HOW TO MARRY ACROSS BORDERS

So that nothing gets lost in translation, we've established a small Swiss–Danish (with a little bit of Italianità 🇮🇹) Wedding Dictionary for friends, family and anyone wondering what's going on 🇨🇭🇩🇰 

This Is Not a Mistake, It’s a Tradition 🇨🇭🤍🇩🇰

Punctuality

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Arriving 5 minutes early is considered polite. Arriving perfectly on time is immaculate. Disclaimer: Lisa's family however, usually does it the Italian 🇮🇹 way: You're there when you're there (not encouraged for weddings or any other event ;-)). 

🇩🇰 Denmark:
Arriving on time means arriving on time. Relax.

Speeches and Performances

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Carefully planned, not too emotional, and politely timed.

🇩🇰 Denmark:
Many. Laughs, tears, jokes. Possibly spontaneous. Possibly all of the above. BUT: The people of Nordjylland are known for saying little, meaning a lot. We might have more in common than we know, we'll find out. :-)

Singing

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Optional. Usually well-rehearsed if it happens at all.

🇩🇰 Denmark:
Usually inevitable. Lyrics may be handed out. Melody is optional.

Kissing culture: Couple edition

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Happens naturally, without rules, maybe a bit shy.

🇩🇰 Denmark:
When cutlery hits the plates, the couple must kiss.
When feet are stomped, the couple must kiss. Resistance is futile.

🇮🇹 Italy:

If one guest repeatedly starts to scream "BACIO!" (kiss) and gets other guests involved in the yelling: The couple must kiss.

Kissing culture: Wedding guest edition

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
On the cheek, quick, for well-wishes, handshakes might also do it.

🇩🇰 Denmark:
If the bride gets up and leaves the room: All the ladies may kiss the groom on his cheek.

If the groom gets up and leaves the room: All the gentlemen may kiss the bride on her cheek.

Alcohol

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Enjoyed responsibly, with moderation. Zum Wohl!

🇩🇰 Denmark:
Enjoyed enthusiastically, with traditions. Skål!

Dancing

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Starts politely. Builds gradually.

🇩🇰 Denmark:
Starts when the music starts. 

Rules

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Rules are important and followed.

🇩🇰 Denmark and 🇮🇹 Italy:
Rules exist… mostly as suggestions.

Awkward Silence

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
Perfectly acceptable.

🇩🇰 Denmark:
Must be filled. Preferably with black humour.

Brudevals (The Bridal Waltz)

🇩🇰 Denmark:
The couple’s first dance must be a waltz and it must happen before midnight.
Guests gather closely around the couple in a circle, clapping and slowly moving in until there is almost no space left. Romantic. Intimate. Slightly terrifying, but even the royal couple did so at their wedding! See how it went for Mary and Frederik in 2004 here.

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
A first dance is common, but the exact timing, dance style, and amount of pressure are… flexible.

The Most Important Thing

🇨🇭 Switzerland:
That everything runs smoothly.

🇩🇰 Denmark:
That everyone has fun.

❤️ Both:
Together, they are the perfect match: Celebrating love, friends, family, and our favourite people in the world coming together. Thank you for being in our lives. ❤️