Croatia Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 11 traditional wedding ceremonies from 2 cultural traditions in Croatia.
Croats (Roman Catholic)
Pre-wedding
Family Blessings and Speeches
Before the ceremony, the bride often receives a special blessing from her parents, and during the reception, family and friends deliver heartfelt speeches, sharing stories, advice, and good wishes for the couple.
Key elements
- Bride receives blessing from parents at home. Speeches by best man, friends, family at reception. Speeches are often funny, emotional, and from the heart.
Flag Carrier(Barjaktar)
The Barjaktar is a flag carrier who leads the wedding procession to the church, waving the Croatian flag with joy and bringing good energy to the celebration.
Key elements
- Barjaktar carries and waves the Croatian flag, leads the procession, shouts with joy. Guests follow in a parade-like manner.
Obiljezje (Engagement/Proposal Tradition)(Obiljezje)
A traditional Croatian engagement custom where the groom-to-be offers an apple embedded with coins to his beloved as a symbol of his proposal. Her acceptance signifies their engagement.
Key elements
- Apple or other fruit with coins pressed into it. Woman accepts by taking the fruit. Often blended with modern diamond ring proposals.
Reception
Exchanging Rosemary and Donations
As guests arrive at the reception, they are given a sprig of rosemary, often tied with a Croatian flag-colored ribbon, to wear on their left side, and in return, they typically offer a small monetary donation to the couple.
Key elements
- Small rosemary branch, often tied with Croatian flag colors (red, white, blue) ribbon, worn on the left side. Guests usually place money in a basket as a donation.
Midnight Goulash/Sarma
A tradition where a large dish of goulash or sarma is served around 3 AM during the wedding reception to re-energize guests for continued partying into the early morning.
Key elements
- Serving of goulash or sarma (cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice). Purpose is to provide energy for continued celebration.
Serbs (Serbian Orthodox)
Pre-wedding
Shooting the Apple(Gađanje Jabuke)
Гађање јабукеAn apple is hung on a tree at the bride's house, and the groom must shoot it down before he is allowed to enter and claim his bride.
Key elements
- An apple hung on a tree. Groom uses a rifle or bow to shoot it down. Only after succeeding can he enter the bride's house.
Trubači (Brass Band)(Trubači)
ТрубачиTraditional Serbian brass bands (Trubači) play lively music throughout the wedding day, accompanying the groom's procession, the Kolo dance, and generally setting a festive atmosphere.
Key elements
- Live brass band playing traditional Serbian folk music. Creates a celebratory and energetic atmosphere.
Wedding day
Betrothal and Crowning
The Orthodox wedding service consists of two primary parts: the Betrothal, where rings are exchanged, and the Crowning, where crowns are placed on the couple's heads, symbolizing their establishment as king and queen of their new household.
Key elements
- Exchange of rings during Betrothal (often three times). Crowning of the couple with crowns (often held by kum/kuma). Most rituals performed three times to represent the Holy Trinity.
Reception
Breaking the Glass
The bride drinks wine and then throws the glass, and if it breaks, it is considered a good omen for the marriage.
Key elements
- Bride drinks wine, throws the glass. Breaking of the glass is a good omen.
Kolo Dance(Kolo)
КолоA traditional Serbian circle dance performed by wedding guests, symbolizing unity and celebration.
Key elements
- Guests hold hands in a circle and perform specific steps. Accompanied by traditional Serbian music (often Trubači).
Rakija Toasts
Toasts with Rakija, a strong fruit brandy, are a common part of Serbian wedding celebrations, symbolizing good wishes and camaraderie.
Key elements
- Drinking and toasting with Rakija. Often accompanied by speeches.
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