Russian Wedding Traditions and Etiquette – Complete Guide

Looking for wedding traditions in Russia? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Russian 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 Russian traditions, this article is organized into:

Unique Russian Wedding Traditions

Russian weddings are steeped in tradition and cultural significance, with customs that have been passed down through generations. Here are some unique Russian wedding traditions:

• Bread and Salt Ceremony (Хлеб-соль): This tradition symbolizing hospitality and the welcoming of the newlyweds into their new life together is deeply rooted in Russian culture and is often considered an essential part of the wedding ceremony.
• The Wedding Procession (Свадебный кортеж): The grand and festive bridal procession, with the bride and groom traveling to the wedding venue accompanied by musicians, dancers, and well-wishers, is a highly anticipated and cherished aspect of Russian weddings.
• The Wedding Crowns (Венчание): The exchange of wedding crowns during Orthodox Russian weddings is a symbolically rich tradition that highlights the couple’s commitment to each other and their faith, making it one of the most significant moments of the ceremony.

Traditional Russian Wedding Attire

Russian wedding attire reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and varies depending on the region and the couple’s personal preferences. Here’s a glimpse into the traditional Russian wedding attire:

• Bride’s Attire:

• • • Sarafan or Kokoshnik: In traditional Russian weddings, the bride may wear a sarafan, a long, sleeveless dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt, often adorned with intricate embroidery, lace, or beading. Alternatively, she may opt for a kokoshnik, a traditional Russian headdress adorned with jewels, pearls, and intricate designs. The kokoshnik is often paired with a veil and worn as a symbol of beauty and femininity.
    • White Wedding Dress: Modern Russian brides often choose to wear a white wedding dress, similar to Western traditions, symbolizing purity and innocence. The dress may be elaborate or simple, depending on the bride’s preferences and the formality of the wedding.
    • Shawl or Scarf: The bride may also wear a shawl or scarf, known as a platok or platok-kokoshnik, draped over her shoulders as a symbol of modesty and protection.

• Groom’s Attire:

• • • Kosovorotka or Suit: The groom typically wears a kosovorotka, a traditional Russian shirt with a standing collar and a slit neck, paired with trousers and a waistcoat. Alternatively, he may opt for a formal suit, often in dark colors such as black, navy blue, or gray.
    • Ushanka or Papakha: In colder regions of Russia, the groom may wear a fur hat called an ushanka or a papakha, a traditional Caucasian hat made of sheepskin or fur, to keep warm during outdoor ceremonies.

• Accessories:

• • • Wedding Rings: The exchange of wedding rings is an essential part of Russian wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the couple’s commitment to each other and their union in marriage.
    • Bridal Bouquet: The bride carries a bouquet of flowers, often roses, lilies, or peonies, symbolizing love, beauty, and fertility.
    • Sash or Belt: Both the bride and groom may wear a decorative sash or belt, often embroidered or embellished with traditional motifs, as a symbol of unity and prosperity.
• Footwear: The bride may wear boots or dress shoes, depending on the formality of the wedding and her personal style. The groom typically wears dress shoes, such as oxfords or loafers, to complement his attire.

How to Say “Best Wishes” in Russian?

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

“С наилучшими пожеланиями” (S nailuchshimi pozhelaniyami)

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

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

Russian Wedding Gifting Etiquette


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

Do’s in Gifting


• Bring a gift for the newlyweds, such as something sweet like cake, chocolates, candies, or a pastry. This is known as bringing “something for tea” (chto-nibud’ k chayu).
• Be prepared to pay for the utensils (glasses, plates, cutlery) you use at the wedding reception. This is a unique Russian tradition to help raise money for the couple.
• Consider giving other gifts like clothes, jewelry, or household items in addition to or instead of money.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Don’t gift an empty wallet: In Russian culture, giving an empty wallet as a present is seen as wishing financial hardships on the couple, so it is best to avoid this gesture.
• Avoid bringing a large gift to the wedding: Instead of bringing a large gift to the wedding, it is recommended to shop from the couple’s registry and have the item shipped directly to them. This way, the couple won’t have to worry about transporting gifts home at the end of the celebration.
• Don’t feel pressured to spend beyond your means: There is no set amount that you should spend on a wedding gift. It is advised to buy a gift based on your relationship with the couple and what you can comfortably afford. It’s important not to feel pressured to buy something that is beyond your budget.

The “Buyout” of the Bride (Выкуп невесты)

The “buyout” of the bride is a playful and lighthearted tradition where the groom and his groomsmen must negotiate with the bride’s friends and family to “purchase” the bride’s hand in marriage. This involves completing various challenges or tasks, such as answering trivia questions, performing dances, or paying symbolic ransom money. Once the groom successfully completes the buyout, he is allowed to see the bride and proceed with the wedding ceremony.

The Wedding Toasts (Тосты)

Russian weddings are known for their elaborate and heartfelt toasts, where family members, friends, and guests raise their glasses to the newlyweds and offer words of congratulations, blessings, and well-wishes. It’s customary for guests to give multiple toasts throughout the evening, often accompanied by traditional Russian songs and music.

The Wedding Games and Traditions (Свадебные игры и обряды)

Russian weddings are full of fun and entertaining games and traditions designed to bring joy and laughter to the celebration. These may include the breaking of dishes for good luck, the tossing of coins for prosperity, and the spinning of the bride for fertility. These games and traditions add an element of whimsy and excitement to the festivities, creating lasting memories for the couple and their guests.

Conclusion

Celebrating weddings in Russia 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!