If you thought having two cakes at your wedding or planting a cedar tree was rather odd, try asking your parents to propose to the girl for you as is the custom in Egypt. Strange customs and traditions abound, in Holland and Switzerland a pine tree, a symbol of fertility and luck, was once planted outside a new couple's home.

In South Africa, both bride and groom's parents carried a fire from the hearths of their own homes and took this fire to the new couple's home to begin a new one. In Armenia, two white doves were set free to symbolise love and happiness, while in Japan, brides change their bridal attire several times throughout the wedding day.

In Italy, the groom's tie is cut into pieces and sold to the guests at the reception, while in Poland, guests pay to dance with the bride. In both cases, the money earned is used for the honeymoon.

In Japan, ducks or a goose and gander are included in the processional because they mate for life and are a symbol of fidelity.

In a Native American wedding ceremony, water is used as a symbol of purification and cleansing. The bride and groom have a ceremonial washing of hands to wash away past evils and memories of past loves.

While in the Philippines, at a certain point during the ceremony, a ceremonial veil is placed over the groom's shoulders and the bride's head. This symbolises the unity of the two families into one and is also a prayer for health and protection for the couple during their married life.

Italian folklore called for the groom to carry a piece of iron in his pocket on his wedding day to ward off the evil eye. The bride would wear a bridal veil to conceal her from evil spirits. In present day, the couple shatters a glass or vase at the end of the ceremony and the number of pieces represents the number of years of happy marriage.

Many couples also release white doves to symbolise their love and happiness.

During a Mexican wedding ceremony, a lazo, or large rosary, is draped around the bride and groom while they are kneeling at the altar. Padrinos, two special relatives the couple has chosen as additional "sponsors" of their wedding (in addition to their parents of course) may also present them with coins (for prosperity), a Bible and a rosary during the ceremony.

After the ceremony, lucky red beads are sometimes tossed at newlyweds. And a beautiful reception tradition has all the guests during the couple's first or last dance create a heart shaped circle around them.

In the Ukraine a mock capture of the bride is carried out at wedding receptions to remind everyone present of the many times their homeland was invaded and instead of cake, Ukrainian couples share korovai, a sacred wedding bread decorated with symbolic motifs that represent eternity and the joining together of two families.

In Egypt, families, rather than grooms propose to the bride and many marriages are arranged while the zaffa, or wedding march, is a musical procession of drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers and men carrying flaming swords. It's a bright, colourful and musical way to announce the marriage is about to begin.

In the Czech Republic friends sneak into the bride's yard to plant a tree and decorate it with ribbons and painted eggshells. Legend says the bride will live as long as the tree. Also, brides in the countryside carry on the very old custom of wearing a rosemary wreath, which symbolises remembrance. Her friends as a wish for wisdom, love and loyalty weave the wreath for the bride on the night before her wedding.

In Yemen the bride's female relatives prepare all the food, including small, sweetened fritters, which promise a sweet life for the newlyweds and all who partake. The entire community is invited to join the celebration.

Playing music to "gladden the bride and groom" is a sacred duty, so not only do professional musicians play, but performers and guests take turns with the instruments as well!

During the wedding ceremony in Germany the groom may kneel on the bride's hem to show that he'll keep her in line. Then, the bride may step on his foot as she rises to reassert herself.