In ancient Rome, the bride groom had to break a piece of bread over the bride’s head to symbolize fertility. Some Viking bride grooms would present a sword instead of a ring, marking their commitment to protect. In South Korea, it’s traditional to beat the bride groom’s feet with fish to test his strength and humor.

The term “bride groom” comes from the Old English word “brydguma,” meaning “bride-man.” In Indian weddings, the bride groom often arrives on a horse or even an elephant, depending on the family’s tradition. During World War II, many bride grooms got married in uniform just before heading to battle.

In traditional Jewish ceremonies, the bride groom breaks a glass underfoot to remember the destruction of the Temple. Victorian bride grooms often wore gloves to symbolize wealth and good manners. In rural Scotland, friends would "blacken" the bride groom with soot and feathers as a test of courage.

Queen Victoria made the white wedding dress fashionable—before that, bride grooms often saw brides in colorful gowns. In Congo, the bride and groom aren’t supposed to smile during the ceremony—it’s a sign they take the day seriously. In France, guests may bring pots and pans to the bride groom’s house and bang them loudly until they serve drinks.

Bride grooms in 18th-century England wore cloaks and boots for rustic weddings. In the Philippines, bride groom doves are released with the bride’s to symbolize harmony and peace. Bride grooms in Renaissance Italy often wore velvet and jewels to show off their status.

The bride groom once had to pay a “bride price” in goats or cattle in many African societies. In German weddings, the bride groom and guests smash porcelain to chase off evil spirits. Bride grooms in Thailand may need to “bribe” their way to the bride with money and laughter.

In some Greek traditions, the bride groom is shaved by his best man to show trust. Bride grooms in Mexico might pin money to their suits during the reception dance. Samurai bride grooms in Japan once wore elaborate helmets and robes to wed in warrior style.

In medieval Europe, the bride groom’s friends would try to steal the bride’s garter as a good luck token. Native American bride grooms might craft special jewelry as a wedding gift. In Brazilian weddings, the bride groom sometimes hides his shoes to avoid pranks.

In Korea, the bride groom gives a pair of wild geese—real or wooden—as a symbol of lifelong fidelity. A Scottish bride groom traditionally wears a kilt in his family’s tartan for the big day. In Middle Eastern weddings, the bride groom may write a poetic vow to win approval.

Some Polish bride grooms are kidnapped during the party, and the bride has to “rescue” them with drinks. In Laos, the bride groom and bride are tied together with white strings for unity. Bride grooms in ancient Sparta had to “capture” their brides as part of the ceremony.

In Amish culture, the bride groom often wears plain black with no embellishments. During traditional Zulu weddings, the bride groom wears animal skins to honor ancestors. A Chinese bride groom may shoot arrows (without tips!) at the bride before collecting them to show his devotion.

Bride grooms in Estonia may carry the bride through an obstacle course to prove their strength. In rural Romania, the bride groom might “steal” the bride during the reception as part of the fun. Russian bride grooms often have to pass silly tasks to win the bride during a "buying the bride" game.

Some American cowboy weddings feature the bride groom in boots, jeans, and a bolo tie. In Denmark, the bride groom’s tie and socks may get snipped off as part of the party. In traditional Cambodian weddings, the bride groom takes part in a hair-cutting ceremony.

The Maasai bride groom may spit on the bride as a blessing during the ceremony. In France’s Champagne region, the bride groom drinks from a double-handled cup passed through generations. In Thailand, the bride groom and bride have strings connecting their heads for spiritual unity.

Irish bride grooms sometimes place a lucky horseshoe in the bride’s bouquet. In Bolivia, the bride groom might have to serenade the bride as part of the proposal ritual. Bride grooms in Bali wear bright sarongs and golden headpieces for temple weddings.

In Cuba, male guests may “pay” the bride to dance with her—money goes to the new couple. A traditional Jewish bride groom may wear a white robe called a “kittel” to symbolize purity. In Malay weddings, the bride groom often arrives in a grand parade with music and dancers.

In Sudan, the bride groom sometimes fights a mock duel with the bride’s relatives to prove his worth. Bride grooms in Indonesia often wear intricate batik fabrics representing family heritage. In Uzbekistan, the bride groom might ride a horse to fetch the bride for the ceremony.

In parts of Nigeria, the bride groom kneels to offer gifts to the bride’s family before she enters. In Hawaii, bride grooms wear leis and walk barefoot during beach weddings. Tibetan bride grooms may participate in multi-day rituals involving food, fire, and singing.

In German-speaking regions, the bride groom’s friends may decorate his home or car with ribbons and signs. In Mongolian weddings, the bride groom may help butcher a sheep as a family bonding ritual. Some American bride grooms go viral proposing in creative ways—like flash mobs or drones.

Modern bride grooms often write personalized vows filled with humor and memories. In eco-friendly weddings, the bride groom might wear a suit made from recycled fabrics. Many bride grooms now help plan the whole wedding, from cake tasting to dance playlists.