Armenian weddings are a beautiful blend of ancient traditions and modern celebrations, deeply rooted in family, community, and cultural heritage. Here are some key traditions that make Armenian weddings unique:

Pre-Wedding Traditions

1. Khosk-Kap (Asking for the Bride’s Hand) – The groom’s family formally visits the bride’s home to ask for her hand in marriage. Traditionally, this was a serious event, but today it often includes a small celebration with family members.
2. Engagement Ceremony – Some families still host an engagement party where rings are exchanged, and blessings are given by elders.

Wedding Day Traditions

1. Blessing of the Rings – Before the ceremony, a priest blesses the couple’s rings, symbolizing unity under God.
2. Esir (Bride’s Veil Ritual) – A happily married woman places a veil over the bride’s head, symbolizing good fortune and a happy marriage.
3. Wedding Procession – The groom’s family arrives at the bride’s house with music, dancing, and gifts. In some cases, the bride’s family playfully “blocks” the door until a symbolic bribe is given.
4. Red and Green Ribbons – The bride and groom often wear red and green ribbons to symbolize happiness (red) and life (green).

The Wedding Ceremony

1. Armenian Church Wedding – The ceremony, held in an Armenian Apostolic Church, includes:
   • The crowning of the couple as king and queen of their new family.
   • The priest blessing them with a cross and holy water.
   • The tying of their hands with a scarf to symbolize unity.

Reception & Celebrations

1. Shabash (Throwing Money) – Guests shower the couple with money on the dance floor to wish them prosperity.
2. Dancing & Traditional Music – Expect energetic Armenian dances like Kochari and Tamzara, with family and friends joining in.
3. Breaking Plates & Drinking from the Same Cup – Some families include breaking plates to ward off evil and having the couple drink wine from the same cup to symbolize unity.
4. Multiple Outfits for the Bride – The bride may change into a second, more comfortable dress for the reception.
5. Gata (Armenian Sweet Bread with a Hidden Coin) – Sometimes served at weddings, the guest who finds the coin is said to have good luck.

Armenian weddings are grand, lively, and deeply rooted in tradition. Have you attended or planned one before?

* In 2008, a large-scale, mass wedding event took place in the Republic of Artsakh (Soviet Name: Nagorno-Karabakh), involving 560 couples, aimed to revitalize Armenian wedding traditions and potentially boost the population, with celebrations held at churches, a stadium, and featuring pop stars and Artsakh officials.