We are all aware of the custom American wedding traditions – tossing the bouquet, something borrowed and something blue, exchanging of the rings and lighting a unity candle. But how many of you are aware of all the other amazing cultures and traditions that are happening around the world? That’s what this monthly blog is for – join us every month to dig into the spectacular wedding traditions of countries all around the world!

Armenia prides itself on being the first to formally adopt Christianity in the early 4th century, so it’s no secret that their weddings traditionally revolve around God and the Church. If you are planning on heading to an Armenian wedding anytime soon, here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

Photo: M&K Photography

THE KHOSK-KAP

It is respectable for the groom to ask the bride’s family for her hand in marriage before he proposes. This ‘asking of the hand’ is called a Khosk-Kap and entails a formal dinner organised by the families of both the bride and groom-to-be. It is usually held at the bride’s house and the families are expected to bring oral arrangements, chocolate and Armenian Cognac. Tea is served at the start, but no one should drink it until the bride’s family has agreed to the marriage. If agreed, both sides of the family then talk to one another and start to plan the wedding.

Photo: Harsanik

2. THE PILLOW SHARING

A popular Armenian saying that is used regularly is “May you grow old on one pillow.” This is a way to wish that the bride and groom will stay together forever and stitching this on a pillow as a wedding favour is extremely common in the Armenian culture.

Photo: Olivia Event Venue

3. THE RED DRESS

Traditionally, Armenian brides wore a red silk dress with a red and green cardboard crown. The crown is shaped like wings and covered with feathers which symbolises a dove. Doves are an important part of an Armenian wedding, with these birds released during the reception to show love and fortune throughout the newlywed’s married years. The colour palette of red and green is a symbol of life and sacrice to your groom, making it the perfect palette for the bride-to-be.

Photo: Harsanik

Photo: Olivia Event Venue

Photo: Albert Kaz Jewelry

4. CINDERELLA SHOES

The bride’s shoes will be held “hostage” until the groom pays the bride price to have it returned to her. Once it’s returned, the shoe is slipped onto the bride’s foot and her outfit is complete. Some traditions include also the brother placing money into the shoe before it gets placed onto the bride’s foot.

Photo: Sergey Green

5. COIN TOSS

As the bride and groom walk back up the aisle after the ceremony, guests throw coins at the couple as a symbol of wealth and success.

Photo: Image Haus

We hoped you enjoyed this and learned something new!

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