Embracing Tradition and Modernity: Swedish Wedding Customs

Swedish weddings, or bröllop, are a wonderful reflection of how timeless customs meet modern sensibilities. They often blend meaningful traditions with a fresh, personal touch, creating celebrations that feel both deeply rooted and beautifully individual. From heartfelt ceremonies to joyful gatherings filled with laughter, every moment is shaped by a balance of heritage, love, and contemporary style.

© Johanna Rosenlew

Food and Beverages

Swedish weddings feature a smorgasbord of traditional dishes such as gravlax, herring, and meatballs. Starters often include fish dishes like Skagen toast or bleak roe toast, as well as cured meats and cheeses with fresh greens. Main dishes typically consist of meats like beef, elk, or reindeer, served with potatoes and unique sauces.

The cutting of the wedding cake, often a multi-tiered creation adorned with marzipan or fresh fruits, is a momentous occasion during which the bride and the groom feed each other. In Sweden, Swedish Princess Tarta or Kransekage are classic choices for wedding cakes.

Red and white wine are essential in the selection of alcohol, often accompanied by Irish beer or cider to cheer at Swedish weddings. Non-alcoholic drinks include water, juice, or soft drinks like cola for those who cannot drink.

(Photo cr. ylvasbakverkstad)

Swedish Wedding Customs

Equalism

One of the most distinctive features is the egalitarian approach where both the bride and groom walk down the aisle together, symbolizing equality and partnership, rather than the bride being "given away" by her father.

Bridal Crown

Another unique tradition is the "brudkrona", an ornate bridal crown symbolising purity and honour. Traditionally, the bride would wear a garland of myrtle leaves, symbolising purity. Nowadays, brides usually wear wedding veils or modern tiaras.

Wedding Games

A playful tradition during the reception is the "Kissing Game": if the groom leaves the room, all the male guests line up to kiss the bride, and vice versa, adding a fun and light-hearted element to the wedding. Heartfelt speeches from family and friends are a significant part of the celebration, filled with stories and well-wishes for the wedding couple.

Another popular game at Swedish weddings is the "Wedding Shoe Game," where the bride and groom raise each other's shoes to answer personal and fun questions. This activity generates lots of laughs and creates a lively atmosphere.

To enhance the festivities, the celebrations typically conclude with dancing which lasts well into the night, with the newlyweds opening the dance floor.

© Olivia Felicia Wedding

Bridesmaid & Best Man

Swedes keep everything clean and simple. The Swedish bride and groom will normally have one bridesmaid and one best man instead of having a maid of honour and a best man leading a group of groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Toast Madams & Toastmasters

In Sweden, the roles of Toastmasters or Toast Madams are very important, managing the program and outline of the day, hosting wedding introductions and entertainments, and making sure everything goes smoothly according to plan.

These customs, from the equality of walking down the aisle together to the joyous communal celebrations, encapsulate the spirit of Swedish weddings, making them a truly unforgettable experience for everyone.

With all my heart,

Louise