Wedding Cultures in Korea and America: How Are They Different?

 

Because of the nice weather in spring and autumn, they are the peak seasons for weddings. In Korea, the wedding culture is quite different from the U.S. Due to Confucian customs, Koreans hold several rituals that involve paying respects to the elders. The parents and relatives are invited to complete certain ceremonies together. Let’s find out more in-depth.

Before the wedding, there is a meeting called sanggyeonnye between the parents of the bride and groom. This reflects how important formalities are considered in Korea. The bride and groom’s parents meet and politely greet one another over a meal at this time.

On the other hand, in the U.S., several parties are held before weddings, such as bridal showers and bachelor parties. Recently, Koreans are also increasingly adopting these as well. The parents’ formal meeting is often on the day before the wedding, and the rehearsal for the wedding usually takes place together.

The marriage proposal is certainly a big part of the whole process. The culture in Korea and the U.S. is certainly quite different. In Korea, once the sanggyeongnye and wedding date is confirmed, the proposal takes place during the wedding preparation period. In the contrary, the proposal is considered the first step to the marriage in the U.S., so it takes place before the wedding planning begins. 

Next is what all brides dream about, the wedding dress. In Korea, the bride and groom often select the wedding dress together. In some cases, all family members participate in the selection process. However, in the U.S., because of the superstition that considers it bad luck for the groom to see the bride’s dress before the wedding, the wedding dress is revealed only on the wedding day and the groom is strictly banned from seeing it before the ceremony. 

Lastly, let’s compare the grand finale of the wedding, when the couple marches out. In Korea, the bride and groom formally walk back down the aisle between the guests. The American style is more liberal. For example, some couples dance lightly to cheerful music as they walk out. Although the wedding cultures may be different in in Korea and the U.S., both are just as filled with congratulations and happiness for the newlyweds, who have now become a family!