Swedish wedding traditions and customs
Whether you are planning a ‘bröllop’, or are simply invited to a destination wedding in Sweden, it’s a good idea to learn some of the most common Swedish wedding traditions and customs.
Photo: Locksen Visuals
If you attend a wedding in a different country from your own, it’s nice to come prepared so you don’t have to feel completely at loss.
You’ll find the most common traditions and Swedish customs in this post, where we have compiled the things we have noticed stand out.
Photo: Locksen Visuals
Bröllop = Wedding in Swedish
As a rule weddings in Sweden are relatively low-key, relaxed and focused on having a good time.
Swedish weddings typically consists of an afternoon ceremony, and the reception lasts until the late evening, or overnight.
Photo: Locksen Visuals
Most Swedish couples will decide on a dress code for their wedding and this is communicated in the invitation and/or the wedding website.
The tradition with wedding gifts in Sweden is to give a proper gift, unless the couple has asked for a contribution to the honeymoon or something else specific (which is becoming more frequent as most people can buy whatever they want by themselves, whereas experiences are priceless).
There is no custom of having a “letterbox” for cards or receiving monetary gifts in cash. Neither are large monetary contributions expected from guests other than, in som cases, the parents.
Gift registries exist, but it’s not a well-known phenomenon.
If you have been invited to a Swedish wedding and find you have to stay overnight, it’s likely you have to pay the accommodation fees from your own pocket.
Photo: Locksen Visuals
Both the engagement ring and wedding band are worn on the left hand’s ring finger. In Sweden it’s not uncommon the groom has only an engagement ring instead of a wedding band, or both.
In Sweden there is no tradition of the bridal bouquet being tossed.
Photo: Marzia Photography
As a Swedish tradition, the couple usually walks down the aisle together. It’s quite rare that the father of the bride gives his daughter away, after all, that would be a very patriarchal gesture for this rather egalitarian society, but, with that said, it’s becoming more common.
We have something called ‘Morgongåva’ which translates to Morning gift. It is traditionally a gift from the husband to the wife on the morning after the wedding, but nowadays it is custom for both partners to give something to one another. It’s likely to be a piece of jewellery, a nice accessory or an experience.
According to Swedish culture, the couples in the guest list should be seated away from each other during the reception dinner. This Swedish wedding tradition has proved to be challenging and confusing for some. Remember it’s up to you as a couple to decide how you want the seating to be and as a guest it can actually be a lot of fun socialising with new people!
Photo: Marzia Photography
Speeches are frequent (very frequent in fact!), and many times expected, at Swedish weddings. If you haven’t been to a Swedish wedding before don’t get alarmed if the speeches stretch out over the whole dinner. They’re more often than not very entertaining and heartfelt, and it’s a tradition many Swedes carry in their hearts.
Most Swedish weddings have one or a couple of toastmasters/toast madams who manage the program of the day, entertain, make sure everything is going according to plan, and most importantly introduce and handle the speakers. The toastmasters are usually chosen by the couple at the very beginning of the planning process, and they are more often than not, a big part of planning the outline for the day.
Have you gotten the honourable task of becoming a toastmaster?
Photo: Marzia Photography
Tradition says that if the groom or bride leaves the room, then the other men or women at the wedding are allowed to go up and kiss the bride or the groom (on the cheek), and vice versa. This usually happens when the other guests stamp their feet or clap their hands. Quite a happening, and nothing to be scared of!
Some Swedes like to sing traditional folk songs, ‘Snapsvisor’ at weddings, all while drinking a snaps (strong liquor like flavoured vodka) and cheering. Don’t stress out if you don’t know the lyrics, either you get a printed handout or someone will happily teach you.
Games are popular at Swedish weddings. There are many varieties couples chose to play, one of the most famous one being the “shoe game”.
For any couple, the most important is that you, as a guest, come with an open mind and let yourself have fun!
KAROLINA WAHLMAN
I believe in creating natural and intimate celebrations that are as personal as they are beautiful.
We will work together, you will share your story and I will guide you through the fantastic planning journey in a kind and professional manner.