19 Stunning Wedding Dresses From Around the World
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A wedding is such a personal occasion, and no two brides are exactly alike, but we all obsess over our own dress shape, veil length, and shoe height just the same. And since women on every continent embrace the traditions of their families and cultures, each celebration is beautiful and unique in its own way.
So, if you've ever wondered what a bride across the world might look like (no, a friend's destination wedding doesn't count), this is your chance to take a peek at how women all over the globe dress to say their "I dos." You'll be surprised by the gorgeous details that unite you, as well as the remarkable ones you've never seen before.
Russia
To battle the cold weather, a bride in Russia sported a white fur shawl over her wedding dress.
Ethiopia
An Ethiopian bride wore a white wedding gown and veil while a matching flower girl sat beside her.
Turkmenistan
In Turkmenistan, a bride traditionally wears a red dress and embellished headdress. Talismans and a forward-facing veil are meant to protect her against evil forces.
China
The color red is considered a symbol of love and prosperity, and traditional dresses in China often come in red with gold or silver embroidery.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lankan tradition, brides wear a gold, cream, or red sari and wedding jewelry as well as a hair ornament. The groom wears a mul anduma, an ornately draped outfit that can take over 30 minutes to put on.
Thailand
During a wedding ceremony in Thailand, brides dress themselves in traditional Thai costumes based on one of six distinct periods of Thai history.
Malaysia
Many Malaysian couples choose to wear traditional Malay attire to their wedding. Often, the clothing is made of a handwoven fabric called songket.
Japan
If a couple chooses a Shinto ceremony, both the bride and groom wear traditional kimonos. In this ceremony, the bride wore all white and sported a white headdress known as a tsunokakushi.
Macedonia
A bride wore a traditional red costume with silver-and-gold coins tied around the waist and silk-and-gold strings handsewn throughout. Keeping with Macedonian tradition, the bride looked through her wedding ring to view the groom.
Indonesia
While dresses vary greatly according to regional tradition, many brides wear heavily embroidered costumes in bright colors.
India
In many parts of India, it is tradition for a bride to wear a red sari since the color is auspicious.
Italy
A bride's long veil and trail danced behind her on the streets of Sicily, Italy.
France
A Parisian bride and groom wore traditional Western black-and-white looks for their big day.
Spain
In Spain, a bride accessorized with a fan as a nod to the tradition of flamenco.
England
For her wedding day, an English bride wore a long silk gown with a hooded top.
Bolivia
A bride wore a long veil and floral headband paired with white separates and a long gold necklace.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, it is traditional for a bride to wear a crown made of myrtle or periwinkle.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, a bride wore a bright-yellow dress and matching headpiece.