UB Coffee Hour Photo Blog : Weddings Around the World

/ Cristian Cuatzo

By: Cristian Cuatzo

As part of the events leading up to the University of Bridgeport’s (UB) 39th annual International Festival this month’s Coffee Hour on April 7 gave students and guests an enriching experience by sharing different wedding customs from around the globe. The event was sponsored by the Department of Residential Life and Student Conduct, Student Programming Board and the International Student Services Office, all joining forces in the name of cultural awareness.

From Nigeria, to China, to Saudi Arabia, international representatives gladly shared the traditions and beliefs behind their wedding celebrations with one another, even holding an actual wedding in the process. Experience the celebration for yourself through the photo blog below and experience weddings around the world without all the travel.

As soon as the event began my eyes were attracted to the Saudi Arabian table with its exotic and festive decorations. They offered tradition teas and juices that would be offered during an actual wedding. Guests were given Saudi Arabian snacks, plump dates, and a look at ornaments used for weddings. One student behind the table even dabbed students with customary scented oils; truly luxurious scents for the bride and groom.
As soon as the event began my eyes were attracted to the Saudi Arabian table with its exotic and festive decorations. They offered tradition teas and juices that would be offered during an actual wedding. Guests were given Saudi Arabian snacks, plump dates, and a look at ornaments used for weddings. One student behind the table even dabbed students with customary scented oils; truly luxurious scents for the bride and groom.
Indian weddings are renowned for their traditions founded in a rich culture. Anand Mahant (left) and Shelzia George (right) kindly went through these rituals with guests explaining the many preparations that go into their weddings. The spoke about the Haldi ceremony where turmeric is applied to the bride and groom’s face for a brighter complexion before the big day. The Indian table also offered beautiful henna designs, fully immersing students into the cultural exchange.
Indian weddings are renowned for their traditions founded in a rich culture. Anand Mahant (left) and Shelzia George (right) kindly went through these rituals with guests explaining the many preparations that go into their weddings. The spoke about the Haldi ceremony where turmeric is applied to the bride and groom’s face for a brighter complexion before the big day. The Indian table also offered beautiful henna designs, fully immersing students into the cultural exchange.
Decked out in a bright red, the Chinese table was full of traditional wedding favors and décor. Chinese student, Meng Lingqun (left) explained to guests that red is the color of luck in her culture and is always the main color used throughout weddings. After the ceremony, she shared that in Southern China the groom will often have to go through wacky ordeals created by the bridesmaids to meet his bride, making wedding a joyous time for all.
Decked out in a bright red, the Chinese table was full of traditional wedding favors and décor. Chinese student, Meng Lingqun (left) explained to guests that red is the color of luck in her culture and is always the main color used throughout weddings. After the ceremony, she shared that in Southern China the groom will often have to go through wacky ordeals created by the bridesmaids to meet his bride, making wedding a joyous time for all.
As one of the most culturally diverse nations on the planet, Nigerian weddings come with a wide range of traditions depending on the tribe. The weddings of the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and other tribes fascinated those present who were curious about the attire and endless options Nigerian couples have to plan their wedding. From the Igbo tribe, Chikezie Chibuike retold weddings he attended that perfectly match tradition with modernity.
As one of the most culturally diverse nations on the planet, Nigerian weddings come with a wide range of traditions depending on the tribe. The weddings of the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and other tribes fascinated those present who were curious about the attire and endless options Nigerian couples have to plan their wedding. From the Igbo tribe, Chikezie Chibuike retold weddings he attended that perfectly match tradition with modernity.
The highlight of the event came as a surprise for some when an actual Saudi Arabian wedding took place live. The groom came in traditional attire as the bride walked the aisle in a breathtaking white dress as chants, cheers, and the traditional ululation filled the room. Due to cultural reasons photographs were not allowed but the newlywed’s seating and cake were captured, bringing a simple yet elegant end to the event
The highlight of the event came as a surprise for some when an actual Saudi Arabian wedding took place live. The groom came in traditional attire as the bride walked the aisle in a breathtaking white dress as chants, cheers, and the traditional ululation filled the room. Due to cultural reasons photographs were not allowed but the newlywed’s seating and cake were captured, bringing a simple yet elegant end to the event
What’s a wedding without dancing? Following the wedding, Saudi students and guests joined in the celebration as they danced shoulder to shoulder in unity. The contagious energy put a smile on everyone’s faces, with the event successfully bringing cultures together in a melting pot of delight.
What’s a wedding without dancing? Following the wedding, Saudi students and guests joined in the celebration as they danced shoulder to shoulder in unity. The contagious energy put a smile on everyone’s faces, with the event successfully bringing cultures together in a melting pot of delight.

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