Austria is known for its deeply-rooted folk traditions and you can catch a full glimpse of these coming to life during the Christmas season. Similar to other countries, people can be seen hustling and bustling in the streets on the night of November 24th, doing their last minute shopping. Giving of gifts is also a popular custom but in Austria, they have no Santa Claus and instead they have “Kristkindl,” a golden-haired infant-child that has divine wings, who represents the new born Christ, as their equivalent.

Seeing as there are cultural differences between Austria and the United States, what would happen if one were to plan to have his/her wedding in Austria during Christmas? Well, the answer would have to be that the affair would have to be a combination of Christmas traditions between the American and Austrian cultures. Let the diversity be an inspiration to you in planning your wedding. Since your visitors would consist of Austrians at most, you have to make adjustments in order to make them feel that you appreciate their culture and their country as well.

While the bride and her bridesmaids can opt to go for the traditional wedding attire, the couple can inject a bit of the Austrian way of living by having some of the traditional Austrian Christmas cuisine at their wedding reception.

They can have Gebackener Karpfen (Fried Carp), Sachertorte (Chocolate and Apricot Cake), or perhaps Weihnachtsbaeckerei (Christmas cookies). You can also serve the traditional Christmas dinner goose and ham served along with Gluhwein, Rumpunsch, and their version of Chocolate Mousse. With food that would suit everybody at the wedding, the guests will have a sure-fire great night as the newlyweds tie the knot and celebrate.