DIY Russian style wedding!))) : Bride.info : 7 comments

The Russian style was formed in the 8th century in Kievan Rus. Its distinctive features are the richness of decoration and brightness of colors. The style is reminiscent of a fairy tale. A striking example for the formation of a general picture of style attributes is the fabulous work “Morozko”. In those centuries in Rus', the wedding ceremony was considered sacred; it required a lot of preparatory stages and events. The newlyweds were expected to carefully prepare for the celebration.

Nowadays, you reserve the right whether to observe all the nuances or make a celebration with an emphasis on style. In any case, the wedding will be bright and memorable.

Traditions, rituals and customs

The main stages of the celebration are:

Collusion. Previously, the bride and groom might not even know each other before the wedding. Everything was decided without their direct participation. Parents often chose the wedding day themselves, discussed the size of the dowry and all the expenses for the celebration.
Matchmaking. The groom, together with matchmakers (friends, godparents, parents) went to the bride's house to get married. Traditionally, the matchmakers were always refused the first time; they could give consent a second or only a third time. Matchmaking, after the consent of the parties, always turned into a real holiday with songs, dances and rich feasts.
Hen-party. This event took place the night before the wedding. The girls went to the bathhouse, sang songs, and performed fortune telling by candlelight for the future of the bride.
Bachelor party. This event was a lonely trip of the groom to wash himself in the bathhouse. According to tradition, after this trip the guy came home and went to bed; he had to remain silent until he met the bride.
Ransom. Despite all the decisions and agreements, the groom had to pay the bride's parents for abuse. Also, relatives of the bride arranged all sorts of competitions and obstacles for the groom on the way to the bride. The young man needed to demonstrate strength, intelligence, generosity and kindness. When all the obstacles were over, the last thing left was to pay the agreed amount to the parents and find the bride. She was hidden not in the house, but in the yard or even with neighbors. The bride was guarded by her brother or father, who also had the right to demand a ransom. After all the competitions, the bride and groom received their parents' blessing and sat down for a small feast in the bride's house.
Wedding and registration. The first step to forming a new family was going to church and holding a wedding ceremony. Only after the wedding was the marriage registered. This can be either an outdoor ceremony or registration at the registry office or even in a banquet hall.
Celebration. The real fairy tale and fun begins after all the rituals. The celebration consists of a rich feast, the performance of Russian folk songs and playing musical instruments, dancing, round dances, competitions (running in sacks, collecting bagels on a pole or tree, tug of war), sleigh rides with dogs or on a cart with horses, all this with songs and the ringing of bells.
Wedding night or basement. The place for the wedding night of the young couple was arranged very carefully. In a closet, barn or bathhouse in the groom's house, a high bed was placed, which was covered with feather beds and a bedding from the bride's dowry. Various amulets were laid out on the bed by the women who were bedridden. Logs, a poker, a juniper branch and a frying pan were placed under the bed. These items were supposed to protect the young from evil spirits. The newlyweds were escorted to the bedchamber by the whole crowd and locked. The girl always took off the guy’s boots, thereby showing humility in front of her husband. And she always asked permission to lie next to him. The morning after the wedding, the newlyweds’ bed was shown to all relatives to convince them of the bride’s innocence. Otherwise, the girl could be returned to her parents' house, a collar would be hung around the matchmaker's neck, and the father would be given a glass of wine with a hole in the bottom. The whole family was brought shame.
Bad wedding. It is held on the second day and serves as an event for the entertainment of guests. The bride and groom are chosen from those present and made into mummers. The man is dressed up as a bride, the woman, respectively, as the groom. Their retinue also includes mummers (gypsies, buffoons, and so on). The whole cheerful crowd of this procession goes for a walk through the village, the “young” treat passers-by with snacks and vodka, and ask for money in return.

Wedding traditions

In order for future spouses to organize a wedding on this topic, they should turn to history and find out what stages this celebration consisted of among our ancestors.

In ancient times, parents were looking for a suitable match for the groom. Most often, the upcoming marriage was agreed upon when the future husband and wife were still children. Having chosen a suitable girl, the groom's family sent matchmakers to her family with gifts that were supposed to tell about the merits of the groom and his family.

They carefully prepared for the matchmaking. According to tradition, matchmakers who came for the first time were always refused, even in cases where the bride’s family considered the groom a suitable match. However, the second or third time the matchmakers could obtain consent.

Nowadays matchmaking is not carried out, as young people and girls choose their own mate. But for relatives and guests you can arrange an unusual matchmaking performance.

The next stage of the wedding was a conspiracy, during which the date of the celebration, dowry, and expenses were discussed.

Bachelorette and bachelorette parties in ancient times were not carried out the same way as they are now. The groom spent time before the wedding completely alone. And the girl and her friends went to the bathhouse, and then they wondered in order to find out what fate was in store for the bride.

Location

A wedding in a folk style is best held outdoors, but it all depends on the vagaries of the weather.

Summer and spring

rustic courtyard with wooden buildings;
picturesque lake;
Birch Grove;
boron;
a park;
wheat field;
country wooden estate.

Winter and autumn

banquet halls;
restaurants;
cafe;
wooden ancient hut;
tower;
theater halls.

It is important to simply choose the interior to match the folk style or organize it yourself.

Entertainment

As a thematic show program, guests can be offered a performance by a folk dance group or cover group that will perform both modern and folk songs. Be sure to include Russian wedding traditions in the festive banquet scenario. For example, meeting the newlyweds with bread and salt is perfect for such a themed celebration.

Don’t forget to arrange a themed photo zone at a Russian-style wedding - a small corner with benches and a table with a samovar, where guests can take a couple of unique shots. Minimum costs, and the photos will be very atmospheric!

Offer your guests various games and competitions in the form of Russian amusements that will reveal real heroes, needlewomen, etc. For such a celebration, funny skit competitions based on good Russian fairy tales, for example, “Three Sisters”, “Turnip”, “Kolobok” are perfect.

Decoration of the banquet area

The true Russian spirit will be brought into the interior by:

old Russian stove;
brightly painted dishes;
wooden utensils with red and gold ornaments;
dried flowers;
sheaves and ears of corn;
nesting dolls;
baskets;
rocker arms and buckets;
sleighs and wooden carts;
wicker fences;
bunches of ripe viburnum;
rowan beads;
fagots of bagels;
fagots of garlic and onions;
dried berry branches;
apple motifs in decor;
painted samovars;
wooden bowls and spoons;
button accordions;
felt boots and bast shoes;
kokoshniks;
clay dishes;
an abundance of satin ribbons;
wreaths of fresh flowers;
linen embroidered tablecloths;
wooden tables;
wooden benches with carvings on the backs;
figures of swans.

The arrangement of tables and benches can be very diverse. In the old days, tables were placed in a long row or in the letter P. In the center of the table, an area for the young was decorated, or a separate table was placed for them.

Wedding in Russian folk style: outfits of the bride and groom

The bride in Rus' embodied beauty, innocence and mystery. Typically, her traditional outfit includes:

An undershirt, which is embroidered with patterns designed to protect the health and happiness of the young woman.
Floor-length sundress with a clearly defined waist.
Wide, richly beaded belt.
Ribbons in hair.
Red boots.
Wooden beads.

The bride's dress can be made of satin, brocade, linen or cotton. Among the colors, preference should be given to red. In Rus', this color was considered a symbol of wealth. The brighter and more intense the tone, the higher the status of the newlywed in those days. It is also worth paying attention to colors such as deep blue, emerald and white. The dress can be decorated with rich embroidery with gold and silver threads, bugles and beads.

The bride's makeup should be moderately bright and moderately modest. The emphasis should be on the lips and cheeks. Eyelash extensions are allowed, but eye shadow or eyeliner is not allowed.

As a hairstyle, you should choose a beautiful weave. In Rus', the newlywed traditionally had one braid, which was unraveled after the first wedding night. The hairstyle can be decorated with multi-colored ribbons, a wreath of wild flowers with pendants or a kokoshnik.

The image of the groom, like the image of the bride, requires attention to detail. The newlywed's outfit in Rus' consisted of two shirts: a lower one and an upper one. Nowadays, you can get by with one shirt, which should be topped with a caftan, retinue, vest or camisole. The product should be light in color and made from natural fabric, such as cotton or linen. Pants can be made of leather or other natural materials. You can choose either bloomers or leather trousers tucked into boots.

If desired, the image of the groom can be supplemented with symbolic weapons: a wooden sword, for example.

It is worth adding that since ancient times in Rus', instead of traditional rings, wooden bracelets were used, which the newlyweds put on each other at the time of marriage. This ritual will certainly be a highlight at the wedding.

Invitations

The design of invitation cards in Russian folk style should fully convey the spirit of celebration. The following options are suitable:

invitations with painted patterns and folk prints;
invitations in the shape of nesting dolls;
personalized invitations with Khokhloma;
invitations with the image of the bride and groom in folk attire.

The text inside the invitations will look very interesting in the old Russian style of writing. In addition to the basic wedding information on the organization and celebration, the postcards should indicate the approximate dress code for guests.

Hair and makeup

For a Russian-style wedding, it is best to have a wedding hairstyle with braids or intricate braids. If you don't like this option, loose, slightly wavy hair is also suitable. Makeup should be natural and light, the only thing that can be done is to paint your lips with bright red lipstick if it is combined with other details of the festive look. Both a French manicure and a plain manicure with national patterns are suitable for a wedding manicure.

Dress code for guests

The ideal option for a Russian wedding would be to select outfits for all guests and newlyweds in the same style. To implement such an idea, it is best to rent costumes for guests. Of course, it is worth taking into account the wishes and mood of the guests. If you categorically refuse to wear the proposed clothes, you can ask the guest to complement his image with details of folk style - hairstyle, headdress, ribbons, scarf, beads, and so on. All these elements, when combined into one whole, will give the celebration a truly Russian folk flavor.

Also, if guests do not agree to wear theatrical costumes, you can ask the female half to choose floor-length dresses with three-quarter or maxi sleeves and in the same color scheme, or floor-length sundresses with a white shirt. And for the male half, I recommend choosing simple light shirts or shirts without ties and bow ties, complete with a simple dark-colored bottom.

Russian style wedding invitations

The general mood of the guests is formed at the moment they receive the wedding invitation. That is why it is worth thinking a little about surprising the invitees a little and putting them in the right mood. The type of invitations can be in the shape of an oval, square or rectangle. But you can make them in the form of a balalaika, a bear or a nesting doll.

The style of invitations should match the spirit of the wedding. To do this, you should carefully study the features of writing and patterns with the help of encyclopedias and reference books. Chroniclers in Rus' have always paid special attention to writing style, creating real works of art. That is why you can easily find different fonts and choose the most suitable one. For example, a very original solution would be to compose the text of the invitation in Old Church Slavonic.

You can experiment a little with the process of presenting invitations itself. It is enough to ask the courier to dress up in an Old Church Slavonic costume to cheer up your guests even before the celebration.

If desired, you can also suggest a specific dress code. It can be either simple jewelry or embroidered shirts for men and women.

Wedding menu

You won’t have to come up with anything on the menu; it will be traditional Russian cuisine. The following must be present on the tables:

borscht or cabbage soup;
ear;
meat and fish pies;
pies, cones, knishiki, pies and buns;
loaves;
pancakes and all kinds of fillings for them: fried mushrooms, caviar, berries, sour cream, and so on;
lightly salted fish;
pickled cucumbers and tomatoes;
canned mushrooms;
baked goose or pig;
Uzvars and compotes;
dumplings with different fillings, including dumplings with cherries as a dessert;
whipped cream and berries;
honey apples;
pike, chicken carcasses that can be stuffed with porridge, eggs, and so on;
mint gingerbread, lollipops, bagels;
an abundance of simple homemade vegetables and herbs: tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, dill and so on;
whole boiled potatoes with greasy cracklings and fried onions.

This is not the entire list of possible dishes, but this will be enough to convey the folk atmosphere.

Alcohol at a Russian wedding should also be originally Russian:

homemade mead;
moonshine in containers with national ornaments;
vodka in glass bottles;
aromatic wine;
berry liqueurs;
herbal tinctures.

Cake

This style is characterized by multi-tiered cakes covered with fondant and painted with folk patterns.

Photo zone design

Bride's image

What to pay attention to:

Cloth

According to tradition, the bride's attire in the old days consisted of a long white undershirt, a wedge-shaped red sundress, high-heeled boots and a folk headdress. Nowadays, the most popular outfit is a light A-line dress with embroidery as decoration. Moreover, the dress can be either a plain white color or a variegated, multi-colored one. The sleeves of such a dress must be long or three-quarters, it can be with lace or fur trim at the wrist, tight-fitting or with a “lantern” cut. There is a wide belt at the waist.

The dress can be complemented with a caftan or sheepskin coat, which will also vary depending on the time of year.

Shoes - shoes or red boots with heels. They can be any color, even painted with patterns.

Makeup, hairstyle and headdress

The bride should be as natural as possible. The ideal option would be with nude makeup. Bright accents on the lips are also welcome.

Braid is a hairstyle of Russian folk style. Now there are many variations and techniques of braiding. An alternative would be small curls, neatly gathered into a low ponytail and laid over one shoulder. Straight long hair, which can be complemented with ribbons, flowers, and a wreath, will also look beautiful.

A kokoshnik with lace trim at the forehead and many patterns always complemented the festive image of a Russian maiden in the old days. Now you can pay tribute to the past and order the production of a kokoshnik that fits the entire wedding style.

Also, a long veil, a wreath of wild flowers or a headband embroidered with beads, and crowns with tassels near the face will be harmoniously suitable for the style.

In the winter season, you can’t do without long floral shawls, downy scarves, painted scarves, and fur hats.

Bouquet

A bouquet of delicate cornflowers, buttercups, field daisies, mallows and any other wild flowers will perfectly complement the feminine image of the bride. You can also add ears of corn, small heavenly apples, and branches with viburnum berries to the bouquet.

You should not give preference to bouquets consisting entirely of roses, orchids or lilies.

Wedding decoration in Slavic style

The first thing you should understand when planning the decor of any themed wedding is that correctly selected paraphernalia and decorative details play a huge role. After all, it is the little things that create the necessary atmosphere and maintain the mood of the entire holiday.

At a wedding in Russian folk style the following must be present:

National attributes: embroidered towels, Khokhloma, traditional dresses, kokoshniks;
Samovar;
Bagels and donuts;
Horse cart;
Wildflower wreaths;
Red caviar;
Balalaika and/or accordion;
And for the winter holiday, be sure to buy felt boots and beautiful sheepskin coats!

The theme of the holiday should be displayed in the invitations for guests. We advise you to keep invitation cards in the traditional red color, use an ornament; aged paper and text in Old Russian will look good. It all depends solely on your imagination and desires!

Be responsible when choosing the location for your themed event. In summer, we advise you to choose open areas near a pine forest or birch grove, on the banks of a river or lake. The “natural” environment will further emphasize the style of the wedding and bring those present closer to the memory of their great-grandfathers.

If you plan to invite a large number of guests from other cities, then consider the option of a wedding at a tourist center, where you will be provided not only with a banquet hall, but also with the opportunity to rent rooms for the guests to relax.

It is better to choose closed cafes and restaurants with the most natural design possible. The presence of wood in the decor of a banquet hall is a huge advantage for newlyweds.

It is very important that the menu is also consistent with the chosen theme. National Russian cuisine is a treasure trove of the most varied and delicious recipes. Each guest will definitely find their favorite dish, and maybe discover a new taste!

And don’t forget to take care of a wedding cake made in Slavic style! It will definitely be the highlight of the end of the holiday.

The idea of a themed wedding will not be complete if the guests do not adhere to the appropriate dress code. Explain to relatives and friends that it is not necessary to dress up in folk costumes. An element with a traditional accent will be enough: a wreath of wild flowers, a Russian scarf, a braid on the head with a red ribbon, red shoes, and for men - a red tie or scarf with an ornament.

The newlyweds can take care of the appearance of the guests themselves by renting the necessary accessories and clothes.

The decor of the banquet hall and tables is exclusively in the best Russian traditions. A wedding in the Slavic style implies the presence of traditional painted wooden dishes, embroidered napkins, and wildflowers on the tables. When decorating a room in Russian folk style, be sure to give preference to natural decorative elements, try to avoid “modern things” as much as possible, otherwise you risk losing all the zest of the holiday.

Not least important is the decoration of the photo zone. And it doesn’t matter whether a Russian-style wedding will take place in the summer or during the cold season. Both young people and guests want beautiful thematic photos.

Use as decoration:

Felt boots;
Matryoshka dolls;
Towels and napkins;
National musical instruments;
Painted background;
A winter photo shoot in Russian style cannot be complete without sleighs and/or horses!

By carefully approaching the design of a themed wedding, on the special day you will personally see that all your efforts were not in vain. And even a harsh Russian-style wedding in winter will turn out to be surprisingly cozy, warm and comfortable.

Groom image

For the groom's look, wide trousers, plain or with vertical stripes, and a linen shirt embroidered with Russian patterns are suitable. You can complete the look with a vest, soft high boots in black and a wide tie belt at the waist. You can also put a cap with flowers on one side on the groom’s head.

If desired, trousers can be replaced with trousers, and a shirt with a shirt.

Wedding cake and treats

The main delicacy of the evening - the wedding cake - can be made in white and decorated with national patterns. An alternative is homemade pies with berry filling - a great option for a summer celebration. And, of course, an obligatory attribute of a wedding in the Russian style is a luxurious and delicious loaf.

Organize a themed mini-bar at your wedding - a wooden table with soft drinks and national treats: pies, jam, pies, crackers, cockerels on sticks, etc. And at the head of the table, of course, place a samovar!