Wedding Traditions from Around the World & How to Incorporate Them into Your Scioto Reserve Wedding Ceremony

Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love, but they also reflect deep-rooted traditions passed down through generations. Around the world, different cultures bring unique customs to the altar—each one adding layers of meaning, symbolism, and joy. At Scioto Reserve Weddings, we love helping couples create ceremonies that are not only beautiful, but also deeply personal. Here are some meaningful wedding traditions from across the globe, and how you can thoughtfully weave them into your big day at Scioto.

1. Handfasting (Celtic/Irish)

The Tradition: A centuries-old Celtic ritual where the couple’s hands are tied together with a cord or ribbon to symbolize unity. Incorporate It: Add a handfasting moment during your vows or unity ceremony, using a cord made of fabric from family garments or in your wedding colors.

2. Jumping the Broom (African-American)

The Tradition: Originating from African diasporic communities, this ritual symbolizes sweeping away the past and starting fresh. Incorporate It: Place a beautifully decorated broom at the end of the aisle and invite guests to cheer as you jump together after the kiss.

3. Tea Ceremony (Chinese)

The Tradition: A respectful ritual where the couple serves tea to their elders as a sign of gratitude and honor. Incorporate It: Create a quiet, elegant space during your cocktail hour or before the ceremony for an intimate tea ritual with close family.

4. Breaking the Glass (Jewish)

The Tradition: A symbolic gesture at the end of the ceremony representing the fragility of life and the commitment to stand by each other through all things. Incorporate It: End your ceremony with a glass-breaking moment, followed by joyful shouts of "Mazel Tov!"

5. Henna Night (Indian/Middle Eastern)

The Tradition: A pre-wedding celebration where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride’s hands, symbolizing beauty, joy, and protection. Incorporate It: Host a henna party at Scioto the night before or during your rehearsal dinner, complete with music, sweets, and festive décor.

6. Lazo Ceremony (Mexican/Filipino)

The Tradition: A large decorative loop or rosary is placed in a figure-eight around the couple’s shoulders to symbolize eternal unity. Incorporate It: Include a lazo ceremony after your vows, and choose a lazo that reflects your personal style or family heritage.

7. Money Dance (Polish/Nigerian/Filipino)

The Tradition: Guests pin money to the bride and groom as they dance, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Incorporate It: Add this playful tradition to your reception playlist for a fun, interactive way for guests to show support.

Celebrate Your Heritage, Your Way

Scioto Reserve is a stunning canvas for your cultural story. Whether you want to honor your heritage, celebrate your partner’s roots, or simply include a global nod to unity, our team is here to help you bring it all together seamlessly. We embrace diverse traditions and would be honored to help you design a ceremony that is uniquely and beautifully yours.

Ready to plan your one-of-a-kind celebration? Contact us today and let’s bring your love story to life.