When it comes to wedding, Russian couples who decide to honor the long time standard traditions and customs will have a union that is quite different than what many would expect. This begins even before the ceremony, as the act of becoming engaged is very different. For women who receive sparkling diamonds and are proposed to in romantic ways, it may seem a bit surprising that when obeying the long standing rules of a typical Russian courtship and marriage proposal, there are no rings. When men ask women to be their Russian brides, this is done without an engagement ring. He will simply ask her if she would agree to wed and the engagement official. Again, if following the old traditions, no one will be told of the upcoming nuptials. Russian brides will only tell their very close friends and family.
It may not seem overly romantic, however once a couple has registered to marry, they often do not refer to this as an engagement. Many Russians will simply say that they have handed in their application. The ceremony itself is very simple compared to the many countries that will have elaborate weddings. Even those countries in which couples decide to have small weddings will include elements such as invitations, flowers, decorations, reception halls, bride maids and groom men. These elements are not involved in a Russian wedding and Russian brides have not needed to be concerned with such things.
There will be the element of a ring for Russian brides; however the exchange of rings can be quite different than what one may expect. The man does pay for matching rings; however they are almost always simple gold bands and will not have any stones or diamonds. The rings are exchanged during the ceremony and Russian brides and grooms will wear these rings on their right hands. If ever divorcing or being widowed, that person will then move the ring to their left hand.
Many Russian brides will design and create their own wedding dresses. This is usually the only item of clothing that they must concentrate on, as is they are following old tradition, there will be no flower girls, bridesmaids or matrons or honor. In regard to a wedding, Russian women usually have been taught to sew beautifully since they were young and they are quite ready to create a stunning dress when the time comes to be wed.
In following the old, standard wedding traditions, cars play as an important aspect of wedding, believe it or not. The goal is to create a long line of cars to deliver the bride to the place of ceremony. The more cars that are involved, the more proud a bride will feel. The ceremony itself is rather simple, fast and not overly romantic. The reception for Russian brides of old tradition was also rather simple. This would be held in small cafes or at the home of the couple or their parents.
Vodka is not famous for nothing! The element of having large quantities of liquor is a huge aspect of a traditional, old-style Russian wedding. It is not uncommon to hear that guests drank until they passed out and it is very rare for someone to not drink at all.