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Croatian wedding customs are a blend of traditional and modern practices, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and values. With its stunning coastline, charming countryside, and rich cultural heritage, Croatia has become a popular wedding destination in recent years.
However, getting married in Croatia is more than just exchanging vows in a picturesque location. It’s an opportunity to experience the unique and fascinating wedding customs that have been passed down through generations.
Croatian wedding customs vary from region to region, and they often reflect the country’s diverse cultural influences. In general, Croatians place great importance on family and community, and weddings are no exception. They are often a joyous celebration that brings together loved ones and creates cherished memories.
Food is an integral part of any Croatian wedding celebration. From hearty stews and grilled meats to freshly caught seafood and sweet pastries, the cuisine is as diverse as the country itself. Many couples also incorporate traditional dishes into their wedding menu, such as “Janjetina ispod peke,” a lamb roasted under a bell-shaped lid, or “Peka,” a baked dish made with meat and vegetables.
„Buying the bride“
The tradition of “buying the bride” or “bridal ransom” is a cultural practice that was once common in many parts of Europe, including Croatia. In this tradition, the groom would negotiate with the bride’s family to pay a certain amount of money or gifts in exchange for the bride’s hand in marriage.
Today, of course, this kind of „buying“ is illegal, but it has been preserved as a symbolic custom that should make guests laugh, so as a joke. Most often, the brother or father is a “trustworthy” person who “sells” the bride. The best man and the groom agree on the terms and price with the chosen person from the bride’s side. Most often, the best man is the one who has to cash out the sum of money so that the bride can finally go out. During the negotiations, the groom and best man must also drink an alcoholic beverage with the person at the door. This is a custom that you can no longer see at all weddings.
„Fake bride and fake money“
When buying a bride, usually one or even several fake brides come out before the real one. These are usually friends or the bride’s bridesmaids disguised as the bride-to-be. Newlyweds tend to make jokes, sometimes instead of the bride’s friends, they choose the groom’s friend or an older relative for this role. (You can only imagine the laughter that arises!) The purchase is very often made with fake euros, because otherwise the best man would go bankrupt.
Throwing an apple over the house
Another interesting custom is definitely throwing an apple over the house. This is the bride’s task. She does this to ensure happiness in her future life together. The apple must not return, that is, fall down the roof because the task will not be completed properly. This is the way she proves that she is strong enough for all household chores and that she can keep the family together.
Natepanje
Natepanje is a Međimurje custom in which the yard is covered with feathers, toilet paper, wool, feathers, corn, sawdust or straw. This is about the symbolism of turning chaos, i.e. disorder, into cosmos, i.e. order. A custom that you won’t see so often nowadays, because the newlyweds really don’t want to clean the yard after the wedding. Also, this is one custom that we know for sure that very few people like.
Dancing with the bride
This is a custom that can be found most often in Slavonia. It’s about the fact that any guest who wants to can dance with the bride if it’s agreed. Given that Slavonian weddings are often very large, guests sometimes stand in line to “spin” the bride once on the dance floor. Also, this is one of those customs that largely depends on the mood of the bride and her wishes. Many brides will choose not to dance with everyone, but will choose only close people to dance with.
Throwing the bouquet
Throwing the bouquet is one of Croatian wedding customs that you will definitely see in every part of the country! Namely, after the wedding, the bride turns her back on the young unmarried girls who came to the wedding party as guests. She then throws the bouquet high into the air behind her, and the girl who catches the bouquet is next in line to be married.
Firing a firearm
Apparently, there are several reasons for shooting in the air once upon a time, and some of them are to drive away unclean forces and evil spirits from the new family and to prove that the groom is skilled with weapons, which used to indicate his ability to feed the family and that he was able to handle with weapons. Many weddings avoid this tradition today because of the obvious dangers.
A Croatian wedding is a celebration of love, family, and tradition. Whether you’re a local or a foreigner, you’re sure to be swept up in the joyous atmosphere and unforgettable customs of this beautiful country.
Experience the magic of Croatian weddings firsthand! Whether you’re planning to tie the knot or simply want to witness the beauty of traditional wedding customs, Croatia is the perfect destination for you. Immerse yourself in the local culture and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to start planning your dream Croatian wedding or to learn more about the customs and traditions of this enchanting country!
Your CTC Team
“We promote Croatia — but we don’t sell its soul.”
At ComeToCroatia.Holiday, we believe that the beauty of Croatia — its hidden beaches, forests, villages, and cliffs — is not a commodity, but a legacy.
That’s why:
We are not just a travel guide. We are guardians of balance — between sharing and preserving.
If you love Croatia, you’ll love it even more when you respect it.
CTC – ComeToCroatia.Holiday
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