Bridesmaids In Russia: Who Stands With The Bride?

Russian weddings are steeped in tradition and rituals, differing across regions but sharing common elements. The best man and bridesmaid are called Witnesses or Свидетели (svideteli) in Russian. While the role of bridesmaids in Russian weddings is not entirely clear, they are involved in the bride's ransom, a fun tradition where the bride's parents steal her away before the ceremony and the groom must complete a series of challenges set up by the bridesmaids. Russian weddings have also adopted some Western traditions, including incorporating maids of honour into the wedding party.

The bride's ransom: a fun tradition where the bride's parents steal her before the ceremony

In Russia, the bride's ransom is a fun tradition where the bride's parents "steal" her away before the ceremony. This usually happens before the groom arrives at the bride's home, where he must pay a ransom for the bride. The bride's parents will present a veiled woman or man who is not the bride, and when the groom realizes this, he must ask for his bride. The bride's family will then demand a more substantial ransom to be paid.

The bride's ransom is meant to be comical and entertaining, with the groom bringing an offering of money or jewellery. Once the groom has paid the ransom, the bride's family gives away the actual bride to the groom. This tradition is a unique and playful part of Russian weddings, which can last between two days and one week, involving activities like dancing, singing, toasting, and banqueting.

There are other versions of the bride's ransom tradition. One involves dressing up a male relative of the bride in wedding attire and refusing to hand over the real bride until a payment is made. Another version includes presenting the fiancé with a napkin covered in lipstick prints from the bridal party. If the fiancé cannot identify the bride's lipstick print, he must also pay a ransom.

The bride's ransom is not the only playful tradition in Russian weddings. Another tradition involves "bride-napping" during the reception, where guests can capture the bride and force her new spouse to pay a ransom to get her back. These traditions add a fun and interactive element to Russian weddings, making them memorable and enjoyable for all involved.

The groom must complete a series of challenges set up by the bridesmaids

In Russian weddings, the bride's parents "steal" her away and hide her before the ceremony until her partner completes a series of challenges set up by the bridesmaids. These challenges are designed to test the strength of the groom's love and ultimately embarrass him. If the groom cannot complete a challenge, he must compensate the bridesmaids with money, chocolates, or flowers.

One version of the ransom quest involves the bride's family dressing up a male relative in wedding attire and refusing to hand over the bride until the groom makes a payment. In another version, the groom is presented with a napkin covered in lipstick prints from the bridal party. He must identify his bride's lipstick mark correctly, or he has to pay up.

The groom might also be tasked with finding his bride after she is hidden away by her friends. He must then pay a ransom to release her, which typically takes the form of money or jewellery. This tradition is meant to be comical and entertaining, with the groom often having to perform embarrassing tasks to prove his love.

These unique customs add a playful element to Russian weddings, making them memorable and enjoyable for all involved.

The best man and bridesmaid are called Witnesses or Свидетели (svideteli) in Russian

In Russian, the best man and bridesmaid are called "Witnesses" or "Свидетели" (svideteli). While Russian weddings have adopted some Western traditions, including the incorporation of maids of honour into the wedding party, it was once a legal requirement for Russian weddings to include two witnesses at the official registration of the marriage. Although this is no longer necessary, couples will still choose two witnesses—often the maid of honour and the best man—for their wedding day, who will get to wear a special sash to identify their position.

The role of the witnesses is to attest to the validity of the marriage and to provide support to the couple on their special day. They may also be called upon to help with any pre-wedding traditions or rituals. For example, in a fun twist on the traditional dowry, the bride's parents may "steal" her away before the ceremony, prompting the groom to complete a series of challenges set up by the bridesmaids to prove his love. If he is unable to complete a task, he must compensate the bridesmaids with a payment of cash, chocolates, or flowers. The witnesses may also be involved in helping to plan and organise these types of activities.

On the wedding day, the witnesses are expected to be by the couple's side throughout the celebrations, which can last up to a week. Russian weddings typically involve activities like dancing, singing, toasting, and banqueting. The witnesses may be called upon to give a speech or toast to the newlyweds and are often included in the many wedding photographs taken at historical sites around the town or city.

The witnesses also play a key role in the civil ceremony, which takes place at the Department of Public Services, known as ZAGS. They are present when the couple exchanges rings and are pronounced husband and wife. Following the civil ceremony, the newlyweds and their witnesses often travel around the city in a limousine, visiting landmarks and taking part in traditional activities.

Russian weddings can last between two days and one week

Russian weddings are a time-honoured tradition, steeped in cultural significance and lasting anywhere from two days to a week. This extended celebration is a testament to the importance of marriage in Russian culture, with each region adding its unique touch while maintaining shared rituals.

The first day of the wedding is reserved for the exchange of rings and the beginning of festivities. The groom typically kicks off the celebrations by presenting an offering of money or jewellery to the bride's parents, known as the "bride's ransom." This lighthearted tradition involves a series of challenges or tricks played on the groom, culminating in the bride's parents demanding a more substantial ransom before they "give away" their daughter.

Following the initial exchange of rings, the newlyweds often opt for a traditional church ceremony, divided into two parts: the Betrothal and the Crowning. The Betrothal takes place at the entrance of the church, where the priest blesses the couple and gives them lit candles to hold throughout the service. The Crowning is considered the sign of marriage in the Eastern Orthodox Church, where crowns are placed on the heads of the bride and groom, symbolising their union.

The second day marks the start of the reception, where guests arrive prepared to pay for their glass, plate, and cutlery, contributing to the newlyweds' new life together. The reception is filled with eating, drinking, games, and dancing. One of the highlights is the first toast to the newlyweds, followed by the guests shouting "Goŕko" ("bitter"), prompting the couple to share a long kiss to counteract the bitter taste of the wine.

The celebrations continue for several more days, with an entertainer (tamada) organising games, ensuring guests mingle, and facilitating a joyous atmosphere. Russian weddings are a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage, blending Western traditions with unique customs that make the occasion memorable and meaningful.

The newlyweds' parents offer them a crystal glass each to shatter

In Russian wedding culture, the newlyweds' parents offer them each a crystal glass to break. This tradition is rooted in the belief that the number of shards will equate to the number of happy years the couple will spend together. The couple musters all their strength to shatter the glasses into as many pieces as possible.

This custom is part of the many unique and fascinating rituals performed at Russian weddings, which can last anywhere between two days and one week. The celebrations often include dancing, singing, toasting, and banqueting. The best man and bridesmaid, called "Witnesses" in Russian, play a crucial role in the festivities.

One of the most intriguing traditions is the bride's ransom, where the bride's parents "steal" her away before the ceremony. The groom must then complete a series of challenges set by the bridesmaids to prove his love and endure some embarrassment. If he fails a task, he must compensate with a payment of money, chocolates, or flowers to the bridesmaids.

Another tradition is the crowning ceremony, which is considered more important than the exchange of rings. The couple stands on a piece of rose-coloured cloth, and the priest places crowns on their heads, which are then held in place by relatives or friends. The couple then shares a cup of wine and follows the priest in a procession to symbolise their journey into married life.

The newlyweds also embark on a road trip to visit landmarks and perform traditional rituals. They are often accompanied by a small group of friends and family, travelling in limousines or cars decorated with gold rings and flowers.

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