weddings in Armenia

In modern days, Armenian wedding traditions have undergone a number of changes, although much remains the same. Now, fortunately, the young people choose their mates without the help of their parents, so the matchmaking ceremony is only a formality. Nowadays, Armenians prefer European wedding traditions which they tend to combine with some old Armenian ones. The feast now lasts no more than 1-2 days, however, it is no less beautiful, colorful and hospitable. On the wedding day, the bride’s side lays a beautifully decorated table, dresses up the bride and then all await the arrival of the bridegroom, who must take the girl out of hеr father’s house. The groom’s side arrives on luxury wedding cars, and in the yard, they turn on traditional festive music and start dancing expressing their happiness. The bride leaves her father’s house and the wedding procession continues its way to the church which is considered one of the most important parts of the ceremony. Armenians are the Christian nation and the blessing of the priest is an important moment. After the church, the wedding procession accompanied by the sounds of loud and cheerful signals alerting about such a wonderful event goes either to the groom’s house or to the banquet hall for celebration.  At the entrance to the hall, a couple traditionally is meet by the groom’s mother, who throws on the shoulders of young Armenian lavash and offers them honey as a guarantee that their life together would be sweet.