Have you been invited to a Danish wedding... and have no idea what to expect? Or perhaps you've already been to many weddings and know all the traditions, but wonder where they come from?
Regardless, this post is for you. Danish weddings are, like most weddings, big events. They are full of charm, humor, and joy – but that goes without saying.
What truly sets them apart are the customs that give them a special flavor and a unique atmosphere.
A few words about marriage
Marriage is one of the oldest traditions known to humankind. Throughout time and cultures, it has been more than just a legal contract – for us, it is a celebration of love, family, and community .
Everything suggests that it all started in ancient Mesopotamia over 4000 years ago. Far from romantic, the original purpose was primarily practical – to regulate inheritance, property, and lineage. Essentially, to ensure that men could identify their legitimate heirs.
When did Romanticism arise?
It took us a long time. The idea of romantic love originates from the Middle Ages, where France was particularly active in this area.
It has classic and ancient roots, but it was the courtly form of love that truly changed the view and mindset from practical to romantic.
The concepts of longing, devotion, passion, chivalry... That's where it all began.
Who said that romance was dead?
Danish wedding traditions
Love may have become a little less about family agreements and a little more about passion in the Middle Ages, but it didn't stop evolving there.
Over the centuries, these ideas about romance have been woven into rituals, celebrations, and – of course – weddings.
It was here that traditions truly took shape. Some customs crossed borders and became universal, while others remained close to the homeland and developed their own unique charm.
The rings switch sides.
In Denmark, engagement rings are typically worn on the left hand, as in many Western countries. However, after the ceremony, the wedding ring is moved to the right hand, which surprises many foreign guests. Why? Because the right hand has historically been associated with honesty, strength, and oaths, making it a symbolic place for a lifelong commitment.
The guests are in control.
At Danish wedding receptions, the guests control the kiss:
- If the groom leaves the room, all male guests kiss the bride.
- If the bride leaves the room, all female guests kiss the groom.
- Knife-and-fork tapping? The couple kisses on their chairs. Foot tapping? They kiss under the table.
This playful tradition keeps the atmosphere lively and adds a distinct Danish touch.
Bridal Waltz
No Danish wedding is complete without the bridal waltz . This traditional first dance must take place before midnight . It marks, in a way, the couple's official transition into marriage.
The guests gather around the newlyweds and form a circle that gets smaller and smaller, while clapping in time with the music. Finally, the couple is pressed close together, and the dance ends with a kiss.
The music is also not accidental. It originates from August Bournonville's ballet Et Folkesagn from 1854 and has been used for generations. It has a very special meaning for everyone – a very special place in our culture.
Danish groom's spray guns
Even with all the elegance, class, and fancy clothes, there's still room for a little silly fun. In fact, there are quite a few childish pranks that a poor groom often has to endure:
- Cutting the groom's socks – Immediately after the first dance, the groom's friends might lift him up, take off his shoes, and cut the toes off his socks. The idea? With bare toes sticking out, he's no longer seen as a carefree bachelor, but as a man entering into responsibility. Some say it's also a way to ensure he doesn't go after other women.
- Cutting the bride's veil – Guests sometimes tear off small pieces of the bride's veil as a souvenir. Traditionally, this symbolized her transition to marriage and womanhood.
- Tie Auction – In a shocking twist, the groom's tie can be cut into pieces and auctioned off during the reception. The proceeds often go towards the couple's honeymoon. Symbolic and practical.
- Groom kidnapping – Friends "kidnap" the groom after the ceremony and hide him at a bar or nearby location. The bride (often with her bridesmaids) must find him or "ransom" him with drinks, laughter, and good spirits.
Wedding cakes
There are a number of iconic wedding cakes:
- Kransekage: This almond-based ring cake is stacked in a tower, symbolizing happiness and unity. Its origins date back to the 18th century, where it was created by a baker in Copenhagen. Originally a luxury reserved for the elite, it has become a staple at weddings, New Year's celebrations, and other important events throughout Scandinavia.
- Horn of Plenty: This almond cake, shaped like a horn of plenty, symbolizes "abundance". Traditionally, it is filled with chocolate, cakes, or even a bottle of wine or aquavit, representing abundance and prosperity.
- Tiered wedding cake: The classic multi-tiered cake is often chosen for weddings. A charming tradition is for the couple to save the top tier for their first wedding anniversary or their first child's christening, thus linking future milestones to their wedding day.
Traditionally, the cake is cut before midnight, and each guest receives a piece to bring good luck. When the cake is shared, the newlyweds' happiness is transferred to their loved ones, so it's as symbolic as it is sweet.
Speeches, songs and performances
The groom almost always gives a speech, and the bride often participates. Friends and family may perform personal songs or rhymes, a unique Danish wedding entertainment tradition that blends humor, emotion, and community.
Morning gift and late night snack
- Morning gift: Historically, it was financial security for the bride; today, it's often jewelry or a personal gift. Fortunately, today it's more about the feeling, and it's simply a sweet gesture.
- Late-night snack (sausages): A delightful tradition to keep guests happy after hours of dancing.
Wedding Etiquette
Small details are important in Denmark (and not only there):
- Guest attire: Women should avoid white; black is increasingly acceptable with the bride's approval. Men should not dress more formally than the groom.
- Order of arrival: The groom arrives first and stands at the front, while the guests find their seats. The bride enters last to make her entrance more dramatic and memorable.
A short guide to Danish wedding gifts
It's about having fun and celebrating love, but there's no doubt that giving gifts is still important . And what should you choose?
You can almost never go wrong with classics like home furnishings and kitchen equipment, or a bottle of good wine. Cash gifts are more than welcome, but if you feel a little uncomfortable with that, you can opt for a gift certificate.
- A travel voucher can help kickstart their honeymoon plans. A gift card to Booking.com or a gift card to Hotels.com are both very practical choices for virtually any destination.
- An experience gift card – for example, a Ticketmaster gift card, so you can have fun together.
- A gift certificate to a restaurant – perfect for a romantic night out or a special date after the wedding.
- Gift certificate for home furnishings or interior design – a great choice for couples who are furnishing their new home together.
You can find a complete selection of hand-picked wedding gift cards in our online store. If you're completely lost – just choose the YOLO card, which gives them access to all brands in our selection.
Remember that thoughtfulness always beats extravagance – especially in Denmark.
Tradition with a modern twist.
Danish weddings don't just follow the rules – they rewrite them with a wink. Expect cake towers that spark conversation, guests who decide when the couple should kiss, and hot dogs that appear unannounced late at night (but nobody complains). It's a celebration where laughter, surprises, and small declarations of love take center stage, and where respect and love for traditions are very much alive.
