Author:
Shelli Nornes
CEO/Owner
Publish Date: January 23, 2025
Last Modified: May 27, 2025
Looking to incorporate an old-world tradition into your destination wedding day? Then, take a look at these popular cultural traditions from around the world.
El Lazo
For a Mexican bride and groom, El Lazo has become quite the tradition! It starts off when the minister drapes a "lazo" (i.e., lasso) made of rosary beads and flowers around the couple’s shoulders when they’re exchanging vows. The lazo is wrapped in the shape of a figure eight to represent the infinity symbol, in hopes of how long their love will last.
Jumping the Broom
Dating all the way back to the 18th century, “jumping the broom” has an entire meaning that goes beyond its obvious name. This African American tradition started because of the transatlantic slave trade and became a symbol of African slave couples’ unions in America – when marriage was an illegal and dangerous act. Today, couples still “jump the broom” on their way back down the aisle as a fun way to solidify their love.
Breaking the Glass
If you’ve been to a Jewish wedding, then you’re no stranger to the famous “break the glass” custom. The ceremony ends with a bang as the groom smashes a napkin-wrapped glass on the ground, with a joyous “mazel tov” and cheers to follow. The Jewish tradition is a subtle reminder that even in the height of personal joy and cheer, we need to recall the pain and loss suffered by the Jewish people.
Mehendi Ceremony and Sangeet Party
Some Indian wedding traditions you might not have known about are the Mehendi Ceremony and Sangeet Party. The Mehendi takes place just one day before the wedding, where the women gather to create intricate henna art on each other’s hands and feet. The designs represent the deep bond between the husband and wife and oftentimes, the bride receives gifts from the groom’s female family members. The Sangeet Party can be held in conjunction with the Mehendi or separately. This is a party filled with music and dancing and a celebration of the union of not only the couple but the bonding of both families.
Sand Ceremony
This unity ceremony expresses the blending of two people or two families into one inseparable new family. Typically, the bride and groom have different colored sand and will take turns pouring it into a clear vessel to form a layered-effect. A sand ceremony is simply a spin on a unity candle ceremony, except it works much better for outdoor weddings since the wind can become a factor.
Thinking about tying one of these global traditions into your special day? Then contact us today for a nudge in the right direction!