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5 Popular Destination Wedding Cultural Traditions

Shelli Nornes
Author:
Shelli Nornes
CEO/Owner
Publish Date: January 23, 2025
Last Modified: May 27, 2025

One of the most meaningful ways to personalize your destination wedding is by weaving in traditions that carry history, symbolism, and love. Whether it’s honoring your heritage or simply adding a unique touch that speaks to you as a couple, cultural traditions can make your wedding day even more memorable. Here are five beautiful traditions from around the world that couples often incorporate into their celebrations.

El Lazo

In Mexican weddings, the tradition of El Lazo (the lasso) is both symbolic and deeply moving. During the ceremony, a minister or family member drapes a long strand usually made of rosary beads or flowers around the couple’s shoulders in the shape of a figure eight. This infinity shape represents everlasting love and the unbreakable bond of marriage.

Many resorts in Mexico are familiar with this tradition and can provide a beautifully crafted lasso or even help you customize one with flowers or colors that match your wedding theme! It’s a heartfelt way to honor local culture while adding a meaningful ritual to your ceremony.

Jumping the Broom

This African American tradition dates back to the 18th century, when enslaved couples were denied the legal right to marry. “Jumping the broom” became a symbolic act of union, a way to publicly honor their love. Today, it continues as a joyful celebration of heritage, resilience, and commitment.

At modern weddings, couples often jump the broom together at the end of the ceremony as they make their way back down the aisle. Resorts can assist with providing or decorating the broom, allowing you to incorporate colors, ribbons, or flowers that reflect your personal style. It’s a fun, symbolic moment that connects your love story to a larger history of strength and unity.

Breaking the Glass

A well-known tradition in Jewish weddings, “breaking the glass” happens at the end of the ceremony when the groom (or sometimes both partners) stomps on a glass wrapped in cloth or napkin. Guests shout “Mazel tov!” as cheers and applause fill the air.

Beyond the celebratory moment, this tradition carries a deeper message. Even in times of great joy, we must remember life’s fragility and past hardships. Most destination wedding resorts are well-versed in this custom and will provide everything you need to make sure the tradition is honored safely and respectfully. It’s a powerful way to blend cultural heritage with a beautiful setting.

Mehendi Ceremony and Sangeet Party

In Indian weddings, celebrations often span several days and include rich traditions that bring families together. The Mehendi Ceremony usually happens the day before the wedding, where women gather to decorate each other’s hands and feet with intricate henna designs. For the bride, the designs symbolize love, prosperity, and the deep bond she shares with her partner. Gifts are often exchanged, adding another layer of love and support from family.

The Sangeet Party is another highlight, a night filled with music, dance, and joy! Sometimes paired with the Mehendi or held separately, it’s a lively event that unites both families in celebration. Many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean now offer dedicated spaces for multi-day celebrations and can even connect couples with professional henna artists, DJs, and authentic catering options to help bring these traditions to life abroad.

Sand Ceremony

Perfect for beach weddings, the sand ceremony has become a popular choice for destination weddings. In this ritual, the bride and groom each pour different colored sand into a single glass vessel, creating layered patterns that represent their two lives blending into one. Some couples also invite children or family members to join, making it a family unity ceremony.

The sand ceremony is a contemporary twist on the unity candle but works beautifully in outdoor settings where wind might be an issue. Many resorts will provide the sand and vessel as part of your wedding package or help you personalize it with your wedding colors! It’s also a wonderful keepsake to display at home long after the wedding day.

Adding Meaning to Your Wedding

Incorporating cultural traditions is a wonderful way to bring extra depth and significance to your destination wedding. Whether it’s honoring family heritage or embracing a tradition that resonates with your love story, these moments create memories that last a lifetime.

Thinking about weaving one of these traditions into your big day? Contact Romance Travel Group today and let us help you plan a destination wedding that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful.

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