Weddings are more than just a celebration—they’re a beautiful reflection of love, identity, and the values that shape our lives. In the United States, these celebrations are as diverse and dynamic as the people who plan them. From sweeping vineyard ceremonies in Napa, California, to extravagant ballroom receptions in New York City, American weddings tell countless stories, each one rich with wedding traditions, creativity, and personal flair.

What makes American wedding traditions so interesting is the way they weave together a tapestry of cultures, generations, and evolving trends. While some couples honor age-old customs—like wearing a white dress, cutting a tiered cake, or sharing a first dance—others infuse their big day with fresh, unconventional touches that speak to who they are and what they value. The result? A stunning array of celebrations that are at once timeless and entirely of the moment. Whether rooted in heritage, inspired by modern romance, or a little bit of both, American wedding traditions continue to evolve, capturing the ever-changing meaning of love and commitment in today’s world.

Wedding Traditions You’ll Adore:

If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m Lindsey Nickel, and I’m a local Sonoma and Napa wedding planner and the owner of Lovely Day Events. Since 2010, I have helped stylish, fun-loving couples (and their dogs) plan destination weddings. Our clients want the ceremony to be outside, the food to be outstanding, and the dance parties to be epic. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place, so you might want to learn more about our wedding planning services.

12 Iconic American Wedding Traditions

American weddings have a blend of classic and modern customs that make them truly unique. Here are 12 iconic traditions often seen across the country:

The White Wedding Dress: Popularized by Queen Victoria, wearing white represents purity and new beginnings for many brides.
Wedding Party: Bridesmaids and groomsmen play significant roles, providing support and adding a celebratory vibe to the wedding.
Wedding Vows: Whether traditional or personalized, exchanging vows is a deeply meaningful moment.
Jumping the Broom: In this wedding tradition, couples "jump the broom" at the end of the ceremony, a powerful tradition symbolizing the sweeping away of the past and the start of a new life together.
The First Dance: A sentimental highlight of the reception, often reflecting the couple’s shared story or favorite song.
Wedding Veil: The wedding veil is a time-honored tradition that dates back to ancient times, originally symbolizing protection from evil spirits and later representing purity and modesty. Today, it remains a beloved bridal accessory, adding elegance and mystique to the wedding ceremony.
Exchange of Leis: In Hawaiian wedding traditions, couples exchange leis as a heartfelt symbol of love, respect, and the uniting of their lives and families.
Cutting the Cake: Symbolizing unity, couples share the first slice together before serving guests.
Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue: Rooted in age-old superstition, this beloved tradition is said to bring good fortune and joy to the bride. The color blue has long symbolized purity, fidelity, and enduring love, making its presence in wedding rituals both meaningful and timeless.
Throwing the Bouquet: Single women eagerly catch the bride’s bouquet, hoping to be the next to marry.
Garter Toss: This fun and flirtatious tradition is the groom’s version of sharing wedding-day luck. Its roots trace all the way back to Medieval times, when guests believed that snagging a piece of the bride’s dress would bring good fortune. To protect her gown from being torn to shreds in the scramble, clever couples introduced symbolic alternatives—like the garter toss. Today, it’s all about keeping the energy high, the crowd entertained, and the good vibes flowing.
Wedding Favors: Wedding favors date back to 16th-century Europe, where aristocrats gifted guests small trinkets—often sugar cubes or bonbonnieres—as a symbol of wealth and gratitude. Over time, the tradition evolved into thoughtful tokens of appreciation, offered by couples to thank loved ones for sharing in their special day.

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Wedding Traditions To Honor You & Your Fiancé

Military Weddings

Military weddings are steeped in tradition and honor. One of the most recognizable elements is the Arch of Sabers or Swords ceremony, where uniformed officers form an arch with their swords for the newlyweds to pass through, symbolizing protection and unity. Military attire often replaces traditional wedding wear, with the service member donning their formal uniform. Additionally, these ceremonies may include patriotic touches, such as American flag decorations or military hymns, reflecting pride in service and country.

Religious Weddings

Religion plays a significant role in shaping many American wedding traditions. In Christian ceremonies, exchanging vows and rings before a minister is a sacred moment, often followed by a unity candle lighting or communion.

In Jewish weddings, the couple is traditionally married under a chuppah, a canopy symbolizing the home they’ll build together. The ceremony often features the breaking of the glass, a powerful moment that symbolizes both the fragility of relationships and the hope for a joyful future. Afterward, the celebration kicks off with the spirited hora dance, where guests lift the newlyweds on chairs, surrounding them in a whirlwind of love, music, and community.

Hindu ceremonies may include a vibrant mandap, fire rituals, and blessings from elders, while Islamic weddings focus on the Nikah contract and Quranic readings.

Each religion’s practices imbue weddings with profound meaning and spirituality, creating a ceremony deeply rooted in faith.

Destination Weddings

A destination wedding blends the joy of saying "I do" with the thrill of exploring a beautiful location. Destinations are usually weekend-long events that include a welcome event, wedding, and farewell brunch. In regions like Napa and Sonoma, couples are drawn to the rolling vineyards, golden sunsets, and world-class wine that add a romantic, rustic charm to the celebration. Like exchanging leis in Hawaii or blessing wine in Italy, many wine country weddings incorporate local touches—think wine vault photos or vineyard tours—to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. As with any destination wedding, thoughtful planning is key to making travel and logistics seamless for guests.

Elopement Weddings

Elopements have gained popularity for their simplicity and intimacy. Traditionally, eloping meant a secret wedding, often in a courthouse or a romantic getaway spot. Today, elopements can be beautifully planned and personalized. Couples might exchange vows at a scenic overlook, under the stars, or in a quiet botanical garden, focusing on the connection between them rather than the event’s grandeur. This approach often appeals to those seeking an adventurous, cost-effective, or stress-free alternative to a large wedding.

From honoring military service to embracing faith or adventure, these wedding traditions highlight the rich diversity and personal significance behind every couple’s big day.

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Thoughts on American Wedding Traditions

American wedding traditions are a beautiful tapestry of love, culture, and creativity. From the joyous throwing of rice to the timeless exchange of vows, these customs reflect the diverse heritage and heartfelt emotions that make weddings so special. Whether you embrace the "something old, something new" tradition or put your own modern twist on the day, the heart of every wedding lies in celebrating love, family, and the start of a new chapter.

As you plan your wedding, take a moment to appreciate the meaningful rituals that bring us all closer together. Keep reading, and who knows? You might just be inspired to create a tradition of your own!

Bride and groom showing off their henna for their Harvest Inn wedding. — Milou and Olin Photography

Bonus: 30 Global Wedding Traditions

Weddings are a universal celebration of love, commitment, and the joining of two families. While the essence of weddings remains the same, the traditions and customs associated with them vary greatly across cultures. From vibrant ceremonies to symbolic rituals, these traditions are a testament to the beauty of diversity and the depth of human connection. Let’s explore 30 fascinating wedding traditions from around the world that highlight the unique ways love is celebrated.

India: Vibrant Colors and Henna Art

In Indian weddings, brides often wear red saris, symbolizing prosperity and purity. Intricate henna designs (mehndi) adorn their hands and feet, a tradition that’s both beautiful and meaningful. The wedding itself is usually a multi-day celebration filled with vibrant rituals, music, and dance, including the Sangeet and Haldi ceremonies. Each event brings together family and community in joyous celebration, blending sacred customs with festive spirit.

China: Red for Luck

Chinese brides traditionally wear red qipaos, a color that signifies luck, joy, and happiness. Weddings often include a tea ceremony to honor the couple’s elders. During the tea ceremony, the bride and groom kneel before their parents and serve tea as a sign of respect and gratitude, often receiving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money or jewelry in return. The day is also marked by symbolic décor like double happiness characters, firecrackers, and lion dances to bring fortune and ward off evil spirits.

Japan: The Sake Ritual

Japanese couples participate in the san-san-kudo ceremony, where they take three sips of sake from three cups, representing unity and mutual commitment. The ritual, often part of a traditional Shinto wedding, symbolizes the bonding of not just the couple but also their families. The number three is considered sacred in Japanese culture, and the act of sipping sake three times from each cup reinforces harmony, balance, and good fortune for the marriage.

Italy: Tying the Knot

Italian weddings often feature ribbons tied across the church’s doorway, symbolizing the couple’s bond. This gesture represents the joining of two lives and the beginning of a shared journey. Celebrations are often lively and full of tradition, including tossing rice for prosperity, serving a multi-course feast, and dancing the traditional tarantella, which is believed to bring luck to the newlyweds.

Greece: Crowning Glory

A crown or stefana, connected by a ribbon, is placed on the couple’s heads during the ceremony, representing their unity and shared journey. This is a key element of Greek Orthodox weddings, symbolizing the couple’s new life as king and queen of their home. The crowns are often blessed and then ceremoniously exchanged three times by the officiant, emphasizing the sacredness of their bond and the presence of the Holy Trinity in their union.

Mexico: The Lasso of Love

A lazo made of rosary beads or flowers is draped around the couple in a figure-eight shape, symbolizing eternal love. Common in Mexican and Filipino Catholic weddings, this ritual signifies the unity of the couple and their bond under God. The figure-eight shape also resembles the infinity symbol, representing a marriage that is unbreakable and everlasting in its spiritual and emotional connection.

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South Africa: Lighting a New Hearth

Parents from both sides bring fire from their homes to light the newlyweds’ hearth, symbolizing the creation of a new family. This tradition, also seen in some Eastern European and Balkan cultures, represents warmth, continuity, and the blending of two family legacies. Lighting the hearth together is a powerful gesture that marks the beginning of a shared life filled with love, responsibility, and generational connection.

Russia: Sharing Bread

Couples share a traditional bread called karavai, representing prosperity and abundance in their married life. This custom, common in Russian and Ukrainian weddings, is often beautifully decorated with intricate designs symbolizing the couple's journey together. The bread is typically broken or shared between the newlyweds, with each taking a piece, signifying the sharing of life’s blessings and challenges, and ensuring a life filled with happiness and nourishment.

Germany: Log-Sawing Teamwork

In Germany, couples saw a log in half together, symbolizing their ability to overcome obstacles as a team. This tradition, known as Baumstamm sägen, is often performed immediately after the wedding ceremony and represents the couple’s commitment to working together through the challenges that lie ahead. The act of sawing the log signifies the strength and cooperation required to build a successful marriage, with the couple proving their unity and teamwork in a tangible and memorable way.

Scotland: Blackening the Couple

In Scotland, this quirky tradition involves covering the couple with soot, food, and feathers to prepare them for the challenges of marriage. Known as blackening, this custom is often carried out by the couple’s friends before the wedding, with them being paraded through the streets in their messy state. The ritual is said to be a playful way to ward off evil spirits and prepare them for the "dirty" realities of married life, symbolizing that no matter how messy things get, they will face them with resilience and support from loved ones.

Norway: Musical Crowns

Norwegian brides wear silver or gold crowns adorned with charms that create melodic sounds to ward off evil spirits. This tradition, rooted in Viking customs, is believed to protect the bride from negative energy and ensure a harmonious marriage. The tinkling of the charms is thought to bring good luck, while the crown itself symbolizes purity and the bride’s transition into a new chapter of her life. As she walks down the aisle, the gentle sound is not only enchanting but also serves as a protective blessing for her future.

Spain: A Gift of Coins

Spanish grooms present 13 gold coins, known as arras, to their brides as a symbol of trust, commitment, and shared wealth. This tradition, rooted in Catholicism, represents the groom’s promise to support his bride and their future together. The 13 coins are often blessed by a priest and given to the bride, symbolizing the groom's dedication to providing for her and their family. In some variations, the coins are kept as a cherished reminder of their shared responsibilities and the union of their lives and fortunes.

France: Drinking from the Wedding Cup

Couples drink from a coupe de mariage, a two-handled wedding cup often passed down through generations. This tradition, popular in France and some other European cultures, symbolizes the couple’s shared life and commitment to facing challenges together. The act of drinking from the same cup signifies unity and the blending of their individual lives into one. Passed down through family lines, the coupe de mariage carries with it the history and blessings of previous generations, further strengthening the bond between the couple and their heritage.

Poland: Changing the Veil

During the oczepiny ceremony, the bride’s veil is replaced with a cap or kerchief, signifying her transition to wifehood. This traditional Polish ritual, typically held after the wedding reception, marks the moment when the bride moves from her role as a maiden to that of a married woman. The act of removing the veil and placing the cap symbolizes not only her new marital status but also her readiness to take on the responsibilities and roles that come with marriage. The ceremony is often accompanied by songs, laughter, and festive dances, celebrating the bride's new chapter in life.

Philippines: Releasing Doves

Couples release doves during their ceremony, symbolizing peace, harmony, and a blessed union. This beautiful tradition, found in various cultures worldwide, represents the couple's wish for a peaceful and loving life together. The doves, often white to signify purity and new beginnings, fly off into the sky as a visual expression of the couple’s commitment to each other and their shared future. The act of releasing the doves also carries a deeper spiritual meaning, as it is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the marriage.

Turkey: The Red Ribbon

Before the bride leaves her home, a male relative ties a red ribbon around her waist, symbolizing purity and happiness. This tradition, common in some Eastern European and Mediterranean cultures, is meant to protect the bride as she embarks on her new journey in life. The red ribbon represents both the preservation of her innocence and the joyful, passionate love that awaits her in marriage. It serves as a visual reminder of her family’s support and the blessings they wish for her in this new chapter.

Kenya: A Father’s Blessing

In Maasai traditions, the bride’s father blesses her by spitting on her head and chest, a sign of good fortune and protection. This ancient ritual, deeply rooted in Maasai culture, symbolizes the father’s wishes for his daughter’s prosperity, health, and strength in her marriage. The act of spitting is considered a powerful gesture of blessing and is believed to ward off evil spirits while ensuring the bride’s well-being as she transitions into married life. It reflects the Maasai’s spiritual connection to nature, family, and the communal support that surrounds the newlywed couple.

South Korea: Feet Beating

The groom’s friends beat the soles of his feet with fish or sticks to prepare him for the challenges of marriage. This tradition, found in some African and Asian cultures, symbolizes the difficulties and obstacles that the groom will face in his new life. The act is both playful and symbolic, representing the groom’s endurance, strength, and readiness to overcome life's struggles as a husband. It is meant to remind him that marriage requires resilience and the ability to face challenges with determination and support from his community.

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Ethiopia: Negotiating for Love

Ethiopian grooms and their best men participate in a symbolic negotiation for the bride’s hand in marriage. This tradition, known as the bete yelew, is an important cultural ritual where the groom’s family engages with the bride’s family in a playful yet meaningful exchange. The negotiation often involves offering symbolic gifts and bargaining, showcasing the groom’s commitment and respect for the bride's family. It serves as a way to honor the bride’s worth and strengthen the bonds between the two families, setting the stage for a union built on mutual respect and understanding.

Ireland: Ringing Bells

Bells are rung during Irish weddings to ward off evil spirits and bless the couple’s union. This tradition, rooted in ancient Celtic beliefs, is meant to bring good luck and protect the newlyweds from negative forces as they begin their life together. The sound of the bells is thought to chase away any lingering bad spirits and invite positive energy, symbolizing the ringing in of a joyful and prosperous marriage. In some Irish weddings, the bells are also used to mark important moments during the ceremony, further reinforcing their significance as a protective and sacred element.

Jamaica: Village Inspections

Villagers line the streets to inspect and (playfully) critique the bride’s appearance before the ceremony. This tradition, common in some rural communities in Europe, is a fun and lighthearted part of the wedding celebrations. As the bride makes her way to the ceremony, the villagers offer playful comments and jokes about her dress, makeup, and overall look, creating a sense of community involvement and shared joy. While the critiques are meant to be humorous, they also symbolize the collective support and blessing of the bride by her village, marking the beginning of her new life surrounded by the love and care of her community.

Sweden: Guest Kisses

At Swedish weddings, guests kiss the bride or groom if their partner leaves the room during the reception. This fun and flirtatious tradition encourages playful interactions and adds an element of surprise to the celebration. The custom is rooted in the idea of creating a lively atmosphere and celebrating the couple’s union in a spirited way. It also reflects the Swedish emphasis on camaraderie and joy, with the understanding that the playful kisses are all in good fun and not a sign of any serious romantic intent.

Cuba: Money Dance

Male guests dance with the bride and pin money on her dress to help fund the couple’s honeymoon. This charming tradition, often seen in Eastern European weddings, allows guests to contribute to the newlyweds' future by offering financial support in a festive and personal way. As the bride dances with different men, they attach money to her dress, symbolizing a gesture of generosity and good wishes for the couple’s new life together. The custom not only helps with the honeymoon costs but also fosters a sense of community celebration, where everyone plays a part in the couple’s happiness.

Finland: Blessing of the Hands

In Finnish weddings, the "blessing of the hands" is a meaningful tradition where the bride and groom’s hands are tied together with a ribbon, symbolizing their union and commitment. This ritual represents the strength and connection between them, signifying that they are now a team, ready to face life together. The ribbon is often chosen to reflect the wedding theme or personal significance. This intimate moment highlights the couple’s transition from individuals to partners, embodying the Finnish values of unity and mutual support in marriage.

Morocco: Milk Baths

Moroccan brides take milk baths before their wedding ceremony to purify and prepare themselves for marriage. This ancient tradition, rooted in Moroccan beauty rituals, is believed to cleanse the bride both physically and spiritually, ensuring she enters her marriage in a state of purity and grace. The milk, often infused with herbs and rosewater, softens the skin and symbolizes fertility, renewal, and the nurturing qualities that are integral to the bride’s new role. This ritual is an important pre-wedding preparation, highlighting the deep cultural significance of purity and transformation on the path to marriage.

Peru: The Cake Pull

Single women pull ribbons from a wedding cake, one of which is attached to a ring for the next bride-to-be. This playful tradition, found in various cultures including some in the UK and the US, is believed to predict the next woman who will marry. Each ribbon is tied to a small item, such as a coin or a ring, with the one attached to the ring signifying the next bride. The custom adds an element of fun and anticipation to the wedding festivities, while also symbolizing the idea of love and future marriages within the community.

Brazil: Shoe Hunt

Grooms hide their shoes during the reception, and guests search for them to collect money for the honeymoon. This playful tradition, also seen in Indian and Pakistani weddings, involves the groom's shoes being "stolen" by the bride's family or friends, who then hold them hostage until the groom agrees to pay a ransom. The money collected in this fun game is then used to help fund the couple's honeymoon. The game adds a festive and humorous element to the celebration, symbolizing the bride's family’s involvement in the couple’s future and bringing everyone together in a light-hearted way.

Vietnam: Tea Ceremonies

Families exchange tea during the ceremony as a sign of respect, unity, and the blending of two families. This tradition, common in Chinese and some other East Asian weddings, involves the couple serving tea to their parents and elders as a gesture of gratitude and honoring family ties. In return, the parents offer blessings and well wishes for the couple’s future. The tea ceremony symbolizes the joining of two families, reinforcing the importance of family bonds, mutual respect, and the couple’s commitment to honoring both sides of their heritage as they begin their married life together.

Australia: Unity Bowl

Guests place stones in a unity bowl, representing their wishes and blessings for the couple’s future. This meaningful tradition, often seen in weddings with nature-inspired themes, allows loved ones to actively participate in the ceremony by contributing a stone, which symbolizes strength, stability, and support. Each stone represents a personal blessing or wish for the couple, creating a physical manifestation of the love and good fortune surrounding them. The unity bowl, filled with stones from friends and family, serves as a lasting reminder of the community’s role in supporting the couple’s journey together.

Thailand: Holy Water Blessing

In the Rod Nam Sang ceremony, monks bless the couple with holy water for prosperity and happiness. This Thai wedding tradition involves the couple kneeling before Buddhist monks as they pour sacred water over their hands, symbolizing purification and the couple’s new beginning. The holy water is believed to bring blessings, good fortune, and harmony to the couple’s marriage. The ceremony reflects the spiritual connection between the couple, their families, and their community, while also honoring Buddhist teachings and practices that emphasize peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.

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A Celebration of Love Across Cultures

These traditions, while unique to their respective cultures, share a common goal: celebrating the union of two people and the communities that support them. Whether you’re planning your wedding or simply fascinated by global customs, these traditions are a reminder of the rich tapestry of love and humanity.

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Wedding Traditions You’ll Adore: American Classics + 30 Global Customs