A lot of people associate weddings with white dresses and veils – but, as the photos below prove, the ceremonies can be anything but stereotyped. Some brides wear colorful garments and accessories; others wear traditional gowns for their big days. From India to Norway, these are some of the most beautiful folk wedding dresses around the world. Also, we’ll share several curious wedding traditions from different countries.
Morocco
Matrimony in Morocco is a magnificent celebration which involves several ceremonies.
Generally, a Moroccan bride will wear silk, chiffon, or satin garments – she will be required to change several times during the ceremony.
Norway
In Norway, the traditional wedding outfit is called a “bunad” – it can be worn for other formal occasions, including christening parties.
Romania
This photo shows a bride from Romania in traditional garb.
Kenya and Tanzania
In a Maasai (ethnic group that lives in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania) wedding, a bride can be required to wear a bold, colorful necklace made of beads and shells.
Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, typically brides will wear a headdress called a “saukele” – they will also wear a facial veil.
Uzbekistan
In traditional Uzbek weddings, the bride wears a colorful outfit embroidered with intricate patterns.
India
India has many different bridal traditions, but often pink or red wedding dresses are the item of choice.
Married women from the north of India can easily be identified by a red dot in the middle of their forehead.
Many brides wear headdresses and garlands, heavy with embroidery.
China
China is very rich in culture, and in this country, red symbolizes good fortune – it is believed to keep away evil spirits.
Indonesia
Three days before an Indonesian woman ties the knot, she may have her nails, hands, and feet painted with birds and flowers in henna.
Korea
“Hanbok” is the name given to a formal attire worn on ceremonial occasions in Korea. Korean bridal wear usually includes a jacket called a “jeogori” and a high-waisted wrap-around skirt.
Japan
For a traditional Japanese wedding, a bride will often sport a purely white kimono for the ceremony. It symbolizes purity and maidenhood – the traditional paper headdress worn by many brides is called a “tsuno-kakushi”.
