How to Have a Viking Wedding

If you're considering a Viking wedding, you may have many questions about what that would entail. 

Weddings are a big deal, no matter what culture you come from. But if you want to have a Viking wedding, there are some specific things you need to know to make it perfect.

We've got all the answers for you right here! In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about having a Viking wedding, from the ceremony and vows to the food and drinks. So whether you're just curious or seriously considering throwing a Viking wedding, read on!

Viking Wedding Traditions

Viking weddings were full of ancient traditions and rituals, which are still practiced today. Here are some of the important Viking wedding traditions:

Viking Weddings Are Always On Fridays 

In Norse mythology, Friday is named after the goddess Frigg. She is the goddess of marriage, so it makes sense that couples want to get married on her day. It is said that a Viking wedding should be held on a Friday, as this was the day of Freyja, the goddess of love. 

Bride Maidenhood Rituals

Maidenhood was highly valued in Viking society, and several rituals surrounded it. One of the most important was the Kransen, a gilt circlet worn by unmarried women. This was seen as a symbol of purity and virginity and would be taken off and stored away during the wedding ceremony. It would then be given to the bride's future daughter when she reached marriageable age.  

Another significant ritual was the replacement of the Kransen with a bridal crown during the ceremony itself. This signaled that the bride was now a married woman, and her maiden status had been forever left behind. It was an important moment in her transition to adulthood. 

Grooms Underwent Sword Ceremony Rituals

Viking grooms underwent several rituals in preparation for their wedding day. One of the most important was the sword ceremony, in which the groom's attendants would place a sword in the grave. This symbolized the groom's death as a boy and his emergence as a man. 

Bride And Groom Must Exchange Swords

A Viking wedding would not be complete without the bride and groom exchanging swords. This is an important part of the ceremony, as it symbolizes the union of two families. The swords represent the strength and power of the new couple and are a reminder that they must always be ready to defend each other. Also, this is to show that they are willing to sacrifice everything for each other. 

Involve Norse Gods

Before a Viking wedding ceremony, the couple would often go and ask Thor for his blessing. A goat would also be sacrificed to him as a sign of respect. This was done in order to please the gods and ensure that the marriage would be a happy and prosperous one.

Today, it can be done by including a statue or image of one of the gods in your ceremony or by making an offering of food or drink. You could also consider having a small fire burning in honor of the gods during your ceremony. Whatever you do, make sure that you do it with sincerity and respect, as the gods will not take kindly to any disrespect shown to them.

Handfasting Ceremony 

The handfasting ceremony is an ancient tradition that has been a part of Viking weddings for centuries. The ceremony is simple but incredibly meaningful. In the handfasting ceremony, the bride and groom each take one of each other's hands and bind them together with a cord or ribbon.

As they do so, they make a series of pledges to each other. These pledges can be anything from vows of love and devotion to promises of fidelity and support. After the couple has made their pledges, they are officially married! 

Huge Wedding Feast

Viking weddings were often huge, lavish affairs that involved days of feasting and drinking. The bride and groom sat at the head of the table, with the bride's parents on one side and the groom's parents on the other. The bridal party and guests were seated along either side of the table.

The feast began with a soup course and roasted meats and vegetables. The food was washed down with mead, ale, and wine. The couple would share a drink from a horn, signifying their union. They would then feast with their guests and celebrate their new life together. After the meal, there was entertainment in the form of music and dancing. The festivities went on late into the night.

Bride Running Rituals

When it came to a Viking wedding, the bride's family often held a foot race in her honor. This was known as a bruðhlaup and showcased the bride's strength and beauty. The race would typically take place between the families of the bride and groom, with the winner receiving a prize of livestock or other valuable goods. In some cases, the bruðhlaup would also be used to determine which family would have the upper hand in negotiations surrounding the marriage contract.

Dowry

Viking weddings were often very lavish, with the bride's family providing a hefty dowry to the groom. This would usually include land, livestock, and other valuable possessions. The size of the dowry would often be proportional to the wealth and status of the bride's family, and it was not uncommon for even kings and queens to offer enormous dowries for their daughters' hands in marriage.

The bride would bring a number of items with her on her wedding day. These items would be used to help set up her new home and life with her husband. The following is a list of some of the things that might be found in a Viking bride's dowry:

• A bed
• Linens and bedding
• A loom
• Spinning wheel
• Spinning supplies
• Tapestries or other handiwork
• Cooking pots and utensils
• Food supplies
• Dowry chest containing personal belongings, including clothes, jewelry, and keepsakes

Viking Wedding Vows

In Viking culture, a wedding was more than just pledging love between two people. It was also a way of uniting two families and forging a new alliance. For this reason, the groom would often present his new bride with an ancestral sword. This sword would be passed down to their future son, who would then use it to protect his own family. In essence, the sword was a symbol of strength and unity, and by presenting it to his bride, the groom was showing her that she was now a part of his clan. 

Viking wedding vows were very simple and straightforward. They were usually just a few lines long and focused on the couple’s love for each other and their commitment to spending the rest of their lives together. 

Viking Wedding Clothing, Hair and Makeup
Viking Wedding Hairstyle 

The bride's hair was usually worn simply, pulled back from her face, and often braided. However, some brides choose to wear their hair in an updo or with loose curls. The bride's hair was often adorned with flowers, jewels, or other decorations. It helped to show off her status as a married woman. The more elaborate the crown, the higher the bride's social status.

On the other hand, the groom usually wears his hair simply. It was seen as a sign of respect for the bride, as he wanted to show her that she was the most important person on this special day. However, some grooms wore their hair in a more elaborate style, such as braids or an updo. 

Viking Wedding Dress

Nordic Viking wedding dress was an extraordinary garment worn by the bride on her wedding day. It was usually made of wool or linen and was often decorated with intricate embroidery. The dress would have been full-sleeved or short-sleeved and reached down to the ground. It would have been belted at the waist and had a train. 

When it comes to weddings, the groom's outfit is often overlooked in favor of the bride's dress. But if you're having a Viking-themed wedding, the groom's attire is just as important as the bride's. Viking men typically wore tunics made of wool or linen, reaching anywhere from mid-thigh to knee-length. He would also likely wear a cloak or cape over his tunic to keep warm.

Viking Wedding Bands

The bride and groom's wedding rings were often made of different metals. The groom's ring was usually iron, while the bride's ring was often silver. This helped to symbolize the different roles that the husband and wife would play in the marriage. The rings also symbolize the never-ending love between the bride and groom.

The bride and groom's wedding rings were often inscribed with words of love or other sentimental messages. This helped to show the deep love that they had for each other. The rings also symbolize the never-ending love between the bride and groom.

Viking Wedding Bride Makeup

Viking women didn’t just don pretty dresses and do their hair up in braids on their wedding day – they also took great care to make sure their faces were looking their best. 

If you’re interested in trying out a Viking-inspired look for your big day, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start with a clean slate. Make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly before applying any makeup. This will help your products go on more evenly and last longer throughout the day.
2. Choose a long-wearing foundation. Opt for a waterproof or long-wearing formula for a foundation that will last all night. This will ensure that your makeup looks fresh even after dancing the night away.
3. Add a pop of color. Add a touch of color to your cheeks with a blush or bronzer for a bit of extra flair. This will give you a healthy-looking glow that is perfect for photographs.
4. Define your eyes. Create a dramatic look by applying some black eyeliner and mascara. You can also add false lashes for an even more glamorous effect!
5. Finish with lipstick. Choose a long-wearing lipstick in a shade that compliments your dress and hair. Apply it generously so that it lasts all night long!

Following these steps will help you create a beautiful Viking-inspired makeup look that is perfect for your big day. 

How to Have a Viking-Themed Wedding?

Viking themed weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples look to add a touch of Norse culture to their big day.

If you're considering having a Viking-themed wedding, here are a few Viking wedding ideas you need to consider to ensure it's truly authentic.

Set The Date

The most important thing is to keep the wedding on Friday, which is also called Frigg's day and the Vikings had their wedding on this day to get the blessings of Freya, the goddess of love, fertility, and marriage.

Viking Dress Code

The next step is to think about the dress code. For a Viking-themed wedding, traditional Scandinavian clothing is a must. This means that both the bride and groom should wear cloaks and tunics made from wool or linen. The bride's dress should be especially beautiful, as she is meant to represent Freya, the goddess of love and beauty.

Viking-Themed Venue

You will also need to choose a venue that suits your theme. An outdoor setting, such as a meadow or forest, is a great option for a Viking-themed wedding. It will help to create the right atmosphere for your guests.

Viking Food

When it comes to the food, you should stick to simple, hearty dishes that the Vikings would have eaten. It means lots of meat, potatoes, bread, ale, stews, grains, and berries. For dessert, why not try a traditional Viking cake, such as an apple or cherry cake? And for drinks, you could serve honey mead by fermenting water and honey, just like the Vikings.

Viking Music And Activities 

Finally, don't forget the entertainment! A Viking-themed wedding wouldn't be complete without some traditional music and dance. You could hire a band to play Nordic folk songs or even bring in a group of medieval reenactors to perform a mock battle. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something your guests will enjoy.

Following these simple tips, you can be sure that your Viking themed wedding will be an event to remember!