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If youve been to more weddings than you can count with the fingers of both hands, you probably think that all wedding parties pretty much look the same. While there may be subtle variations depending on the bride and grooms individual preferences, theres basically a format that the Western world follows: The bride walks down the aisle in a white dress while the groom waits patiently wearing his tux. They have the wedding ceremony and reception, dance to a sweet love song played by a wedding DJ, and the newlyweds leave for their honeymoon once the party ends.

But in other parts of the world, in Asia specifically, there are some wedding customs and traditions that will not just impress you, but will also make your jaw drop. Here are some of the most unique wedding traditions from different countries.

Chinese brides are said to be the happiest because they dont just wear one frilly white dress on their special day; they wear three! The first dress is usually something traditional for the traditional tea ceremony, like a qipao or cheongsam in red. The second dress is a white Western-style piece that is worn for the actual wedding ceremony. And the third is a cocktail gown for the reception.

Japanese brides getting married in a traditional Shinto ceremony are expected to wear a full white outfit comprising of a kimono, headgear, and makeup to symbolize purity in front of the kami or the spirits of nature. The headgear, which looks like a hood, is meant to conceal the horns of jealousy and selfishness that the bride has and is also a symbol of her resolve to be an obedient wife to her new husband.

India takes the prize for the longest wedding ceremonies, since festivities can last for several days, depending on the religion and region. Another wedding tradition that India is famous for is the intricate tattoos that brides get on their hands and feet before the big day. These mehndi tattoos, drawn with henna, is believed to make the bride more attractive and lovable to her future husband and in-laws. The darker the mehndi, the more her future family will love and accept her.

Philippines

At the end of every wedding, guests often toss rice and confetti at the newlyweds as they exit the church. This is meant to symbolize prosperity and good fortune that will fall on the couple in their new life together. In the Philippines, this tradition is taken literally as it is more acceptable for guests to pin money on the couple as they take center stage for their first dance as husband and wife.

Whether youre working with a tight budget or youre just more comfortable taking the DIY route, planning a wedding can be hard work, especially if youre planning your own. The good news is, you dont have to do it alone. With the help of your closest family, friends, and soon-to-be spouse, you can have the wedding of your dreams without having to oversee every little detail yourself. From organizing your wedding program to picking out your reception music, here are 8 tips to help you plan your most unforgettable wedding.

1. Do your research

To be able to pull off the wedding of your dreams, you need to be ready to do your own research. Start collecting bridal magazines and saving online wedding guides so you have all the resources you need to work out the different details of the wedding you want.

2. Follow a schedule

Having a time frame and setting deadlines for your different tasks is a good way to keep your team (yourself included) moving towards your goals. Even though you may not like the idea of following a schedule, it will ensure that everything is sorted out on your big day.

3. Be organized

Try to keep all your notes and lists in one notebook so that you can easily keep track of everything related to your wedding. Organizing the different elements of your wedding in just one notebook will save you a lot of time and energy, especially in the planning stage.

4. Pick a wedding theme

Having a theme will make it easier for you to make decisions for your wedding. It will also make your big day look more cohesive because youll have to stick to design elements that work around your chosen theme.

5. Create a vision board

With countless wedding inspiration online, it can get very overwhelming real fast. Organize your wedding thoughts, ideas, and projects into a vision board that you can show to your suppliers. Pinterest and Instagram are good platforms you can use to collect and organize wedding inspo.

6. Agree on a guest list

If youre having a small intimate wedding, be ready to make some serious cuts. Sit down with your fiancé and agree on a guest list. Decide whether you have the budget and space for plus-ones and children.

7. Work with wedding suppliers that you like

Since youll be hands-on with your wedding preparations, its important to put together a team that you can get along with well. This way, youll be able to execute the wedding that you want without any stress.

8. Ask help from your married friends and relatives

It takes a village to put together a DIY wedding, so dont be afraid to ask for recommendations and advice from your married friends and relatives who have survived the DIY wedding process. Theyre a treasure trove of helpful tips and insights.