Armenian weddings are known for their warmth, rich symbolism, and unforgettable energy. While modern couples may customize their big day with new trends, many still choose to honor age-old Armenian wedding traditions that connect them to their roots and family heritage. At Varosyan Events, we’ve helped plan dozens of weddings that blend classic customs with modern style — and in this article, we’ll share the traditions that couples continue to love and include.
The Khosk-Arnel: A Professionally Written Proposal with Family Involvement
Armenian grooms and brides, prior to wedding or engagement festivities planning, observe a ritual known as khosk-arnel, or “asking for the word.” It is a classic visitation whereby the bride’s family is formally asked for leave and blessing by the groom’s family. Although not practiced as much today in modern Western society, even youthful Armenian brides and grooms continue to maintain this symbolic tradition, normally conducted in the form of a solemn and emotional ceremony between the two families.
Lavash, Honey, and Prosperity: It is possibly the most prevalent practice that involves ritual blessing of the bride and groom with honey and lavash bread. The groom and bride have flatbread placed on their shoulders by their family members and are offered honey to consume either during the wedding process or after it. It is believed to bless the marriage with prosperity, sweetness, and closeness. This is the most popular tradition among couples for its deep symbolism and beauty — hence a first among wedding photo ops in Armenian weddings.
Traditional Armenian Church Ceremony
For religious ceremony couples, the Armenian Apostolic Church wedding is nevertheless a serious and religious affair. With blessings, crowns, chanting, and rituals, the religious ceremony is symbolic and spiritual. Most couples today also still opt for a church wedding — not necessarily religious or without some kind of inclination towards having a religious ceremony. They want to uphold family tradition and religious heritage.
The Bride’s Entrance from Her Family’s Home
Another practice that is continued to the present day is the bridegroom arriving at the bride’s home with music and dance. The bride is “given over” during a wedding ceremony in the presence of family and friends. Today, it is also videotaped and photographed because there is emotion, excitement, and good Armenian music.
Breaking Plates for Good Luck
Breaking a plate at the door upon departing the bride’s residence is an ancient tradition said to ward off bad spirits and bring good luck. Some couples skip this, but others love it for its theatrics and symbolism. Fast-paced, lighthearted, and very Armenian.
Traditional Music, Dance, and Kochari
Armenian weddings are lively with music and dance, and most couples still keep kochari — an Armenian group folk dance — as part of their reception wedding. Whether they mix it with live bands or DJ, Armenian dance is a surefire way that brings generations together on the dance floor.
Gold Gifts and the Money Dance
It is traditional for the guests to give money or gold at an Armenian wedding. At the reception party, the bride and the groom are pinned with money or are given money or gold by the guests as a blessing and as a way of wishing the couple happiness in their wedded life. The “money dance” is alive and strong at Armenian weddings, with the guests generously showering the couple with symbolic wealth.
Final Thoughts
As they modernize Armenian weddings, these beloved customs are strengthened. At Varosyan Events, we understand the importance of enabling couples to make the wedding their own while being respectful of heritage. Whether you are hosting a small, refined soiree or large, traditional wedding, we help you blend the best of both worlds — Armenian heritage and modern sophistication.
Desire your Armenian wedding planned with elegance and meaning? Let Varosyan Events make it a reality.
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