Russian wedding traditions

Russian weddings held great importance in their culture and tradition, evolving differently according the region, but maintaining common points.

The bride and groom stand at the entrance of the church and the priest blesses them and gives each a lit candle to hold throughout the ceremony.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Holy Matrimony is considered a Sacred Mystery and the sign of the marriage is not the exchange of rings (done at the Betrothal) but rather the placing of crowns on the heads of the bride and groom.

[3] The priest leads the couple into the center of the church, where they stand on a piece of new, rose-colored fabric, symbolizing their entry into a new life.

Following that are readings from the Epistle and Gospel, litanys, brief prayers, and the sharing of a "common cup" of wine (or grape juice) by the bride and groom.

The ceremony ranges from 15 to 30 minutes and during this time, rings are exchanged and the couple is pronounced husband and wife.

It is also customary for the married couple to release either balloons or, more preferred, two white doves to symbolize their love and partnership.

Following the civil ceremony, the newlyweds and their witnesses often travel around the city in a limousine and tour many historical sites.

This presents the primary opportunity for the majority of the wedding photographs that are taken at varying historical places around the town or city.

At this point, the couple must kiss for a long time to counteract the bitter taste of the wine (or grape juice).