Romantic Romanian Weddings
Like many other Eastern Eurpoean countries, folk-lore and music have a traditional role to play in Romanian weddings. What’s different about Romanian services though is that the traditional musicians, Lăutari are such a vital part of the wedding that they almost have an officiating status, guiding the couple through the rituals and even acting as diplomatic “bouncers” if the wedding reception gets a little rowdy!
Like couples in Belarus, Romanians have to get married in a civil service for their marriage to be legal. Usually close friends and relatives will attend this service. Whilst some modern couples make this event the sole ceremony, many still follow tradition by going from their civil service to the bride’s house, to begin a whole other schedule of wedding rites before a church ceremony: