Even though weddings in European countries have become modernized, some old traditions and customs are still respected in each of them, and Sweden is no exception.
First of all, a Swedish bride is given three rings by her groom: the first one when they get engaged, the second one at the wedding ceremony, and the third one after the couple’s first child is born.
The wedding ceremony usually starts in the afternoon, and many couples choose to get married in summer when the days are warmer and longer. It is not usual for the father to give the bride away at the ceremony, but the bride and the groom walk the isle together, which symbolizes the beginning of their marriage journey. The bride would traditionally wear a bridal crown made of myrtle leaves, which would symbolize her purity and serve to protect her from evil spirits. However, in modern days this crown is substituted with a bridal veil or a modern tiara. The bride traditionally wears coins in her shoes: silver coin from her father in the left one, and golden coin from her mother in the right one, which symbolizes the wish of good fortune and prosperity.
Swedish weddings are quite simple and minimalistic, and instead of having a best man and a maid of honor with several bridesmaids and ushers, the couples tend to have only one best man and one bridesmaid.
After the official ceremony is finished, the guest toss rice at the newlyweds, and the ceremony goes on with a party. The brides in Sweden get to keep their bouquets, since the tradition of tossing the bouquet is not followed in this country. At the party, it is common for the guests to give speeches, and Swedish weddings are famous for the speeches which can sometimes last throughout the whole dinner.
There is another interesting custom and it involves kissing – if the bride leaves the room during the reception, all the other women are allowed to kiss the groom, and the the other way around. Therefore, for those who are jealous and plan to get married in Sweden – they should make sure not to leave the party.
