Weddings worldwide vary in their customs and atmosphere, offering unique experiences for the couple and those attending. This blog takes a closer look at the wedding traditions of Iceland, America, and Korea, highlighting the similarities and differences. From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the well-established customs in America and the rich traditions of Korean weddings, each celebration tells a special cultural story that shapes the essence of these unions.
In the rich tapestry of Icelandic weddings, tradition traces its roots to economic transactions between families, a practice not uncommon on a global scale. Despite this historical backdrop, modern Icelandic weddings have evolved into sentimental and emotionally charged affairs. The symbolic act of the father walking the bride down the aisle and participants standing and switching seats throughout the ceremony, adds a touch of personal connection to the event. While contemporary Icelandic weddings are commonly held in religious buildings and are relatively brief, ancient counterparts contrastingly unfolded outdoors over the span of multiple days. A glimpse into the culinary aspect reveals the traditional Icelandic wedding “cake,” known as Kransakaka, an almond pastry that adds a sweet note to the celebration. Icelandic wedding traditions, as well as many other wedding traditions around the globe, uphold a necessity for the married couple to practice monogamy throughout the duration of their relationship and the establishment of a potential family. Monogamy is the practice of engaging in one romantic and matrimonial relationship with one partner during your lifetime, and a family is a group of two or more people who are related by blood, marriage, adoption, or mutual commitment.
In the tapestry of modern American weddings, various traditions and stereotypes shape the ceremony, akin to the diversity seen in weddings worldwide. American weddings are almost always associated with a monogamous relationship that results from traditional examples of socialization and courting. Socialization is the activity of mixing socially with others, and relationships in 
America (particularly heteronormative ones) are assumed to be products of traditional dating and courting. One commonality shared with Icelandic weddings is the significance of the bride’s attire. In America, much like many other places globally, brides often wear white, symbolizing purity, birth, and opportunity. Unlike the almond pastry, Kransakaka, in Iceland, the traditional American wedding cake takes the form of a sponge cake with frosting adorning its exterior. Another shared tradition is the anticipation built around the moment when the bride and groom first see each other, often upheld in both American and Icelandic weddings. The exchange of rings and vows during this ceremony further ties these two traditions together. Additionally, the symbolic act of the father walking the bride down the aisle resonates in American weddings, echoing a sentiment familiar in Icelandic nuptial customs. Some American weddings today, like many other global wedding traditions, also continue to promote the reproduction of married individuals and the establishment of a nuclear family. Nuclear families are a form of family structure in which a heteronormative couple has children, with the father working and providing economic stability while the mother may work but is also responsible for household and child-related duties. A family structure is the total number of individuals who comprise a family and their relationships with one another. Nuclear families are not the only family structure that can be held in modern society around the globe.
Much like Icelandic and American weddings, Korean wedding ceremonies boast a rich tapestry of traditions, each contributing to the essence of a traditional Korean wedding. A cornerstone of these ceremonies is the use of Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing known for its vibrant colors, made primarily from silk. While Hanbok is a common choice, individuals in Korean weddings, similar to Icelandic and American traditions, may opt for a suit and gown. The significance of color also parallels these cultural celebrations; traditionally, the groom dons blue while the bride wears red, distinct from the predominant white seen in American weddings. Another shared aspect is the practice of presenting gifts, although the form differs. Korean weddings favor cash gifts, aligning with various global traditions, while American weddings, among others, often employ gift registries. Delving into ancient Korean wedding customs, the Jeonanyrye stands out, where the groom presents the mother of the bride with a wild goose, adding a unique touch to the celebration.
