Customs and Traditions of Russian Weddings
Whether you have Russian heritage or are simply choosing to have a Russian theme for your wedding, there are many Russian wedding traditions and customs that can be used in your wedding day that have cultural and religious significance and will make your wedding day stand out and be interesting. Russian weddings are elaborate affairs that often indicate the financial status of the families. Here are some popularRussian wedding traditions.
Rings
Like with many other customs and cultures around the world, rings are symbolic to Russian weddings as a sign of everlasting love and commitment. Wedding rings are exchanged during the service and are traditionally worn on the ring finger of the right hand. They are usually made of gold, often include precious stones and some are customized with personal inscriptions that commemorate the day. Engagement rings are a relatively new Russian custom that has been adopted from Western traditions.
Preparations on the wedding day
Russians often seek the support of professionals, such as stylists and toastmasters, to ensure their wedding day runs smoothly. Friends and relatives also play an important role in supporting the bride on her big day.
Wedding feast
The wedding feast has manycustomsthat are derived both from Russia and from western customs. The feast begins with a toast and then the newlyweds kiss. An old fashioned tradition is for the bride to give her guests glasses of vodka to drink and once this is drunk the guest may kiss the bride.
Entertainment
Traditional Russian music is often played but a DJ is usually hired in modern weddings. Additional entertainment may be hired, especially by wealthier families. The main event at a wedding party is when the couple perform their first dance. Couples often take lessons to perfect this performance. Many people also choose to include Western traditions, such as the throwing of the bouquet.
Ransom of the bride
This is a fun tradition with a comical twist. The bride's family pretend to steal the bride and the groom must pay a ransom for her return. In times gone by, this was a theatrical performance that also involved the groom displaying his talents to win the hand of his bride. This is a ritual that is usually performed before the wedding ceremony.
Touring of the city
Once the ceremony is over and the couple are officially married, it is Russian tradition for them, their friends and their family to tour the city, look at historical places of interest and toast the wedding with champagne.
The wedding loaf
Another tradition that usually occurs after the wedding is the sharing of the wedding loaf, also known as karavay. This tradition originates from the ancient Romans. The couple split the bread and it is symbolic of who will be the head of their household.
Conclusion
Choosing a Russian theme for your wedding can be an interesting choice as Russian weddings are an elaborate affair. Not only do they have their own history of interesting, symbolic and fun traditions, they also have many customs influenced by western traditions.
