Marriage

Marriage within the regular citizen classes is less about social mobility than mutual benefit, although love can play a role. Citizens and nobles do not intermarry at all. Aristocrats will attempt to rise in rank via marriage, but this is very difficult due to how strict the hierarchy is. For example, a high ranking vlahu nandzur could marry his daughter to a nandzur with the right persuasion. However, he would never be able to arrange a match with an vlahu dzaiwo unless something very drastic or important was put forth as to why such a match should happen.

History

Eoion's marriage traditions come from mostly secular sources as Bolugama is not generally concerned with the mundane affairs and focuses almost entirely on magic. However, as more Dea were introduced, some couples preferred to invoke them during the ceremony in asking for guidance. During royal weddings, Ilya Shiroko is always prayed to as the founder of the dynasty. 
The introduction of the rings is fairly recent, only in the last 300 years. After winning the mines from the Yzel Kingdom, amethysts and diamonds were incorporated into what was once a single gold band in order to show the dominance of the empire and to bring the traditionally held associations with each stone more thoroughly into the marriage. Prior to this, the stones were used only during the ceremony and kept by the marriage bureau in a given province when no ceremonies were ongoing.

Execution

Whoever is higher in social standing, whether they are a man or woman, will propose. A hair ornament with three jewels hanging from it is traditional. The jewels in particular do not have much meaning anymore. However, for very traditional couples, the jewels are generally diamonds for longevity and amethysts to keep evil thoughts away. These hair pieces are often passed down within families.
Light colors such as pastel pinks, blues, and white are worn by both parties. Embroidery with gold and silver is very common as well. Flowers such as lilies and tulips are the main motif in the designs. The one who received the proposal will wear the hair ornament given to them, prominently displayed over all other hair decorations worn that day. The day before the wedding, the couple will create a lantern together in the shape of an animal they want to represent their marriage. Those in the royal family will almost always choose a tsirin  as this is their family animal. Other common choices are wolves, horses, turtles, dogs, and owls. This lantern is released on the night of the wedding, right before the couple leaves the ceremony. Normally, this is done in front of the entire wedding party, but some couples prefer to do it alone.
The person of higher social status arrives first and rides a decorated horse to the location of the ceremony, usually the main town hall or the residence of the higher standing person. They are escorted to the front of the room by their family member. After this, the second member of the couple is carried in via a sedan chair of varying ornateness depending on the couple's wealth. Once the sedan arrives, the second member is also escorted by their family member to the front. Both family members then present the couple to one another.
Once the two are together, they invoke any Dea they wish to have assist in their marriage then bow to the opposite family. The exception to this is in a royal wedding. Given the amount of inbreeding, the wider family is the same for each member of the couple. Instead of bowing to the opposite, they bow to one another and the current ruler (as the head of shared family). If the ruler is being married, the two only bow to each other.
Rings are exchanged during the ceremony. The lower status person places the ring on the bare gold necklace of the higher and then the process is repeated. These are worn for the rest of the couple's married life. The hair ornament is only worn on the day of the ceremony itself and then kept in the couple's bedroom in a special box once the ceremony is complete.
After the wedding celebration, a banquet is held from the end of the ceremony until late into the night. At the very end, the couple will release their lantern and, under its light, depart for their honeymoon.

Components and tools

The main component of the marriage ceremony is the exchange of rings. These are made from gold or copper depending on the wealth of the couple. As stated above, the addition of two amethysts and one diamond is standard. Rather than being worn on the finger, the ring is hung from a golden chain around the neck. 
Hair ornamentation is common for men and women. These decorations can take the form of hairpins, ribbons, or long sticks. The hair pin given by the one who proposed is worn on the right side of the head. Any other ornaments worn are always placed in a lower position on the head than this. The hair is braided in very intricate styles as a way to show how formal the occasion is. These braided patterns are governed by the same social customs as standard hair styles, particularly within the nobility. The higher one is on the social ladder, the more intricate and numerous the braiding is allowed to be. 
For both men and women, three layers of robes are worn. The innermost robe is of a pale color, often pale blue, purple, or white, although green or yellow is sometimes seen as well. More traditional individuals, particularly royals, will wear white or pale blue on the innermost set. The sleeves of this robe often have jewels such as diamonds sewn into the outermost hem, especially in noble families. On top of the inner robe, the second is placed and often has a detailed pattern sewn into the fabric. This is most often composed of light geometric shapes. The last set of robes almost always has floral patterns sewn into it, along with being made of a lighter fabric than the inner robes. Blue and purple are the most popular colors for this robe as pale yellow or white embroidery shows up particularly well. Lastly, a wide belt is tied around the waist of each member of the couple. Once again, large jewels are very popular as decoration if the couple can afford them. A long ribbon, usually of pale yellow, is tied around this and fashioned in an intricate braid like the hair, along with having more jewels hanging from the loose ties.

Participants

Participants in the main wedding ceremony increase with the amount of pomp and social rank of the couple. 
In a standard wedding, the couple, a government official, and at least one member of each of the couple's families will be present (generally the closest living relative). A Bolugama priest or priestess can attend as well if the couple wishes it. If a member of one family is unable to be present due to death or simply because they are unknown, a member of the other family or the priest can fulfil this role. 
Expanded roles seen in weddings of nobility include bridesmaids and groomsmen, usually seen as entirely ceremonial with no duties during the wedding aside from acting as witnesses. These people are often friends or extended family of the couple. Their primary role is before the ceremony in dressing the bride and groom.