Are you looking to add a unique twist to your upcoming nuptials?
Why not consider incorporating some Finnish wedding traditions into your special day?
From traditional attire and ceremony customs to reception rituals and gift-giving practices – there are so many fun ways that couples can honor their heritage or make their big day stand out from the crowd.
Let’s look at all the exciting elements associated with Finnish wedding traditions.
Finnish Wedding Traditions
Pre-Wedding Traditions
1. The Proposal
Proposing marriage in Finland is a very personal and intimate experience, and there is no one “right” way to do it.
Many Finns choose to propose in a location that holds special meaning for them and their partner, such as a spot where they first met or a favorite place they have visited together.
Some might choose to make a romantic gesture by arranging a surprise trip or special event, while others might prefer a more low-key and private proposal at home.
2. Pre-Wedding Celebrations
It is common for Finnish people to have bachelor or bachelorette parties before their wedding.
These parties are typically organized by the couple’s closest friends and involve a night out or weekend getaway to celebrate the upcoming wedding.
The activities can vary but often include drinking, dancing, and other forms of entertainment.
Some may also choose to do more low-key activities such as spa days or outdoor adventures.
Ceremony Traditions
Finland is a country with many unique wedding traditions. Couples often incorporate traditional elements during the ceremony to make their day special and memorable.
3. The Venue
The type of venue a Finnish couple would choose for their wedding can vary depending on their personal preferences and budget. However, some popular options include:
-
Churches. Many Finnish couples choose to get married in a church, mainly if they are religious. There are many beautiful and historic churches throughout the country that offer a traditional and romantic setting for a wedding.
-
Outdoor venue. Finland is known for its natural beauty, so it’s no surprise that many couples opt for an outdoor wedding in a park, garden, or forest. This can be a great option for those who want a more casual and laid-back atmosphere.
-
Hotels and banquet halls. For a more formal and elegant wedding, many Finnish couples choose to have their reception in a hotel or banquet hall. These venues often offer catering services, a dance floor, and other amenities to help make the day extra special.
-
Private homes or estates. Some couples may choose to have their wedding at a private home or estate, particularly if they have a large property or know someone who does. This can offer a more intimate and personalized setting for the wedding.
4. Attire
Traditionally, Finnish couples wear formal attire on their wedding day, with the bride wearing a white wedding dress and the groom wearing a dark suit or tuxedo.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend for more casual and modern wedding attire, with some couples opting for more colorful or unconventional outfits.
Regardless of the style, the bride and groom typically coordinate their outfits to complement each other.
Finnish brides have a few key accessories to complement their wedding dresses on their wedding day.
They often wear a veil, which is a symbol of purity and modesty. The veil can be short or long, depending on the bride’s preference and the style of the dress.
Some Finnish brides also choose to wear a crown or tiara, particularly if they are having a more traditional or formal wedding.
These accessories can be made of pearls, crystals, or other materials and add an elegant touch to the overall look.
In terms of jewelry, Finnish brides typically wear simple and understated pieces, such as pearl or diamond earrings, a delicate necklace, or a bracelet.
Finally, a comfortable and stylish pair of shoes is an important accessory for the Finnish bride.
Many brides opt for high heels or flats that match the dress and are easier to walk in.
5. Processional and Recessional
The processional is when the bride walks down the aisle accompanied by her father or another family member.
The recessional marks the end of the ceremony as newlyweds walk back up together.
In Finland, brides typically wear white gowns and carry bouquets of wildflowers native to Finland, such as bluebells, buttercups, daisies, or forget-me-nots.
6. Exchange of Vows and Rings
Finnish weddings do not typically have traditional unity rituals, such as lighting a unity candle or pouring sand into a container.
However, a few customs and traditions can be seen as symbolic of unity and commitment between the bride and groom.
For example, during the wedding ceremony, it’s common for the couple to exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.
In addition, the bride and groom may also participate in a tradition known as “kättely,” where they shake hands with each guest after the ceremony.
This is seen as a way to honor and show respect to the guests who have come to celebrate the couple’s special day.
Another custom that is sometimes practiced by Finnish couples is the “wishing tree.”
This involves placing a tree or branch in the reception area and attaching small cards or tags to it.
Guests can write their well-wishes and advice for the couple on the cards, which are then collected and kept as a memento of the wedding.
While Finnish weddings may not have specific unity rituals, these customs and traditions can still serve as meaningful and symbolic ways to honor the bond between the bride and groom.
Reception Traditions
7. Speeches and Toasts
Speeches and toasts are a traditional part of Finnish weddings. The father of the bride, groom, best man, maid of honor, or other close family members usually give speeches at the reception.
These speeches often include stories about the couple’s relationship and wishes for their future. Afterward, guests can raise their glasses in a toast to the newlyweds.
8. Food and Drink Traditions
Food is an important part of any wedding celebration in Finland.
Traditional dishes like herring salad or salmon soup may be served as appetizers, while main courses could include roast beef with mashed potatoes or pork tenderloin with boiled potatoes.
There might be cake or ice cream topped with fresh berries for dessert. As for drinks, beer is typically served alongside sparkling wine during dinner and vodka shots after dinner.
9. Music and Dancing
Depending on the couple’s personal preferences and the event’s overall theme, many types of music may be played at a typical Finnish wedding.
However, a few traditional songs and dances are frequently incorporated into the festivities.
For instance, the bride and groom frequently dance their first dance as a married pair to the traditional dance known as the “häävalssi,” or bridal waltz.
The foxtrot, jive, and tango are some other well-liked dance forms.
Finnish weddings may include contemporary pop or rock music, traditional dance songs, and well-known Finnish musicians and bands.
Live music from local bands is also common at receptions.
Generally speaking, the music played at a Finnish wedding is intended to foster a cheerful and joyous environment for the ceremony.
Dancing is also an essential part of Finnish weddings.
Popular dances such as polka or tango are often performed by the bride and groom first before inviting all guests onto the dance floor.
10. Finnish Wedding Superstitions
There are several Finnish wedding superstitions that some couples still practice today.
These include collecting coins during the reception for financial prosperity, stepping on each other’s toes during the wedding dance as a symbol of tolerance, breaking a dish to represent the number of happy years together, and seeing a rainbow on the wedding day as a sign of good luck.
While not everyone takes these superstitions seriously, they can add a fun and meaningful touch to the celebration.
Gift-Giving Traditions
11. Gift-giving
This is a popular tradition at weddings. Guests often give the couple gifts to help them start their life together, while the couple may give gifts in return to show appreciation for those who have helped plan and support their wedding day.
Gifts for the Couple from Guests
Guests typically bring presents such as home decor items or jewelry to give to the newlyweds on their special day.
Often, money or gift cards are gifted to the couple.
This can be an excellent way for guests to show how much they care about the couple and wish them well in their future together.
Some couples also register at stores so guests know what type of gift they would like most.
Gifts for the Bridal Party from the Couple
The bridal party are usually close friends or family members of either bride or groom who have supported them throughout the planning and on their big day itself.
To thank them, many couples give each bridal party member a token of appreciation, such as personalized jewelry, clothing items with custom embroidery, or other thoughtful gifts that will remind them of this special occasion forever.
12. The Honeymoon
Finnish couples typically take a honeymoon after their wedding.
The duration and location of the honeymoon can vary depending on the couple’s preferences and budget.
Some may choose to take a short trip within Finland, perhaps to a scenic location or a spa, while others may opt for a longer trip abroad to a tropical destination or a cultural hotspot.
Regardless of the location, the honeymoon is seen as a chance for the newlyweds to spend quality time together and celebrate their new life as a married couple.
Conclusion
Finnish wedding traditions are a unique and special way to celebrate your union.
From the traditional attire, ceremony rituals, reception festivities, and gift-giving customs – there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering or a grand affair, these
Finnish wedding traditions will make your day even more memorable. So take some time to explore how you can incorporate these beautiful customs into your celebration.
