Bulgarian Wedding Traditions and Etiquette – Complete Guide

Looking for wedding traditions in Bulgaria? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Bulgarian wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.

Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.

To help you explore Bulgarian traditions, this article is organized into:

Unique Bulgarian Wedding Traditions

Bulgarian weddings are steeped in tradition and symbolism, with customs that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and history. Here are some unique Bulgarian wedding traditions:

• The “Loud Engagement” (Golyama Svatba): Before the wedding ceremony, there is a tradition known as the “Loud Engagement,” where the families of the bride and groom formally announce the upcoming marriage to their communities. This announcement is accompanied by music, dancing, and the exchange of gifts, marking the official beginning of the wedding festivities.
• Bride’s Preparation Rituals: On the morning of the wedding day, the bride participates in several traditional rituals to prepare for the ceremony. These may include having her hair braided by her female relatives, being dressed in her bridal attire, and receiving blessings and well-wishes from family members.
• The Bread Ritual (Pita): During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom participate in a ritual known as the “Pita,” where they each take a piece of bread and dip it in honey and wine. This symbolizes the sweetness and prosperity of their union and their commitment to sharing life’s joys and sorrows together.
• The Wedding Horo: The horo is a traditional Bulgarian dance that is performed at weddings and other festive occasions. Guests join hands and dance in a circle, moving in a coordinated and rhythmic manner to the music. The horo symbolizes unity, community, and the joy of celebration, as guests come together to honor the newlyweds.
• The Breaking of the Bread (Kalenik): At the end of the wedding banquet, the bride and groom participate in the “Kalenik” ritual, where they break a loaf of bread together. The person who gets the larger piece is said to be the head of the household, responsible for providing for the family and making important decisions.
• The Bridal Veil Ritual (Sednalo): After the wedding ceremony, the bride’s veil is removed by her mother-in-law or another elder female relative. This symbolizes the bride’s transition into married life and her acceptance into her husband’s family.

Traditional Bulgarian Wedding Attire

Bulgarian wedding attire reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and regional diversity, with distinct styles and accessories that vary across different regions. Here’s a glimpse into the traditional Bulgarian wedding attire:

• Bride’s Attire:
  • Wedding Dress (Svatbena Roklq): The bride typically wears a beautiful wedding dress called a svatbena roklq. Traditional Bulgarian wedding dresses are often adorned with intricate embroidery, lace, and embellishments, reflecting the bride’s personal style and regional customs.
  • Veil (Voal): The bride may wear a veil called a voal, which symbolizes purity, modesty, and the transition into married life. The veil is often made of sheer fabric and may be embroidered or adorned with lace or floral motifs.

• Groom’s Attire:
  • Wedding Suit (Svatben Kostyum): The groom typically wears a formal wedding suit called a svatben kostyum. Traditional Bulgarian groom attire may include a tailored suit or a vest and trousers, often in dark colors such as black, navy blue, or gray.
  • Shirt and Tie (Riza i Vratovruzka): The groom pairs his suit with a crisp white dress shirt and a coordinating tie or bowtie. The shirt and tie add a polished and sophisticated touch to the groom’s ensemble, completing his wedding attire.

• Accessories:
  • Belt (Kolan): Both the bride and groom may wear a decorative belt called a kolan, which is often intricately embroidered or embellished with beads, sequins, or metallic thread. The belt symbolizes strength, unity, and prosperity in marriage.
  • Footwear: The bride may wear traditional Bulgarian leather sandals called opinki or stylish heels, while the groom typically wears dress shoes such as oxfords or loafers.
• Jewelry: Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelet: The bride may accessorize her wedding attire with jewelry such as earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet, often featuring pearls, gemstones, or intricate metalwork. 

How to Say “Best Wishes” in Bulgarian?

In Bulgarian, to express “Best Wishes,” especially in a wedding context, you can say:

“Най-добри пожелания” (Nay-dobri pozhelaniya)

This phrase conveys warm wishes and blessings for happiness and success. It’s a common expression used to offer congratulations and well-wishes to the newlyweds in Bulgarian culture.

Need more wedding wishes? Here is our full article on Wedding Wishes in Other Languages.

Bulgarian Wedding Gifting Etiquette


Gifting is an important part of Bulgarian wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s in Gifting


• The general rule for gift giving is that it is more about the thought than the value. The most important thing is that the gift reflects the thought and care you have for the couple, rather than its monetary value.
• Give gifts that will be useful to the newly wedded couple in their new home, such as kitchen appliances, home decor, and other items that would improve their life together.
• The recommended monetary gift amount is around 500 leva (Bulgarian currency) per person attending the wedding.
•  Euros are also acceptable.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Avoid giving chrysanthemums, lilies, or gladiolas as they are associated with funerals and should be avoided.
• Do not give an even number of gifts – stick to odd numbers.
• Do not give overly expensive gifts, as this may cause the recipient embarrassment.
• Do not show up empty-handed – you should bring appropriate gifts that would help the newly wedded couple with their new home.

Two Weddings: Civil and Church Marriage

Among the two, only civil marriage is mandatory, which involves signing the marriage register in front of witnesses. A civil marriage is a voluntary agreement between a man and a woman, officiated in the presence of witnesses and a legal official. On the other hand, a church marriage or wedding is a deeply significant tradition rooted in faith and cultural values, highly esteemed in Bulgarian culture.

The Greeting of the Bride (Brautschau)

Prior to the wedding ceremony, the groom arrives at the bride’s home to “collect” her for the wedding. However, he is met with a series of challenges and obstacles set up by the bride’s family and friends. These challenges, often playful and humorous, test the groom’s determination and commitment to marrying the bride. Once he successfully completes the tasks, he is granted permission to take the bride to the ceremony.

The Wedding Banquet (Svadba)

The wedding banquet, or svadba, is a central part of Bulgarian weddings, where family and friends gather to celebrate the newlyweds. The banquet typically features traditional Bulgarian cuisine, such as banitsa (cheese-filled pastry), kebapche (grilled minced meat), and shopska salad (a salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and feta cheese).

The Showering of Rice

As the newlyweds exit the wedding venue, guests shower them with rice, grains, or petals as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good luck. This ancient custom is believed to bless the couple with abundance and happiness in their marriage.

Conclusion

Celebrating weddings in Bulgaria goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.

Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!