On your wedding day, you and your Russian bride will have to go to the Department of Public Services to get married and sign the registry book. Once you’ve done that—you’re married!
There are no rehearsals, bridesmaids, or flower girls involved in the marriage ceremony… only a best man and a maid of honor, who are called “witnesses” or in Russian, “svideteli.”
At the entry to the registration hall, the receptionist will lead you to the hall where the actual ceremony is held. The ceremony is about fifteen minutes long and at the end of it you and your beautiful Russian bride will exchange gold rings, put them on each other’s right hand and say, “I do.”
After that you will sign the registry and then dance the waltz. Then you will be pronounced husband and wife and will leave the hall to the music of Mendelssohn played by the Russian Wedding Orchestra. The guests will offer flowers to the couple with their best wishes.
After signing the registry book at the Department of Public Services, you and your beautiful Russian woman are officially considered husband and wife… but the wedding celebration isn’t even close to being over!
Continue on to “Your Russian Wedding Day—Part 3” to learn more!
