What I adore most about Moroccan weddings is their deep appreciation of beauty. Pre-wedding rituals include the traditional hammam, where the bride-to-be and the women in her inner circle indulge in a spa day of massages, exfoliations, clay masks, perfume prep, waxing—every beauty treatment a bride might desire to feel her best for her special moment. A day or two before the wedding celebration comes the henna party, a North African custom observed in both Muslim and Jewish weddings, and typically hosted in the bride’s family home. Attendees greet and snap pictures with the couple, mingle, dance, all while a henna tattoo artist adorns the bride’s hands and feet for good luck. The best part? Everyone is encouraged to get tattooed and revel in some shared fortune.
Peru
In Peruvian wedding receptions, the wedding cake is made up of several layers that are attached to ribbons tethered to charms—while one of the charms is a faux wedding ring. The “cake pull” tradition invites all single women to grab a ribbon. The lucky one who pulls out the fake ring is destined to be the next in line to say “I do.” It adds an element of suspense that makes it a fun departure from the standard bouquet throw.
Japan
Japanese weddings often forgo the American gift registry practice in favor of the customary Goshugi, a monetary gift wrapped in special cloth envelope, Goshugi-bukuro (shugi-bukuro). As per The Knot’s advice, friends are encouraged to gift ¥30,000 (about $300), employers to give ¥50,000 (about $500), and relatives should present ¥50,000 to ¥100,000 (about $1,000); notably, these cash gifts are preferred in the form of crisp bills, and not an amount divisible by two—to ensure the couple invest the money in a collective fund rather than split it.
Scotland
A Quaich ceremony is a toast reserved for the newlyweds, featuring a two-handled cup: a quaich, fondly known as the Scottish cup of love. The pair exchange sips, each taking a turn to serve the other. This symbolic act encapsulates the unity of the bride and groom’s family.
South Korea
During hap-guen rye, a symbolic moment unfolds as the couple shares a cup of liquor (often rice wine), to signify the unity of two individuals into one harmonious entity. Depending on the region, this Korean ceremony manifests in two variations: one, where the couple sips from the same copper cup, and the other involves sipping from separate halves of a gourd. Following this gesture, the newlyweds gracefully bow to their parents and in-laws, families, and wedding guests as a sign of respect.
Sweden
A playful Swedish tradition: when the bride steps away, other women can seize the moment to give the groom a friendly peck—the same goes for when the groom leaves the room.