7. Traditional Shoe thieves: India

In parts of India the groom is required to take off his shoes before approaching the wedding altar. As soon as he does this mayhem ensues. This is a sign for battle to begin. Everyone from the groom’s side of the family is expected to protect the shoe as the bride’s family tries to steal it. If the bride’s family succeeds in their endeavor, then the groom ultimately has to pay a ransom to get them back. If you want to imagine the scene, think of a rugby match with 300 people on each team.

8. Cross-dressing: Russia

This tradition is based on the dowry system. Before the wedding the groom’s family will visit the bride’s family. After paying a dowry the bride is supposed to be presented to the groom. However, if the dowry is considered to be insufficient, a substitute bride will be presented (this could well be a cross dressing friend) until more money is handed over and unless of course the groom is happy with the substitute. Ransom?

9. Délicieux Toilette La Soupe: France

Here comes the worst wedding tradition ever. After the wedding ceremony is complete, the bridal party would collect all of the leftovers, bits of trash, and anything else they deem to be sufficiently gross within a toilet bowl and then barge into the couple’s room. They would not leave until the couple drank it. This is supposed to give the couple fuel to have a great night ahead. Today, although soup is substituted with chocolate, you’re still drinking brown stuff out of a real live toilet bowl.