Korean weddings are full of tradition, from “hanbok” (traditional Korean clothing) to processional parades. Today, many of these traditions have been modernized, including the presentation of the goose (“jeonanyrye”). Historically, the groom would gift his new mother-in-law a real goose as a symbol of his commitment to his wife, as geese mate for life. Nowadays, the groom’s family will gift wooden wedding ducks called “won-ang seteu.”

A tradition originating in Victorian-era England dictates that a bride needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.” Most of these items can be seen on the bride or during the ceremony, as gifts and accessories given by family and friends. The items are all meant as luck charms to ward off evil.

One of the most important parts of a traditional New Orleans wedding is the "second line" parade. Typically, a band leads the way as the wedding party and guests sashay their way out of the ceremony. The newly married couple take their place in the front, holding decorative parasols. With handkerchiefs in hand, the guests form the “second line” behind the couple before entering the wedding reception.

Marriage coins (“las arras matrimoniales”) are popular for Catholic weddings in Mexico and other Latin American countries. During the ceremony, 13 gold coins that were gifted to the couple are blessed by the pastor in front of the guests. The groom then presents the coins to his bride as a gift to signify the groom’s commitment to the marriage. The 13 coins represent Jesus and his 12 apostles.

In Greek Orthodox weddings, the highlight of the ceremony is the “crowning.” During this ritual, the priest places a crown, known as a “stefana,” on each partner’s head and gives a blessing. The crowns are attached by a single ribbon, symbolizing their union. Like many Greek wedding traditions, the crowning dates back to ancient times.

Peruvian weddings are vibrant, colorful affairs with many historical rituals. One of these rituals, called the cake pull, comes during the reception. An inexpensive ring is attached to a ribbon and placed inside the cake. Single women are invited to pull one of the many ribbons attached to the cake, and the lucky one who finds the ring is supposedly the next to marry.

This traditional cake goes by a few different names: Christmas cake, fruit cake, black cake, and rum cake. It's the cake of choice for weddings across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, though each country has its own take on the recipe. The cake gets its name from its dark brown color and rich flavor. Traditionally, it’s made with dried fruits and spices and soaked in local rum and wine.

The Celtic tradition of handfasting has made its way into wedding ceremonies around the world, but it comes from ancient Ireland and Scotland, originating around 7000 BCE. Back then, if a couple decided to wed, they were brought before a priest and had one hand tied to their partner’s with a braided cord or a ribbon. This meant that they were promised to each other for life.

Mehndi — the art of painting elaborate body art designs with henna — has been part of Indian weddings for centuries. Since ancient times, henna was thought to have medicinal properties, and putting it on the hands and feet of the bride was believed to calm nerves. The ritual usually occurs the day before the wedding and involves the bride and her closest family and friends.

Sake, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, has been part of Japanese culture for centuries, so it’s no surprise that it’s worked its way into Japanese weddings. Traditionally, the sake-sharing ceremony is part of weddings of the Shinto religion. During the ritual, called “san san kudo,” the bride and groom drink sake from the same cup, uniting them as husband and wife.