Traditional Weddings Customs: Russian Brides

Traditional Russian weddings can be difficult to organize but for Russian brides the extra effort is worth every moment in the end. The wedding celebration in a traditional Russian wedding often lasts for at least two days. In some cases it can stretch on for even longer. There is no best man or maid of honor. These people are simply known as witnesses, or in Russian "svideteli".

Some things in traditional Russian marriages are the same as in American ones. One of these things is the time it takes to put the wedding together. A Russian wedding can take between one and six months. The marriage registration takes place in a "Zags" as opposed to our American courthouses.

As a symbol for hopeful longevity, health, and prosperity the new couple is given gifts of bread and salt. These are more than just food. They are the one of the ways for the older generation to bless the new couple.

This bread is even more important to the couple itself. Besides the blessings of their parents the bread is also a symbol of power and sharing. They each take a bite of this bread and whoever has taken the biggest bite is assumed to be the head of the family. This is a visual prop to allow them to see the give and take of marriage.

Toasts are an important part of American marriages. They are tools in which individuals who are close to the couple can share. In traditional Russian weddings this is no different. The speaker stands and once they are finished everyone takes a drink and cheers.

 In a traditional Russian wedding after the toasted is made the glasses are thrown on the ground. It is believe to be an omen of good luck when the glass shatters on impact. But if the pieces of the glass draw blood from anyone standing around this can be a sign of bad luck. It's a lesson for the newlyweds as well. You always have to take care.

Krazha Nevesty means "stealing the bride". This is just what you think it would be. It is one of the most interesting customs within the traditional Russian wedding. The bride can be snatched up if the groom is not paying close attention to her!

Wedding celebrations can quickly turn into a bad nightmare for the groom if he's not watching his woman closely. Friends and family of the groom will execute elaborate schemes in order to kidnap his bride and force him to pay a random to get her back.

There are a great many things you have to remember if you are planning to join the growing group of Russian brides. Above all the rest, though, you have to keep in mind that you are about to get married. This should be one of the happiest days of your life no matter how you celebrate it. So get out there and be happy.