Some brides don colourful garments; others paint their faces and skin

FEMAIL documents some of the most beautiful ceremonies and traditions

However, wedding traditions are in fact very different in how they look

Many people associate weddings with white dresses and veils


A lot of people associate weddings with white dresses and veils, but in many parts of the world, traditional bridal attire is quite different.

Some brides don colourful garments and accessories; others paint their skin and faces in advance of their big day.

From India to Indonesia, FEMAIL rounds up some of the most beautiful celebrations from around the world, because, as every bride on every continent knows, it's all about the dress.

Big day: A lot of people associate weddings with white dresses and veils - but, as these photos prove, the ceremonies can be anything but traditional

Eye to detail: Some brides don colourful garments and accessories; others wear traditional items for their big days

Party: From India to Indonesia, FEMAIL rounds up some of the most beautiful celebrations from around the world

Colourful nuptials: This photo shows a bride from Romania in traditional garb

INDIA

India has many different bridal traditions, but often pink or red wedding dresses are the item of choice.

Married women in the north of the country can often be identified by a red dot in the middle of their forehead, while with other brides, henna is applied to their hands and skin.

Some wear neck garlands, sequins and much detailed embroidery.

Beautiful: India has many different bridal traditions, but often pink or red wedding dresses are the item of choice (pictured)

Tying the knot: Married women in the north of the country can often be identified by a red dot in the middle of their forehead (pictured)

Accessories: Many brides wear headdresses and garlands, heavy with embroidery

JAPAN

For a traditional Japanese wedding, a bride will often sport a purely white kimono for the ceremony, which symbolises purity and maidenhood.

After the ceremony, many brides will change into something red, which represents good luck.

The traditional paper headdress worn by many brides is called a tsuno-kakushi. Such weddings involve the ceremonial drinking of sake, but are on the decline.

Ceremonial: For a traditional Japanese wedding, a bride will often sport a purely white kimono for the ceremony

What it denotes: This symbolises purity and maidenhood - the traditional paper headdress worn by many brides is called a tsuno-kakushi

KOREA

Hanbok is the name given to formal attire worn on ceremonial occasions in Korea.

Bridal wear usually includes a jacket called a 'jeogori' and a high-waisted, wrap-around skirt.

Headpieces are optional, and the majority of the outfits are made from white cotton or silk.

Ancient tradition dictates that the groom should carry his wife around the table on his back.

Dressing up: Hanbok is the name given to formal attire worn on ceremonial occasions in Korea

Ancient tradition: Bridal wear usually includes a jacket called a 'jeogori' and a high-waisted, wrap-around skirt

CHINA

China is very rich in culture, and it is a place seeped in history.

In china, red denotes good luck. It is also believed to keep away evil spirits.

As a result, many Chinese wedding outfits feature red, either in the dress or headdress.

Good luck: China is very rich in culture, and there, red symbolises good fortune (pictured) - it is believed to keep away evil spirits

NORWAY

In Norway, the traditional wedding outfit is called a Bunad.

This can also be worn for other formal occasions, such as a christening party.

Bunad usually features elaborate embroidery, with scarves, shawls and handmade jewellery.

Beautiful: In Norway, the traditional wedding outfit is called a Bunad - it can be worn for other formal occasions, including christening parties

RUSSIA

Because Russia is often so cold, faux fur or warm fabrics are a common choice for brides.

The country as a whole has over 185 different ethnic groups, and many of these have their own separate wedding traditions.

However, what many nuptials have in common is that Russian weddings can last up to a week.

Long fun: Russia has over 185 different ethnic groups, and many of these have their own separate wedding traditions - however, many nuptials can last up to a week

KAZAKHSTAN

In Kazakhstan, typically brides will wear a headdress called a 'saukele'.

They will also wear a facial veil.

The 'saukele' is often prepared long before girls reach the age of marriage.

Ethereal: In Kazakhstan, typically brides will wear a headdress called a 'saukele' - they will also wear a facial veil

KENYA

In a Maasai wedding, a bride can be required to wear a bold, colourful necklace made of beads and shells.

On the night of the wedding, a party, called a 'kumpamba' will take place.

At this point, the bride can remove her veil to showcase her intricate hairstyle and jewels.

Intricate: In a Maasai wedding, a bride can be required to wear a bold, colourful necklace made of beads and shells

INDONESIA

Indonesia has over 17,000 islands and so weddings vary greatly depending on where you live.

Three days before an Indonesian woman ties the knot, she may have her nails, hands and feet painted with birds and flowers in henna.

Colour is commonplace at an Indonesian ceremony, as is lots of bling. In Jakarta, plenty of gold, intricate patterns and head wear is commonplace.

Custom: Three days before an Indonesian woman ties the knot, she may have her nails, hands and feet painted with birds and flowers in henna

PERU

In Peru, traditional brides make quite a splash in red and black gowns.

These are made bigger by multiple layers of cotton, and heavily-embroidered petticoats.

Traditional Andean outfits for weddings are bright and include woven cloaks and tasselled hats.

A special skirt and poncho is made for the bride and groom's wedding day.

UZBEKISTAN

In traditional Uzbek weddings, the bride wears a colourful outfit embroidered with intricate patterns.

The wedding plays an essential role in Uzbek life.

Patterns: In traditional Uzbek weddings, the bride wears a colourful outfit embroidered with intricate patterns

MOROCCO

Matrimony in Morocco is a magnificent celebration which involves several ceremonies.

Depending on the families, these ceremonies can take up to a week to be completed.

Generally, a Moroccan bride will wear silk, chiffon or satin garments. She will be required to change several times during the ceremony. For the reception, she will change into something that reflects her family's region.

Celebration: Matrimony in Morocco is a magnificent celebration which involves several ceremonies