| Want to make your wedding extra special? | | | | infinity symbol. |
| Consider choosing elements from traditional | | | | Finland |
| wedding ceremonies around the world! | | | | Brides of old in Finland got to wear a crown of |
| Here are some of the ways lovers come | | | | gold, which was featured in their "Dance of the |
| together for a lifetime in different cultures. You | | | | Crowns." The crown, a gold-colored wreath |
| may find some unique ideas to personalize your | | | | wrapped prettily around the bride's head, was |
| own day of days. | | | | used to crown another maiden during the dance. |
| Africa | | | | Ireland |
| Did you know that in some modern-day African | | | | Instead of the usual white wedding cake, Irish |
| tribes, the wrists of the bride and groom are still | | | | wedding receptions feature a brandy or bourbon |
| bound with braided grass ties to symbolize their | | | | soaked fruit cake, heavy on the spice! |
| union? | | | | Italy |
| Spain | | | | In Italy, the wedding guests toss what they call |
| The brides of early Spain got to wear what may | | | | "confetti," which is not colored paper, but almonds |
| be the most beautiful of all wedding headdresses: | | | | sprinkled with sugar. You will almost surely find |
| Delicate lace mantillas over the hair with orange | | | | these almonds gathered into pretty nets, tied with |
| blossoms judiciously tucked in! | | | | a bow and given out as thank-you's to wedding |
| China | | | | guests. |
| The color of love in China is red, and the bridal | | | | Poland |
| gown was a brilliant red until just recently in that | | | | This country originated what's known as "the |
| country. Party favors, flowers, candles and so on | | | | money dance," a popular custom which has now |
| were also typically a bright and glowing scarlet. | | | | made its way into many other culture's wedding |
| Russia | | | | parties. The guests dance with the couple and pin |
| Party favors to express appreciation to the | | | | money to their clothes to give them a little start |
| wedding guests include tiny pictures, small candies | | | | in their new life. |
| or other exquisite little items. | | | | Germany |
| Mexico | | | | A lovely idea for using candles comes to us from |
| Several nice traditions still survive in old Mexican | | | | Germany. The custom is for the wedding couple |
| wedding ceremonies. One custom encircles the | | | | to both hold decorated candles, which are then lit |
| bride and groom in a loose lasso made of some | | | | when the ceremony concludes. |
| pretty, soft cord twisted into a figure eight or | | | | Happy wedding; blessed life! |