A traditional wedding day in Germany could actually last three days. First, German couples who are getting married must have a civil ceremony at the city center, which only family and close friends attend. After that a religious procedure is available.

What is a German wedding like?

A German bride traditionally carries a hand-tied floral bouquet, given to her by her partner at the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, like it many countries, the unmarried women gather behind the bride, who throws the bouquet over her back.

Who pays for a German wedding?

Wedding traditions in Germany differ from region to region. Here are some of the highlights: Car Procession – after the wedding a car procession is formed and drives through town honking their horns – others honk back wishing the couple good luck. Costs – the father of the bride has to pay the wedding.

What do you wear to a German wedding?

Historically, German brides would wear black dresses with while veils. Nowadays, however, brides in Germany have adopted more the more common tradition of wearing a white wedding dress, usually without a long train. German brides tend to wear more of a ballgown-style wedding dress, with a fingertip length veil.

What do guests do on Polterabend?

Polterabend is a German wedding custom in which, on the night before the wedding, the guests break porcelain to bring luck to the couples marriage.

Is it German tradition to kidnapping the bride?

Traditionally a bride is kidnapped by the groomsmen at some point during the reception who then drags her from bar to bar until the groom finds them. Once the groom has managed to locate his bride he is then expected to pay the cheeky kidnappers bill, as well as a round of drinks for everyone in the bar.

What finger do Germans wear their wedding rings on?

ring finger You might be wondering: what finger do Germans wear their wedding rings on? Unlike in the UK, Germans wear wedding rings on the ring finger of their right hand. Couples tend to opt for matching wedding bands, free of diamonds.

How do Germans get engaged?

The engagement ring in Germany is worn on the left hand ring finger while the wedding ring goes on the right hand. Right after the wedding ceremony, its an old custom to let the newly married couple saw a log placed on a sawbuck using a jigsaw. Its important to push and pull equally and well-paced.

Do they have bridal showers in Germany?

There is no such thing as a bridal shower in Germany. Brides-to-be are not showered with gifts in advance of showering them with more gifts, and while wedding plans involve many details, the industry built around them is miniscule compared to the North American version.

Why do Germans wear their rings on the right?

In Germany and the Netherlands, couples start by wearing their engagement rings on the left hand, and then when they are married, they move the wedding rings to the right hand to signify their change in social status.

Which countries wear wedding ring on right hand?

Today, wedding rings are most commonly worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. But some countries including India, Germany, Spain, Norway, and Russia traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand. Overall, it seems cultural traditions and norms set the standard for this custom.