In a Serbian Orthodox wedding, the kum and kuma hold roles that go far beyond the wedding day itself. These are more than honorary titles—they represent a sacred, lifelong spiritual and familial bond, much like the relationship of godparents. The kum and kuma are active participants in the ceremony, standing beside the couple as witnesses and supporters of their marriage. Their responsibility continues long after the celebration, as they play an important role in the well-being and spiritual guidance of the newlyweds throughout their life together.
In a Serbian wedding, the stari svat holds one of the most important roles in the celebration. Traditionally, this is the groom’s maternal uncle or another respected elder chosen for his wisdom and experience. The stari svat represents the groom and serves as a symbol of guidance, honor, and tradition. The stari svacija (the female counterpart) plays a complementary role. She is often a respected woman from the community or family and, together with the stari svat, helps guide and oversee the wedding customs.
Candles- After the rings are exchanged, the priest gives the couple a lit candles to hold in their left hands. The burning flames symbolise the couple’s spiritual willingness to receive God’s blessings. Joining of the hands- The right hand of the bride and groom are joined when the priest reads the prayer that beseeches God to "join these servants, unite them in one mind and one flesh. "The hands are kept joined throughout the service to symbolise the "oneness." Crowning- While the couple is facing the altar the priest places the crowns on their heads. A crown alone is a symbol of glory and honour. In church, on the wedding day, the crowning represents the royalty of marriage. Walk around the table- These are the couple’s first steps as husband and wife.
After the ceremony, guests exit church and wait for the couple to come out. When the couple crosses the church’s doorstep, the Kum tosses coins in the air. This gets kids to scamper around looking to pick up as many coins as they can hold.
At our wedding, we’ll be playing all kinds of music—including lively tunes for Kolo dancing! Have you ever heard of kolo? It’s a traditional Balkan circle dance where everyone joins hands and follows a set pattern of steps together. The best part is—you don’t need to know the moves to join in. Just jump in the circle, watch what others are doing, and follow along. It’s all about the energy, the music, and having fun together!
One thing you need to know about is Slivovitz—a Serbian plum brandy that’s considered the country’s national drink and a beloved type of rakija. The name comes from the Slavic word for “plum,” and it’s traditionally made from crushed, fermented damson plums, often double-distilled and aged in oak barrels for a rich, smooth taste. Slivovitz is usually enjoyed neat—before a meal, after a meal, or even used in cooking. Its flavor often carries notes of ripe plum, almond, vanilla, and oak. And a friendly warning: Dara’s dad, Mirko Milivojac, will probably make sure you take a shot of it at some point during the night—it’s all part of the celebration!