Brides on every continent know that it's all about the wedding dress.
In many countries, a bridal gown is a manifestation of a couple's heritage. The color, silhouette, and detail are designed in keeping with their customs and religious beliefs. Of course, no two brides are alike, and traditions may vary by region.
Take a look at how wedding dresses are worn around the world.
SEE ALSO: Here's how wedding dresses have changed over 200 years — and why
Before a Turkish bride leaves her father's home for the wedding, a male relative ties a red maidenhood belt around her waist. The color signifies luck, sexuality, and happiness.
![](http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/56a7ec93dd0895e1018b465e-400-300/before-a-turkish-bride-leaves-her-fathers-home-for-the-wedding-a-male-relative-ties-a-red-maidenhood-belt-around-her-waist-the-color-signifies-luck-sexuality-and-happiness.jpg)
Sources: Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Today's Zaman
At a wedding in Ribnovo, Bulgaria, the bride gets her face painted white and decorated with colorful sequins by her female in-laws. The custom dates back centuries.
![](http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/56a7ec93dd0895e1018b4669-400-300/at-a-wedding-in-ribnovo-bulgaria-the-bride-gets-her-face-painted-white-and-decorated-with-colorful-sequins-by-her-female-in-laws-the-custom-dates-back-centuries.jpg)
Sources: Reuters and The Guardian
In a traditional wedding in Macedonia, the bride wears an intricately embroidered smock in red, white, and gold.
![](http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/58a22a8c6e09a8c1078b6aef-400-300/in-a-traditional-wedding-in-macedonia-the-bride-wears-an-intricately-embroidered-smock-in-red-white-and-gold.jpg)
Source: PannaComp
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