A Ukrainian Wedding in the Heart of Switzerland: Traditions That Bring Us Together

Ukrainian culture lives on in our traditions, in the importance we place on family, in the sincerity of our customs, and, most importantly, in the people who preserve them and pass them on to future generations.

Guests had a chance to experience this special power of Ukrainian traditions at a Ukrainian wedding celebration that brought together friends, families, children, teachers, volunteers, and guests of the IvAlive Foundation.

The evening began with a moment of silence — a sign of remembrance and gratitude to those who make it possible for us to live, work, develop Ukrainian initiatives, and preserve our culture today. The guests were then welcomed by Ivanna Onufriichuk, founder of the foundation.

Then came the main part of the evening: a Ukrainian wedding filled with traditions, symbolism, and heartfelt emotions.

The starostas, traditional representatives attendants, congratulated the newlyweds. The couple tasted the traditional korovai, a Ukrainian wedding bread, then stood on the rushnyk, a traditional embroidered cloth symbolising their shared path, harmony, and family happiness. In doing so, they took their first step into married life.

The celebration continued with a lively concert program. The performers included a children’s choir, the band No Name, gymnasts, participants from the breakdance and ballroom dance classes, and the girls’ group “Shaleni Yagidky”, with members of different ages. Guests also had the opportunity to join the program and share their own talents.

There was also plenty of traditional wedding entertainment: games, gifts, food, and many joyful moments that created the atmosphere of a true Ukrainian celebration.

But the most touching moments of the evening were still to come. After the entertainment program, the guests witnessed the newlyweds’ first dance — a symbolic beginning to their life together.

One of the most emotional moments was the traditional ceremony of covering the bride’s head. The mother-in-law covered her daughter-in-law with a hustyna, a traditional Ukrainian headscarf, welcoming her into the family as her own daughter. Later, the bride invited unmarried girls to dance with her, continuing one of the warmest Ukrainian wedding traditions. This moment showcased the beauty of the tradition, family closeness, and the symbolism of Ukrainian culture.

One of the most emotional moments was the traditional ceremony of covering the bride’s head. The mother-in-law covered her daughter-in-law with a hustyna, a traditional Ukrainian headscarf, welcoming her into the family as her own daughter. Later, the bride invited unmarried girls to dance with her, continuing one of the warmest Ukrainian wedding traditions. This moment showcased the beauty of the tradition, family closeness, and the symbolism of Ukrainian culture.

Most importantly, everyone present became part of this wedding. The guests did not simply watch the traditions — they took part in a very special moment: the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a young family.

This is where the special strength of Ukrainian culture lies. It keeps the memory of generations alive, brings people together, and helps us stay connected to home, wherever we may be.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this celebration possible: the performers and volunteers, our teachers and students, the newlyweds, and our honoured guests.

Thanks to each of you, an authentic Ukrainian wedding came to life far from Ukraine — in the very heart of Switzerland.

More photos from the celebration can be found at the link below.