALK columnist Anna Gorodzhey, founder of the wedding agency SVADBERRY

Anna Gorodzhaya is the owner and founder of the Event Gorod group of companies and the wedding agency Svadberry, the author of the book “Wedding Without Marriage,” a The Fashion Vibes columnist.

In recent years, newlyweds are increasingly trying to include elements of cultural heritage and family traditions in their celebrations. This is due to the desire to emphasize one’s identity, preserve the culture of one’s ancestors and give the wedding a special atmosphere.

According to our data, 54% of couples want to add traditions and rituals to their wedding scenario. SVADBERRY team offers various solutions that allow you to include national and traditional elements in the wedding ceremony to create a truly beautiful celebration. We help create unique and original wedding celebrations that respect cultural and family traditions.

I’ll cover the most popular wedding traditions that couples request for their events, their new interpretations, and how to combine national traditions with a ceremony abroad.

Regional characteristics

Many couples choose to incorporate elements of different cultures into their ceremony, especially if their families come from different countries or regions. This approach emphasizes the richness of cultural heritage and respect for the traditions of both parties.

The tradition of weddings in churches, traditional dance and music, rituals with bread and salt, symbolic rituals associated with local places and traditions, and the preparation of national dishes are returning. All these become an important part of the wedding celebration, creating a unique atmosphere that unites the past and the present for a new future.

The inclusion of elements specific to a particular ethnic community in a wedding ceremony makes the celebration unique and deeply meaningful. For example, at weddings in different regions of Russia you can find a variety of traditions, from bread and weddings in the Orthodox Church to Cossack dances and Tatar rituals.

This helps highlight the newlyweds’ cultural identity and allows guests to better understand each other’s traditions. Following traditions is not only a tribute to ancestors, but also a way to unite generations and pass those traditions on to future generations.

Old rituals in a new way

Modern ceremonies increasingly combine elements of traditional rituals in a new, creative interpretation. Such wedding ideas allow you to combine cultural heritage with the unique style of the newlyweds and create a special atmosphere of celebration.

One of these new interpretations is to give small bridal bouquets to all the girls present at the ceremony instead of throwing a large bouquet. This gesture symbolizes the desire to share happiness and good luck with each guest and adds new notes and individuality to the ceremony. Such mini-bouquets can be made in the style of the main bridal bouquet, which will create a harmonious image of the entire holiday.

A new approach to wedding traditions is also evident in the various interpretations of old rituals. For example, instead of a standard wedding bread, newlyweds may choose different types of pastries that represent their family’s cultural background. This could be a cake with national decorations or traditional filled pies that highlight the uniqueness of each family.

The ritual of uniting two families can be expressed not only by the traditional exchange of rings, but also by the joint creation of an art object. The newlyweds and their guests can paint a picture or make a sculpture symbolizing the beginning of a new life. This will not only be a unique element of the ceremony, but also an unforgettable souvenir of this important day.

Rituals involving fire or water are also important. For example, in June, our team was organizing a wedding in Bodrum that included the tradition of lighting a family hearth. In addition, instead of a fireplace or candles, a couple can light paper lanterns to symbolize the light and warmth of their love and release them into the sky.

Traditions and weddings abroad

According to our statistics, 40% of newlyweds dream of a wedding abroad. At weddings in countries such as Turkey and the UAE, Russian and other national traditions become a bright example of synthesis, combining the best elements of two cultures to create an unforgettable holiday.

At the same time, national rituals can easily be integrated into local traditions. For example, the ceremony of welcoming newlyweds with bread and salt can be held on the seashore or in a luxurious hotel hall. This creates a unique combination of Russian hospitality and exotic surroundings.

A church wedding ceremony can be replaced by a symbolic ceremony on the beach or in a garden, using elements of Orthodox culture, such as icons and a parental blessing. This preserves the spiritual aspect of the wedding without violating local norms and laws.

Another popular element of weddings are traditional dances that newlyweds can perform accompanied by local musicians. This will not only emphasize national identity, but will also become an excellent bridge between cultures.

It is also important to think about the menu. At weddings in Turkey, Dubai and other places, you can offer your guests traditional dishes for the newlyweds, in the right balance with local colorful dishes. This unusual gastronomic combination will allow guests to try a menu with more than one cuisine at a time.

It is worth thinking about the wedding dress. The bride can choose a traditional dress or add elements of the national costume to a modern outfit. The groom can appear in a classic Russian suit or tailcoat with elements of traditional embroidery.

Incorporating national traditions into a wedding celebration abroad requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Our wedding agency is ready to help you have a harmonious and unforgettable holiday.

Only the immediate surroundings

Today’s wedding trends include celebrations with fewer guests. 44% of survey respondents invite up to 20 people to a wedding, while only 31% invite more than 50.

This format helps to make the ceremony more personal. It is easier to maintain family traditions and customs in a small circle of relatives and friends. For example, rituals related to blessing parents or reciting wedding vows become more touching and memorable when performed in a small circle.

These types of weddings allow the newlyweds to devote more time and attention to each guest. The smaller number of guests also provides the opportunity to host weddings in more traditional venues such as family homes and mansions.

In addition, intimate weddings often allow you to avoid the unnecessary formalities and rush associated with larger celebrations. The couple can spend more time together, enjoying every moment of their special day. This creates a more relaxed and casual atmosphere where everyone involved feels comfortable and natural.