Uzbek Wedding

Uzbek weddings are colorful events where people meet to celebrate the couple's achievement. Weddings in Uzbekistan follow a lot of customs and traditions from centuries ago. Today, they have become recognized globally and their theme is applied by many couples around the world. Traditionally, the Uzbek people celebrate their wedding in a very cheerful and richly splendor with a lot of guests. Neighbors, immediate and remote relatives, workmates as well as friends are all invited to the wedding. The Uzbek people have been keen on keeping these traditions alive by practicing them regularly.  Are you interested in doing an Uzbek wedding? This article comprehensively discusses all you need to know about Uzbek weddings. Read on to find out!

Traditions and Customs

Given that Uzbekistan is predominantly a Muslim country, most people assume that their weddings are arranged marriages and that the bride and groom have never met before. As much as some of Uzbek marriages are still arranged today, most of them are love marriages. A boy and a girl meet each other during their daily activities, starts dating and it is entirely their decision to get married or not. In Uzbek traditions, the decision to get married is usually finalized on the third date, with a ring, cake and some gifts from the man. The couple doesn’t have to go on many dates to see if they match, their fate is decided within the first two dates.

Age of Couples

In most cases, the age of a girl is anywhere between 19-25 years, while the boy is between 22-28 years. In Uzbek traditions, girls aged above 28 are considered too old, and having a wedding with them is deemed derogatory. It is also an expression used to refer to girls that are too old and haven't been married yet. Old men that are still not married are not subjected to the same ordeal, as they could still marry at their old age.

The institution of marriage is very important to Uzbek people, just like how Independence and individuality is important in America and western countries. In the Uzbek culture, however, dating before marriage is totally looked down upon. It is actually not favored by their traditions. This however, does not stop the many young people from dating. Many of the weddings done today in Uzbekistan are a result of long term relationships. The young couples try to be discreet of their relationship and only go public when they want to get married. Unlike in western countries where parents are usually aware of their children's romantic partners, it is the opposite in Uzbekistan where families restrict their children from romantic relationships. It is the girls that face stronger reprimands and restrictions compared to boys. They are controlled on when to go out and who to talk to.

Wedding Planning

Uzbek weddings are usually quite grand. It is an event that is highly respected and planned very carefully. As a matter of fact, many families in Uzbekistan save up for years just to hold grand weddings for their children. It is even bigger when it is the only son or daughter. Even when a family is poor, they will put in so much efforts to host the biggest wedding they can. They go as far as borrowing money from friends and family members, or even take loans from banks to make it happen.

In the traditional set up, weddings were held in the groom's home. In modern days, however, the customs have changed and home-weddings have tremendously reduced over years. Families now host their weddings in special venues. Today, weddings in Uzbekistan are a huge business. Many grand and glamorous wedding halls are available in the country, with class decorations put up. These decorations are glamorous and designed according to the couple's preference.

What to Wear

In terms of clothing, Uzbek weddings are almost similar to those of western countries. In many occasions, people wear modern wedding attires i.e the wedding gown for the bride and a suit for the groom. In some parts of the country, however, couples wear the traditional outfits. The groom buys the wedding clothes for both of them in traditional occasion called Sarpi. The attire looks very bright and expensive. It is important to note that attires vary from region to region in Uzbekistan. For instance, in the region of Bukhara, couples wear a complement golden suit, which is removed after the procession leaves the bride's house.

If you have been invited to attend an Uzbek wedding, you need to be cautious with what you wear. In most occasions, women are overdressed. They go to the salon, get their hair done, apply a lot of make up and get fancy up-dos. Their make-up is nicely done and if you are a lady, try and match it! Complimenting your attire with some jewelry is highly recommended in Uzbek weddings. For ladies, you can put on some necklaces, wrings, earrings, bracelets among others. Be careful not to overdo it thou! For men, plain suits will work perfectly. Don't wear shorts! It is a sign of disrespect to the groom. No matter how casual the event might be, try and look decent.

Who Pays for What

In Uzbek weddings, the groom's family pays for almost everything! A few days before the actual wedding, the groom's family sends a package of gifts to the bride's family. A day before the wedding, both families meet to confirm the list of guests given invitations to the wedding. All of the costs on the actual wedding day are taken care of by the groom's family. The wedding is preceded by the Fatikha-Tui, a ceremony of engagement. This event is only undertaken with permission from both the bride and groom's parents. The boy's family visits the bride's family and they make a proposal, after which the girl is deemed engaged. After the wedding day has been appointed, friends and family of the bride gift the representatives from the groom's family. Up to today, this event is strictly observed in Uzbekistan.

Meals and Music

Uzbek weddings are very captivating when it comes to entertainment and meals. When the wedding starts, traditional dancers take the floor with number of mind-blowing dances to warm the guests. They are dressed up in gorgeous outfits and are highly trained. Music is one thing you'll love through this occasion. They play captivating music that you'll find yourself dancing to the tune.

In terms of meals, Uzbek weddings are always on point. Regardless of whether you are attending a simple wedding in the village or a grand wedding in a social hall, you can always count on eating delicious food! Uzbek weddings have tables of around 8-16 people set up, with each table served with abundant amounts of foods including fish, salads, cheese, fruit, cold cuts among others. There is also three course meals for you to enjoy. After you are done with food, you will be served with dessert that comes in the form of a piece of cake or ice cream. For those into it, alcohol is also served!

Conclusion

If you are interested in having an Uzbek wedding, you will be in for so much fun! These weddings are simple to hold and you won't need a large budget to hold them. You will have a wide array of options to choose from when it comes to the theme and meals. Try it today!