If you’re planning a personalized pop-up wedding and want to incorporate creative ideas or nontraditional elements, try drawing some inspiration from countries around the world! Here are some of our favorite wedding traditions from across the globe.
Germany
In Germany, the bride and groom learn a quick lesson on the day of their wedding: it’s better to work together! After guests throw porcelain dishes on the ground to ward off evil spirits, the couple must work together to clean up the broken pieces.
If you like metaphors, your pop-up wedding can be a fun way to work together and plan a celebration that’s true to both of you.
Scotland
Centuries ago, only couples who were 21 and over were allowed to get married in England. Many young lovers quickly found a way around this rule by eloping to a nearby Scottish town called Gretna Green that didn’t restrict couples based on age.
If you’re interested in a casual, pop-up wedding or elopement, you can find some inspiration from this beautiful Scottish village!
Lebanon
In Lebanon, weddings start with a major celebration. The party begins with professional music, belly dancing, and a gathering of friends and family at both the bride and groom’s homes. The couple is eventually showered with blessings as they head off to their wedding ceremony–the perfect kick-off to their marriage!
If you want an upbeat celebration on the day of your wedding, we can all find inspiration from the Lebanon culture.
Norway
Love wine? In Norway, there’s a traditional wedding cake called kransekake that’s made into a cone shape with iced almond cake rings and a bottle of wine in the center!
If you’re planning a pop-up wedding, try getting creative with your cake. And if you want to incorporate wine, embrace the Norwegian tradition and go for it!
Philippines
In the Philippines, it’s traditional for the bride and groom to release a male and female white dove into the air. It symbolizes harmony for the newlyweds.
Releasing something like birds, or even butterflies, at your pop-up wedding ceremony can be a romantic touch, especially if you love nature.
Cuba
In Cuba, men know the way to the bride’s heart. It’s tradition for every man who dances with the bride to pin money on her dress. The couple then uses the money to pay for their honeymoon!
This is a fun twist on the traditional dollar dance, especially if you plan to change into a more casual dress for your pop-up wedding reception.
Venezuela
Many Venezuelan bride and grooms know how to sneak away. It’s actually considered good luck for them to sneak off before the wedding is over without getting caught!
If you’re caught up in the moment and want to celebrate with your new hubby, consider it Venezuelan good luck to sneak off a little early.
India
Many Indian brides spend time with their closest friends and family leading up to the wedding by intricately painting tattoos onto their skin with menhdi, a paint made from henna. The elegant and elaborate designs typically last two weeks, and make a beautiful statement at the wedding.
Even if you’re not into tattoos, creative accessories can help personalize your look on your wedding day.
Peru
At Peruvian weddings, they decorate the wedding cake with ribbons attached to charms. A fake wedding ring is also added to the center of the cake, and the single lady who’s served the piece of cake with the fake ring is deemed next in line for marriage!
Coming up with a fun alternative to the traditional garter toss can be a modern and edgy way to liven things up at your pop-up wedding!
Want to get started planning an affordable pop-up wedding that matches your culture and personality? Pop the Knot can help you plan a pop-up wedding or elopement that incorporates as many or as few traditions you’d like. Contact us today!