The Fijian bride is escorted to her groom via Bili Bili, a boat with a wedding throne. She wears a flower garland of tapa cloth strung with colorful native island flowers and she wears a traditional masi dress, also made of tapa.
Tapa fabric is derived from the bark from the Fijian mulberry tree which is wetted and pounded onto a flat surface. It is dried and becomes tapa fabric. Fijian patterns are painted on the fabric before it is made into a dress.
Peru
In Peru, women are decked out in culturally significant, brightly colorful patterns on their wedding day. The special garment, called a pollera, consists of a handwoven multi-layered skirt. A bride may wear as many as 10 layers. The vibrant patterns and colors symbolize her Incan heritage. Perhaps most noticeable of all is her headdress, except that the hat, called a montera, is also worn by the groom in matching styles.
The bride and groom wear coordinating jackets as well — they are called jobonas and look like sequined woolen ponchos.
Bangladesh
Bengali brides are adorned in red and gold. They wear a customary saree, a long cloth that is draped around her as ancient traditions call for. It is lavishly embroidered in gold, likewise, gold lavishes the bride. Loads of jewelry, a bridal tiara or crown, and a Nolok (a large round nose ring) or Nath add to her adornment.
Traditional jewelry on her forehead keeps the veil in place as well as adds to the stunning look. Hands and wrists are decorated in henna.
Poland
Modern Polish brides have adopted the western-style white gown. But earlier in their tradition, dresses of any color were worn, usually their best one. An important element of the bride’s dress is a special veil. A unique ceremony called an Oczepiny, in which the bride is unveiled, is a very old Polish tradition that includes throwing the veil to a gathering of unmarried women and having her maidenly braids sheared off.
It usually happens around midnight culminating in a long and festive reception party.
Pakistan
Pakistani wedding dresses are bold and vibrant, exquisitely adorned, and immersed in history. Influences from the Muslim world and India come together in Pakistan to bring a unique tradition. Pakistan is Islamic, for example, yet the bride partakes in henna painting on her hands.
Several beautiful styles of Pakistani dresses are worn by the bride, but the shalwar kameez is most common.