Wedding Traditions from Around the World

As we dive into wedding season, excitement fills the air with preparations taking place across the country. Couples are nervously rehearsing their vows and searching for the perfect outfits. Many have spent months, sometimes years, planning to ensure their day is unforgettable.

While couples ready themselves for the big day, guests ponder over the perfect gift. This is where Peach Hampers steps in. As experts in delivering thoughtful, personalised wedding gift hampers, we offer solutions to make your gift stand out.

Love is in the Air

In 2019, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported over 219,000 marriage ceremonies in England and Wales. This number drastically dropped to around 86,000 in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the wedding industry has seen a significant resurgence since restrictions were lifted. From venues to suppliers, businesses are experiencing a renewed enthusiasm for weddings. Many ceremonies postponed during the pandemic have been rescheduled, along with new couples planning their weddings, making it a bustling period for the industry.

The Universal Language of Love

Love is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing people together. While wedding celebrations around the world share the common theme of love, the traditions and customs vary widely. Let's explore some fascinating wedding traditions from different countries.

Indian Weddings

Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and can last up to three days, packed with rituals and ceremonies passed down through generations. Pre-wedding events like Sangeet, a night of dancing and celebration, kick off the festivities. The Mehndi ceremony, where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet, symbolises joy and beauty.

Swedish Weddings

Swedish weddings focus on fun and family, yet they also include unique traditions. For instance, the bride's mother places a gold coin in her right shoe, while her father places a silver coin in her left shoe to ensure she never lacks money. Additionally, at the reception, if the bride leaves the room, male guests line up to kiss her on the cheek, and female guests do the same for the groom.

Japanese Weddings

Japan's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its wedding ceremonies. One notable tradition is the San San Kudo, which dates back to the 1600s. The bride and groom take three sips of sake from three different cups, symbolising their families' union and commitment to each other.

Scottish Weddings

In Scotland, whisky plays a central role in wedding customs. The newlyweds drink from the Quaich, a shallow two-handled cup, to symbolise love, trust, and the union of their families. Much like the Japanese sake ceremony, this tradition highlights the blending of lives and families.

German Weddings

Germany boasts unique pre-wedding customs like Polterabend and Baumstamm Sägen. Polterabend involves friends and family smashing porcelain and pottery outside the bride and groom's door for good luck, leaving the couple to clean up together. Baumstamm Sägen requires the couple to saw a log in half, demonstrating their teamwork and readiness to face future challenges together.

The Look of Love

Wedding traditions around the world are diverse and fascinating, yet they all celebrate love and unity. Gift-giving is a common aspect of weddings, though the form it takes can vary. In China, guests give money in red envelopes, preferably in denominations of 6 or 8 for luck. In Greece, money is pinned to the bride's dress. In the UK, many couples now ask guests to contribute to their honeymoon fund, though no gift or money is often expected.

If you're looking for a thoughtful and memorable gift, consider a wedding hamper from Peach Hampers.

Perfect Personalised Wedding Gifts from Peach Hampers

Peach Hampers, a family-run business, understands the importance of heartfelt wedding gifts. We handpick fine products for our beautiful wedding gift baskets and boxes, allowing you to give the happy couple a gift they'll never forget. Our stunning range of personalised wedding hampers ensures a truly special start to their married life. Explore our collection and find the perfect gift for the next wedding you attend.