One of the most memorable weddings I attended included being part of a second line through Bourbon Street in New Orleans. If you've never heard of it, it's basically a parade (compromised by the newly married couple and their guests) led by a band.
Since then, it's been fun to keep an eye out for unique wedding traditions, specific to certain regions. Here's a few that might be worth incorporating into your big day.
The Southern tradition consists of couples burying an upside down bottle of bourbon, on-site at their venue, a month before their wedding to ward off rain. After the ceremony, the bottle is dug up, the couple takes a swig and shares it with their wedding party and guests. Last year, Summerfield Farms in North Carolina, saw an uptick of couples incorporating the boozy ceremony into their wedding festivities, said a spokesperson.
"In Greece, it is a long-standing tradition for the groom's best man to shave him on his wedding day as a 'last shave,' and his new mother in-law then feeds him honey and almonds," says Kim Sayatovic of Belladeux Event Design. Rather than risking any cuts to the face on someone's wedding day, Kim recommends getting the groom and his groomsmen to an old-fashioned barber. One that uses a straight razor and hot towel for shaves. If either of the couple is Greek, Kim recommends having the honey and almonds on-hand at the reception or rehearsal and incorporating them into a toast to the new in-laws."
"The Viennese (or Venetian) Hour, an Italian tradition, is big in New York and New Jersey," says Allison Davis of Davis Row. "But it's becoming popular everywhere." The best way to describe it, is an over-the-top dessert bar. "You'll typically find more than just cake. Think pie, cookies, fruit, parfaits, pastries and more, along with coffee and tea service. It's an extravagant display of every dessert you can think of." Perfect for the couple with a sweet tooth.
"In Eisenach, Germany, I witnessed a wedding in which, after taking their vows, the bride and groom gripped opposite handles of a two-handed saw and then cut a log of wood in half together," says Janet Ruth Heller. What Janet witnessed is the German tradition of Baumstamm Sägen. The ceremony symbolizes working together to overcome life's obstacles. It's a fun way to begin a life together, celebrate Germanic roots and create the perfect photo opp.
Couples have after parties, Hindu weddings may go on for days and then there's Poland's Poprawiny, the next day party. "The family of the couple invites guests, to their home for another celebration," says photographer Joanna Moss. "The bride and groom visit both parties where food and drinks are free flowing, and the party ends when the last guest leaves." The next day party begins at breakfast and can go one for up to three days. All of this on the family's dime says Joanna, a Poland native. Nazdrowie to that (or Cheers!).
Style Me Pretty Contributor - Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist. She lives in Chicago with her husband and dog.
