| Jewish |
In Jewish ceremonies vows are exchanged under a Chupah. The couple's respective parents escort them to the chupah, which is said to represent the new home the bride and groom will share in matrimony. It is open on all sides as a sign of unconditional hospitality towards friends and relatives.
At the end of the Jewish wedding the bride and grooms share a glass of wine. The glass is then wrapped in a cloth and placed on the ground and the groom then smashes it with his foot - to the call of 'Mazel Tov'.
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| Indian |
At Hindu weddings the seven steps are an integral part of the ceremony. In some southern Indian Marriages the couple walks toward the south while the groom holds the bride's little finger.
At the end of an Indian Paarsi wedding, rice and rose petals are scattered over the couple.
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| Irish |
Irish tradition believes that it should always be a man who congratulates the bride first after the wedding ceremony, not a woman. On leaving the ceremony, throwing an old shoe over the bride's head will bring her good luck. |
| Bohemian |
During a Moravian wedding, the couple lights a large candle which is passed to each guest in order for them to light their own candles. This symbolises filling the marriage with light. |
| Japanese |
In a Japanese ceremony, the ritual of drinking sake is as important as any words spoken. The bride and groom each takes three sips from each cup, three times. It is at this moment they are considered to be married. Sake is then served to the members of both families to celebrate the union. |
| Russian |
In Russia, the bride and groom receive bread and salt during the ceremony to symbolise health, prosperity and long life. |
| Thailand |
To demonstrate togetherness the bride and groom will sit close together on the floor, their hands linked by a chain of flowers. |
| Chinese |
Red is the dominating colour at a Chinese wedding. It signifies love, joy and prosperity. Tea also plays a central part in this day. It is served to elders of the families to symbolically ask permission for the wedding to take place. |
| Brittish |
Tradition has it that if a bride passes a chimney sweep on her wedding day and kisses her on the cheek she will have a happy and lucky marriage. |