In Russia, weddings are not celebrated in the typical ways, they hold centuries-old stories and traditions. Each ceremony follows a specific custom of choice that has been meticulously crafted to bring joy to the couple and the guests alike. They hold a playful edge that balances the rituals. Well, we are going to walk through the top 15 most fascinating and beloved traditions in Russian weddings. Let us get to it!
The Bride’s Ransom (Kidnapping Game)
Yes, you didn’t read that wrong. A kidnapping game as opposed to your typical dowry payment.
The bride’s family or friends usually kidnap her before the ceremony. The groom must then complete a series of amusing challenges like singing, dancing, or trivia about his beloved to win her back.
If he fails, he has to pay a ransom in chocolates, flowers, or cash. Sometimes they even trick him with a stand-in bride like a relative in costume, until he shells out for the real one.
The Civil Ceremony (ZAGS Signing)
This is the part where marriage becomes legal. The bride and groom start by signing the official wedding papers during a quick ceremony. Sometimes they even opt to do this quietly even before the big celebration even starts. The civil rite usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes.
Betrothal in the Church
In a traditional Orthodox ceremony, the bride and groom usually stand at the church entrance where they then exchange their vows and receive lighted candles that have been blessed by the priest. These candles are said to represent purity, joy, and spiritual warmth.
Bread-and-Salt Welcome
As the newlyweds leave either the registry or church, depending on the type of wedding they had had, they are greeted by family with bread and salt presented on an embroidered towel. This is usually as a symbol of hospitality, prosperity, and long-lasting unity on their marriage journey.
Crowning Ceremony
This is the heart of an Orthodox wedding. The priest places ornate crowns on the heads of the bride and groom. This is to signify their unity as the king and queen of their own household. They then drink wine from a common cup and then circle the altar three times, which is a symbolism of the journey of life together.
Smashing Crystal Glasses
After the formalities of signing the wedding papers, the parents of the bride and groom hand each newlywed a crystal glass which they are supposed to smash. According to the Russian wedding customs, each glass fragment is said to represent a happy year in married life. The more glass pieces there are, the brighter the future of the marriage is seen and believed to be.
Releasing Balloons or Doves
The beauty of Russian weddings lies in the symbolic acts of many of these wedding rituals.
In this one, the bride and groom are expected to either release a balloon bearing the bride’s maiden name, or two white doves. This symbolizes fidelity, peace, and welcoming the bride into a new family identity.
Tour Around the City (Road Trip)
Imagine taking a road trip with your spouse right after having the wedding of your dreams.
Well, in Russia it is no longer an imagination, the bride and groom indeed take part in this as a wedding tradition.
Typically, post-ceremony, the newlyweds often with friends and a photographer, embark on a styled tour in a limo or car convoy to capture moments at meaningful landmarks.
In Saint Petersburg, stops might include the Bronze Horseman statue, Senate Square, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Playful Reception Games
Think Russian weddings are where all the fun ends? Well think again. Because Russian receptions overflow with games. Typically, newlyweds might race to change a diaper or dress a doll, guests vote on the couple’s first child’s gender by placing money on pink or blue plates, or even a decoy couple fools the crowd into a frantic search!
Guests Pay for Plates
This is unlike the usual weddings. Here guests often pay for their plates, glasses, or utensils or simply throw cash onto the floor at the reception. The bride then collects it, and it becomes a meaningful gift to help start the couple’s life together.
Biting Salty Bread (Korovai)
Before leaving, the bride and groom share a bite of a round, heavily salted loaf, often called a korovai. In such a ceremony, whoever takes the bigger bite is believed to be the future head of the family.
Bride-Napping II
Just when you thought it was over, the guests literally kidnap the bride during the reception. To bring her back, the groom must pay up again, keeping the celebratory energy alive.
Gorko! (“Bitter!”)
It doesn’t get more fun than this honestly! At toasts throughout the night, the guests shout “Gorko!” which means bitter. This serves as a prompt to the couple who have to kiss to sweeten the drink. The guests then count how long the smooch lasts. The longer the kiss, the stronger their bond is said to be.
Cleaning the Floor
Once seated, guests toss coins and sometimes chocolates or rice onto the floor near the newlyweds. It is playfully the bride’s job to clean it up. Which in Russia is a quirky gesture rooted in wishing prosperity upon the couple.
The Tamada & Late-Night Revelry
Here, a professional entertainer or toastmaker normally called a tamada, guides the reception.
The tamada leads the wedding toasts, organizes any singing contests, and makes sure the party never drops. Between dances, songs, and a few friendly teasing games, weddings often stretch into multiple days of laughter, food, and shared joy.
Wrapping up
By now it is pretty clear that Russian weddings have their own style to it. They all have symbolic meanings woven between laughter and communal joy.
From the bride kidnappings to the sacred crowning ritual of an Orthodox wedding, each custom, be it smashing glasses or the beautiful and romantic Gorko kiss, make the day unforgettable.
So, which custom did you find most fascinating and why?
