Great Destination Weddings 2020 Annual Vol. 9 No. 9 | Page 80

Mauritius

Weddings here vary depending on the couple’s religion and ethnicity. Indian weddings involve the couple walking around a fire pit during the ceremonies. A Muslim wedding requires the groom to give a dowry, and when toasting, the couple will drink from the same cup to signify their shared lives.

Japan

The traditional Japanese ceremony is Shinto-style, where the bride and groom wear kimonos and the ceremony is performed by a Shinto priest at a shrine. Wedding couples in Japan drink sake from three different cups during the ceremony. The ritual, called san san kudo, toasts to love, wisdom and happiness.

Singapore

This country’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures means distinctive weddings. Couples receive red envelopes filled with cash – some claim this represents part of the wedding costs. A betrothal ceremony is also held, where the groom gives the bride’s family a special betrothal basket and receives his bride’s dowry.

Bali

A wedding on the “Island of the Gods” is filled with ritual. A lively procession kicks it off, with the groom accompanied by his family, spear carriers and bearers of offerings and gifts, together with a crashing soundtrack of gamelans, gongs and pennants. When the group reaches the bride’s home, she joins the procession, which finishes with a purification ritual to cleanse the bride and groom of negative energies.

Italy

Italian weddings are all about romance and, naturally, an appetite for love and life! Superstitious brides rip their veils for good luck, and rather than roping clanging cans to the back of the wedding car, Italians decorate the front grill with flowers to pave the road to la dolce vita (the sweet life). Of course, good food is always the focus at Italian weddings, with up to 14 courses served at the reception feast.

ALL Photos: Adobe Stock & Fotolia

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