In Romania, weddings start very early in the morning and sometimes end the next day, passing through important stages and taking the family and guests to different places. The celebration is sprinkled with many traditions. It all ends with a long party with music, dance and lots of food int the night.
While the traditional weddings (which are usually organized in villages ) are organized according to old customs, urban Romanians sometimes tend to make the event as simple as possible, but they are still keeping some simplified traditions.
Weddings in Romania usually take place on weekend. Traditionally, it used to be Sundays but given that now people are busy and most guests have to go to work on Monday morning, most weddings take place on Saturdays.
The groom starts the wedding day at home, with a very important tradition: the groomsmen get the husband ready for the wedding. This also includes shaving him. Then, they take their cars and go to the godparents’ house, usually accompanied by musicians.
The next stop of the merry group: the bride’s house. Meanwhile, at the bride’s house, the preparations start early as well, as the bride gets ready for the wedding. Only after that, the groom can see his bride. However, it's not always as easy as that. Sometimes the bride stays hidden and the groom is tested by being offered another bride. Sometimes, the fake bride is a very old woman or a man disguised as a woman.
The godparents stand by the couple's side, parents come next and then the other relatives and friends. The day continues with the civil ceremony, which takes place at the City Hall and is conducted by the mayor.
Next is the religious ceremony at the church, and then from the church to the party, making a merry convoy.
