The five quirkiest wedding traditions from across the globe

by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing Consultant

Many people refer to their wedding day as the best day of their lives and adding your own unique touches can help make the day extra special. Wedding traditions differ depending on culture and country, but some cultural traditions may seem strange to someone who is unfamiliar with them. Here, Angelic Diamonds, suppliers of stunning engagement rings, take a look at the five quirkiest wedding traditions from across the globe.

1. A stand-in wedding

In Montana, you don’t even have to be present at your own wedding ceremony. Due to a ‘double proxy’ clause, in wedding laws, the state outlines the example of members of the armed forces who may wish to marry but cannot be physically present to do so. The couple can get stand-ins for themselves, so if being the centre of attention doesn’t do it for you then this could be a potential solution!

2. Making a spectacle

In Monaco, tradition dictates that you must let the local community know about your wedding at least 10 days before the ceremony. You can do so by leaving a note at the door of the Town Hall. If you’ve already had to scale down on evening guests, then be thankful that you don’t have to abide to this French rule.

3. Betrothed from beyond

Although this is a slightly morbid one, the French have a marriage law which goes beyond the grave. In France, a person can legally marry a deceased person. For example, if you have fallen for someone and you had planned to tie the knot, but they die before you can, then you can go ahead with the union. Any posthumous marriage must be approved by the person’s next of kin though, and some people take comfort in this fulfilment of an individual’s wishes.

4. Against the law

Most men fall back on the tried and tested plan of buying flowers when they forget a birthday or anniversary. But women in Samoa can put their husbands in the dog house for being more than just forgetful. If a man forgets his wife’s birthday, then he has broken the law according to the country’s laws. So, best set a reminder or keep a diary if you aren’t 100% sure!

5. Marrying the family

America is home to many obscure laws, even outside of marriage. But where a partnership is concerned, there are some interesting laws which apply. In Utah, it is perfectly legal to marry your first cousin if you are both over the age of 55. End the fret about having to take your spouse’s questionable surname and simply marry in to the one you’ve already got! The age limit relates mainly to the prohibition of inter-familial reproduction, as this age is regarded as exceeding the age of natural conception.