Once she’s ready, a car convoy will follow the brides’ car, and another will follow the grooms’ car, honking all the way to where the ceremony will take place. The convoy needs to be as loud as it can, so that everyone will know that there’s going to be a wedding celebration and usually, other cars that have nothing to do with the convoy will start honking too, as a way to congratulate the future married couple. Originally, the families would go to the brides’ and the grooms’ places and carry them while making as much noise as they could. This was thought to scare the evil spirits and demons away. Today, it’s just a really fun way to celebrate!
When they arrive, woman all around will do the traditional “Zalghouta”, which is the act of ululating, a very common way to express joy, happiness, and to celebrate the bride and the groom! Back in the days, they would sometimes pay women to do this so the “Zalghouta” was louder and lasted longer. Today, even if not everyone knows exactly how to do it, all the guests will join the “Zalghouta” and chant some compliments to the bride and groom.
Once the ceremony in over, rice will be thrown at the happy couple while the “Zalghouta” starts again! All the guests will follow the newlyweds to the car they now share and a new convoy will take place, following them to start what everyone was waiting for: the Party!
Lebanese people are known for their parties, and no one parties like Lebanese newlyweds! The venues are grandiose, the guest list is kilometric, the buffet is never ending, and the fun is everywhere. Honestly, if there is anything you want to take from the Lebanese traditions to your French wedding, it’s the way they party!
Modern Lebanese weddings will not look too different from European weddings from the outside, but once you’re part of it, you will definitely understand. The music is louder, and the dancing never stops. The couple will make a big entry under the “Zaffee”, everyone applauding and drums drumming. They will of course dance the “Dabkeh”, which is the Lebanese traditional dance where everyone participates. In a few seconds, you will see all the guests holding hands and dancing to the “Derbakkeh” (typical Lebanese instrument). Then, of course, they will pick the couple up on their shoulders and they will make them dance while carrying them. After a bit, when hunger strikes, they will open the buffet where every dish you could possibly dream of will be present. Usually, there will be a table with all the Lebanese typical dishes, and then we move to the international part of the buffet where you can find all these French, Spanish and Italian dishes. Once everyone’s completely full, the dancing starts again and doesn’t stop until the morning!
For some reason, Lebanese people love France (maybe because we once were under their mandate), so no one is surprised if one of these grandiose weddings happen in Paris. Besides, one of the things Lebanese people are known for is bragging, so if they got the chance to do one of these weddings in a beautiful French castle, they will not turn their back on that opportunity. It’s not hard to make a Lebanese wedding in Paris, whether you are Lebanese or you just want to get inspired by some of these wedding traditions. One thing is sure, the wedding will be unforgettable!