Belarusian Wedding

Wedding Rituals, Ceremonies, and Observances in Belarus

The wedding bells are about to ring and you want to hold your special ceremony in Belarus. There are a number of things you want to learn to familiarize yourself with weddings in your motherland. This guide is your ultimate Belarus wedding best friend. Follow it keenly to arrange and hold an auspicious occasion.

It is a national tradition for Belarusian girls and young men to get married when they come of age. The wedding begins when the groom along with his family visits the bride’s home. A ritual known as the Bride’s Redemption is held there. It is an elaborate celebration where the groom shows his affection, love, and commitment to the girl.

The Bride’s Redemption Ritual

Bridesmaids meet the groom just outside the bride’s residence. They ask him a number of tricky questions to test his wit and character. These are mostly about the bride and their union. Everyone giggles and laughs as they enter the girl’s house. On each step, the groom is supposed to say lovely words such as ‘adorable’, ‘charming’, ‘loving’, and so on.

Questions about the bride’s personality are asked. Does she love or hate skating? What is the color of her eyes? Who was her first boyfriend? Each answer shows that he really knows her and that he will make her life happy. If these questions are too easy, the groom may be asked to perform more complicated tasks.

Belarusian Wedding Ceremony

Closely following the Bride’s Redemption is a session where the bride and groom exchange hugs and kisses. They then say a few words of appreciation to their families, relatives, friends, and guests. Next, they proceed to the government registry to receive their official wedding permit and certificate.

Modern Belarusian weddings are civil. At the registry, the couple is allowed to bring a few family members and friends to witness the ceremony. Here, a government official witnesses as they sign a wedding register and certificate. A copy remains at the office as the groom takes away the original document.

Once this ritual is performed, the couple is given a pair of white doves. They release the birds in the air at the same time, upon which the witnessing guests and family members applaud them. This symbolizes love, unity, peace and a life full of happiness.

Reception of a Belarusian Wedding

By now, the couple and wedding guests are pretty exhausted from all the movement, rituals and action. They proceed to a wedding reception which is either arranged at the groom’s home or at a restaurant. It is known as “Tamada” where they sit with chilled refreshments to cool the day down. There is usually a band of musicians and/or a deejay who entertains the wedding party. Popular wedding songs at Belarusian weddings are Ja Pryehau Kazachnka, Kaza, Yurya, and I love Berarus among others.

A cheerful, lively and loud toastmaster engages the reception in funny talk while introducing the guests. The food entails largely European and American dishes such as beef, chicken, fish and seafood. Accompaniments include rice, mashed potatoes, and green vegetables. Lots of wine, champagne and beer are served as the guests continue partying late into the night.