Both traditions and the latest global trends merge in the wedding industry of the Baltic States, making the region an excellent destination for weddings. Situated between Europe and Scandinavia, people in the Baltics embrace both influences. They have a broad perspective, developed and internationally renowned wedding industry.

Although wedding traditions in all the Baltic States are similar, some nuances differ. Therefore, let's briefly explore the types of weddings held in each country. They can also pride themselves on quality wedding dress design and high-level service while preserving an individualized approach. Experienced professionals of the wedding industry in the Baltic States, such as Kaņepes Films, Kristina Viirpalu, Raimonda Silė, and representatives of Pädaste Manor, share stories about weddings in the region.

Weddings in Estonia

As Kaņepes Films has filmed weddings in all of the Baltic States, we approached Aldis Kaņepe to describe his experience in each of these countries. He has pleasant memories of weddings in Estonia. Estonians organize grand weddings, inviting their extended family. He shares that Estonians know how to relax, and weddings are joyous occasions celebrated wholeheartedly. However, they do not allow for excessiveness, yet Estonian weddings can provide an excellent energetic charge.

Estonians possess a strong sense of national self-confidence; they are self-assured, and Aldis Kaņepe has observed that perhaps this is why their weddings are authentic and genuinely simple in a positive sense, as Estonians do not feel the need to stand out from the rest. In Estonia, Kaņepes Films has been welcomed with warm attitudes, and during weddings, they have felt like guests rather than service staff isolated from the guests. Weddings in Estonia are organized with an individualized approach. Interestingly, fish often is included in the wedding menu in Estonia.

Weddings in Lithuania

Aldis Kaņepe shares that Lithuanians celebrate weddings enthusiastically and don't spare expenses to organize them. In his experience, Lithuanians have always been warm and considerate, thinking about everyone, including the filmmakers, and treating them as artists with respect to their work. Wedding traditions are important in all Baltic States, but are especially valued in Lithuania.

Lithuanians organize classic weddings with traditional customs and serve traditional cuisine. Lithuania stands out with its grand and luxurious churches, and wedding ceremonies often take place in churches. Weddings in the church hold great significance for Lithuanians as they are events conducted according to canon. Overall, weddings in Lithuania are relatively traditional, but that doesn't mean one cannot organize a modern-concept wedding there. Additionally, Lithuanians always welcome guests warmly.

Weddings in Latvia

There is no doubt that Latvia has the best wedding organizers in the Baltic States. The wedding industry in Latvia is highly developed, and Latvians excel in providing service. Aldis Kaņepe, having filmed weddings in all Baltic States, has observed that in Latvian weddings, special attention is paid to exquisite details and decorations. Latvia has professional wedding planners and other specialists, artists, and high-level service providers. In Latvia, there are well-educated and skilled wedding hosts. Moreover, Latvians have a strong command of the English language, so foreigners will have no problem organizing weddings here. Latvians also stand out in catering, offering sophisticated wedding menus.

Wedding venues in the Baltic States

The Baltic States are not lacking in beautiful wedding venues, as they have diverse and stunning natural landscapes - meadows, forests, hills, and various coastal areas with open sea and bay beaches. Additionally, there are large and small cities, each with its character. Speaking of the largest cities in the Baltic States from a photogenic perspective, Aldis Kaņepe explains that each has its advantages. Vilnius and Tallinn are multidimensional cities with terrain and hills, offering a diverse environment for wedding photographers and filmmakers to capture. From the highest points in Tallinn's Old Town, a wonderful panorama unfolds, providing a perspective and depth for wedding photography and videos. The Riga Old Town may be a bit bustling, but in Vilnius and Kaunas' Old Towns, there are plenty of charming, hidden streets to explore and discover enchanting spots for wedding photoshoots.

Pädaste Manor is a special and unique wedding venue. Pädaste Manor is located on Muhu Island, Estonia. It serves as a true sanctuary of peace where one can relax, daydream, explore the surroundings, and find inspiration. Having a wedding on an island is truly exclusive. Moreover, Pädaste Manor yearly only hosts four weddings making each one even more special. The manor also provides a dedicated event manager who works closely with the couple throughout the wedding planning and organizing process. Additionally, a special menu is crafted for each wedding, taking into account the couple's preferences. Representatives of Pädaste Manor share that Muhu Island has its charm for each season, so couples should not hesitate to have weddings here during autumn or winter.

Wedding dresses in the Baltic States

There is no shortage of talented designers and artists with profound knowledge and refined practical skills in their respective fields in the Baltic States. If the bride values unique design, an individual approach, and a high-quality handcrafted dress with a story, then one of the Baltic wedding dress brands would be the right choice.

Estonian bridal designer Kristina Viirpalu creates luxury-class wedding dresses. They are uniquely handcrafted dresses made from carefully selected high-quality materials. She incorporates ancient Estonian embroidery and knitting techniques, romantic patterns, and ornaments creatively combined with contemporary elements. The result is refined and distinctive wedding dresses that suit modern women who value contemporary design and cultural references. Kristina Viirpalu collaborates individually with her clients to create haute couture garments that reflect the wearer's personality and enhance her beauty.

Lithuanian wedding dress designer Raimonda Silė also implements a personal approach, creating each dress specifically for the bride. She does not have a catalogue of ready-made dresses because she believes that repeating the same designs in multiple dresses diminishes the bride's individuality. She states that a wedding dress can be anything - from a puffy princess gown to a lightweight chiffon dress - and they can all look equally stunning. The most important thing is that the bride feels like herself on her wedding day.

Raimonda Silė incorporates a lot of handwork into her wedding dresses and masters various textile treatment techniques. These include silk painting, embroidery with crystals and pearls, macrame, soutage, and many others. The techniques Raimonda Silė utilizes demonstrate that wedding dresses can be diverse. While she enjoys creating white dresses, it is certainly not the only option for brides. Raimonda's dresses are chosen by brides from the Baltic states, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and Europe, such as Germany and Spain, as well as from America.

Wedding service in the Baltic States

Raimonda Silė, the wedding dress designer, recommends choosing the Baltic states as a wedding destination because they are truly beautiful, and there are many talented professionals with a refined style working here. When organizing weddings in the Baltic states, you can rely on excellent service.

Raimonda Silė also emphasizes the individual approach implemented by service providers in the Baltic states. Wedding agencies in the Baltics are not large corporations, which means clients receive personal attention and special care. When creating wedding dresses, she explains that often the designer communicates directly with the client, resulting in a unique design tailored specifically to the individual. With confidence, she recommends choosing one of the Baltic wedding dress designers for your special day, as they are creative individuals with unique styles, knowledge, and skills in their field.

Weddings in the Baltic countries offer several advantages. Compared to popular wedding destinations like Italy, France, and Spain, you can receive much better service in the Baltic countries at a much lower cost. However, the financial aspect is not the most significant reason for having a wedding in one of the Baltic countries. When dreaming of popular and distant wedding destinations we often forget many other beautiful countries. Moreover, by choosing such a wedding location, you will stand out among other couples who either celebrate their weddings in their home county or go to one of the exotic destinations.

Author: Renāte Berga

Photo: JūrasDuo