A Bride's TV Connection!
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A Bride's TV Connection!
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Love is a universal language. As individual choices are made in love, what does this mean for the future of wedding traditions?
Planning a wedding can be stressful when attempting to create a celebration that combines two cultures. Multicultural weddings are on the rise and have become the trend of the future. It is not unusual to see the infusion of cultural groups like Jewish-Korean, Japanese-Protestant and Hindu-Catholic.
There are several reasons that make multicultural weddings difficult to plan. Basic decisions like the location, food and clothing can become complicated problems to solve. Friends and family members may get offended when their traditions are omitted from the celebration. The best solution is to create new traditions by incorporating both cultures in a unique style.
Express Yourself - This day is a celebration of two, so let the theme reflect who you are. Be creative with invitations, food, entertainment and décor. Choose wedding favors that reflect your cultural heritage and personal style.
Blend Traditions – Don’t be afraid to hold two separate ceremonies with two different officiants, focusing on the union of two families. Use the wedding program to explain the history or meaning behind customs that are expressed during the wedding ceremony. It is important that all guests attending, no matter what their faith or background, understand why the bride and groom have chosen to include such elements as the Jewish breaking of the glass, the African-American jumping of the broom, or the Mexican presentation of coins.
Be willing to embrace each other’s heritage and include family members in the ceremony. Even small gestures, such as singing a religious hymn, lighting a unity candle, or reading a Native American poem can make relatives feel valued and honored.
Dress the Part – Traditional garb is a must for a multicultural wedding. If your theme calls for a Scottish kilt, a decorative sari or a red dress, which symbolizes love in Chinese, you’ll have your guests saying “WOW” all the way down the aisle. Encourage your guests to wear themed attire. For example, if you are planning a casual beach wedding, have your guests wear “Aloha” attire. If the thought of a themed wedding appears too elaborate or too expensive, simple cultural touches can be added by using ethnic-specific accessories.
Offer Food That Compliments Your Theme - If you think this is impossible without choosing a buffet or food stations, then you haven’t heard of the Personal Preference Menu offered by the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This flexible menu allows the wedding guests to choose their entrée while seated at the reception. The catering staff provides a printed menu at each place setting so that the wedding guests have a chance to preview the menu before making a selection. Be prepared to pay a little more for this option, but it’s definitely worth the additional cost.
Know Your Guests – Food is a key element during a wedding celebration. Start planning the menu well in advance. Some cultures judge the success of a wedding on the quality of food. Consider the dietary restrictions of your guests and consult the caterer to ensure that all requests have been met.
Attend a Menu Tasting - Most caterers allow you to taste the menu items prior to the wedding day. Be aware that some caterers charge a small fee for this service. Angela Bachelor with the Buena Vista Palace, invites wedding couples to attend quarterly bridal showcases where they can sample menu items, taste selections of wedding cake and meet the friendly staff. When attending a menu tasting, be bold and try new ideas. Sample food you may not have considered to get a better understanding of what is available. This should alleviate any uncertainties.
Don’t Duplicate - Whether you choose to showcase your unique style at the Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Reception or an After Party, be sure to provide a variety of options for your guests.
Create a Conversation Piece – It is important to offer an atmosphere where wedding guests from various cultural backgrounds can interact during the wedding reception. Instead of using table numbers for assigned seating, name the tables. By using cities you have visited or plan to visit on your honeymoon, fun facts about the bride and groom, love songs or quotes, it’s a great icebreaker for those guests who do not know each other.
Music Matters – Entertainment adds elegance and style to any event. From the first step down the aisle to the last dance, the music that you choose will set the tone for your special day. Live musicians such as a Mariachi Band or a Spanish Guitarist can offer a unique style and beautiful costumes. Traditional dances, like the Jewish Hora, can bring life and energy to the reception. Dancers provide interactive entertainment, while a disc jockey can initiate wedding activities like The Anniversary Dance. Whether you prefer a Latin Band, Caribbean Drums or Celtic Dancers, getting the crowd involved will produce an enjoyable event. Music doesn’t always have to involve the crowd. It can be a special moment shared between the bride and groom or with their families.
Remember that after the vows have been recited, the cake has been cut and the honeymoon is over, you should look back on your wedding day with fond memories. By planning your wedding with cultural flair, you will make this celebration memorable for all who attend.
