Wedding is one of the most important, most sacred and most celebrated occasions in countries across the world. Fundamental to all and any kind of wedding ceremonies are rituals and traditions that are spread over couple of or more days before and after wedding. All societies and cultures have developed their own set of rituals and customs for solemnizing a marriage. Faith of people in these customs is so strong that even after centuries these traditions are followed with total regard and enthusiasm. Though traditions and customs followed in one part of the world may be entirely different from what is followed in any other part, the essential meaning and significance of wedding rituals remains the same at all places and in all societies. Everywhere a wedding marks the blissful union of man and a woman as husband and wife.

Here is an attempt to unravel the meaning behind the various wedding traditions and customs observed in various parts of the world. The customs and traditions described in these pages may vary due to geographical and cultural differences.

Please click on the links below to know about marriage traditions followed in particular societies.