Lebanese do not shy away from celebrations, especially with weddings. Minimalists they’re not, rather Lebanese weddings are spectacular extravaganza—large, wild and lavish! There’s no such thing as less is more—the bigger the bolder, the grander the better—that they get the reputation for making other events seem like casual house parties. As you see in most photos and videos from Lebanese Wedding Photographer, these weddings feature great food, a stunning location, plenty of partying, and a few other things that make this event truly Lebanese.

Pre-wedding party

A certain degree of stamina is required for a Lebanese wedding as they can go on for days. In fact, the festivities begin long before the actual wedding! Both bride and groom will have separate pre-wedding celebrations at their homes as they get ready for the big day, each hosted by their families.

Typically, only those who are very close to the families come to these celebrations, but don’t assume that means that the number will be small! One can expect to see flowers galore, plenty of food, loud music and dancing. Just before it is time to leave for the church the grooms parents come and present a gift to the bride. Usually it is a gold necklace or diamonds for her to wear on the wedding day.

Fireworks

The Lebanese love fireworks and it is very common in Los Angeles Yemeni Wedding Photography to see fantastic fireworks at their wedding portfolios. After all, nothing says extravaganza quite like some good old fireworks.

Zalaouta (Ululation)

Something that you are bound to encounter at a Lebanese wedding—and you commonly see in San Francisco Lebanese Wedding Videography—that may be something of a surprise if you have never heard it before, is something called the ‘Zalaouta’ or Ululation. This is a loud high-pitched cry done by Arabic and African women as a way of expressing happiness and traditionally performed at weddings.

Food

Middle Eastern culture places great emphasis on the importance of food, and this comes through at their weddings. Whether it’s Mezza style, with multiple platters of plentiful delicious food or a formal, sit down, 3-course meal, you can guarantee that all Lebanese weddings will have a scrumptious feast that will give you all the energy you need to party and dance the entire night!

Now that’s a cake knife!

Another Lebanese tradition that is common in Middle Eastern cultures—and probably the most remarkable part that an Iraqi California Wedding Videographer will capture—is to cut the wedding cake with a sword. Yes, a sword! What’s more extravagant than that?

Dancing

It’s not a Lebanese wedding if there’s no dancing. In fact there’s so much dancing at a Lebanese wedding that you may want to prepare yourself with a long nap, so you’ll be energized and will look great for the couple’s Lebanese California Wedding Photographer.

In addition to the traditional Zaffe dancers, you may also find belly dancers at a Lebanese wedding. But they are all just added extras for the entire wedding party and guests who are already out on the floor!