With technology increasingly shrinking the size of our world and bringing people from diverse cultures together, there are an increasing number of couples who are left wondering how to organize a cross cultural wedding. Many feel that they need to go exclusively with one person's culture over the others, but this simply is not the case. The best way to organize a cross cultural wedding is through large amounts of compromise and a little curiosity.
The Vows
This might be the most important part of the entire wedding, as it frames the reason for there even being a wedding in the first place. This important ritual is present in almost all weddings around the world, but the customs can vary widely. Some couples might choose to have two separate ceremonies in order to please "traditional" families who may not be receptive to merging two cultures into one ceremony. But other couples are more progressive, and should try mixing each culture's vows together. Be sensitive to the concerns of the families involved, and do what's best for long-term peace and unity among yourselves and your loved ones.
The Music
Unlike wedding vows, which can be an especially sensitive and sacred part of the wedding, the music played at the wedding and reception is celebratory and fun. This is where cross cultural weddings shine, as they can be both a matrimonial ceremony and an educational experience. Bring the best of each culture -- an Italian opera singer, a Salsa band, a pop group -- and have fun.
The Food
Each culture has its own food, and each culture's weddings has its on traditional dishes. Give your guests the option of a traditional dish from each culture when they're picking what to eat at your wedding reception. This will satisfy the traditionalists of both families, but the diverse options will entice the more adventurous members of each family to try something new and exciting.
The Decorating
A lot of people don't take into account that there are great disparities in wedding decorations based on cultural heritage. This part of the wedding is often overlooked in favor of the bigger photo moments, like walking down the aisle or taking the first dance.
But consider that Asian cultures prefer a darker color scheme -- deep reds and golds, for example -- while traditional American and European weddings consider the affair a joyous one deserving of bright colors or pastels. These customs can seem a little diverging, and newlyweds would be right to be intimidated at the thought of merging two cultures which view the event so differently.
However, think of your wedding decorations as your biggest opportunity to show that two distinct people -- with two distinct cultures -- are coming together. With "fusion" restaurants being all the rage at the moment, try a "fusion" decorating scheme. Bring traditional elements from both cultures into the reception. A good way of doing this would be to decorate some tables with traditional elements from one culture, while the other half of the tables sport an entirely different look familiar to the other family.
This will be a literal way to show the effects of a "melting pot" society, as each family learns about each other over the course of the reception. They'll be intrigued by the opposing culture's decorating sensibilities and traditions, and they'll want to know more.
Success
Turning a cross cultural wedding into a success is relatively easy to do. A little essential compromise, combined with curiosity and lots of fun, will result in a great experience for both families and their heritage.
The Vows
This might be the most important part of the entire wedding, as it frames the reason for there even being a wedding in the first place. This important ritual is present in almost all weddings around the world, but the customs can vary widely. Some couples might choose to have two separate ceremonies in order to please "traditional" families who may not be receptive to merging two cultures into one ceremony. But other couples are more progressive, and should try mixing each culture's vows together. Be sensitive to the concerns of the families involved, and do what's best for long-term peace and unity among yourselves and your loved ones.
The Music
Unlike wedding vows, which can be an especially sensitive and sacred part of the wedding, the music played at the wedding and reception is celebratory and fun. This is where cross cultural weddings shine, as they can be both a matrimonial ceremony and an educational experience. Bring the best of each culture -- an Italian opera singer, a Salsa band, a pop group -- and have fun.
The Food
Each culture has its own food, and each culture's weddings has its on traditional dishes. Give your guests the option of a traditional dish from each culture when they're picking what to eat at your wedding reception. This will satisfy the traditionalists of both families, but the diverse options will entice the more adventurous members of each family to try something new and exciting.
The Decorating
A lot of people don't take into account that there are great disparities in wedding decorations based on cultural heritage. This part of the wedding is often overlooked in favor of the bigger photo moments, like walking down the aisle or taking the first dance.
But consider that Asian cultures prefer a darker color scheme -- deep reds and golds, for example -- while traditional American and European weddings consider the affair a joyous one deserving of bright colors or pastels. These customs can seem a little diverging, and newlyweds would be right to be intimidated at the thought of merging two cultures which view the event so differently.
However, think of your wedding decorations as your biggest opportunity to show that two distinct people -- with two distinct cultures -- are coming together. With "fusion" restaurants being all the rage at the moment, try a "fusion" decorating scheme. Bring traditional elements from both cultures into the reception. A good way of doing this would be to decorate some tables with traditional elements from one culture, while the other half of the tables sport an entirely different look familiar to the other family.
This will be a literal way to show the effects of a "melting pot" society, as each family learns about each other over the course of the reception. They'll be intrigued by the opposing culture's decorating sensibilities and traditions, and they'll want to know more.
Success
Turning a cross cultural wedding into a success is relatively easy to do. A little essential compromise, combined with curiosity and lots of fun, will result in a great experience for both families and their heritage.
Nicole has been blogging for 3 years on a variety of topics ranging from finding the best ways for couples to start a savings account to where to find the best designer eyewear online.
I have several friends who has a partner that comes from diff nationalities. They'll be happy with the tips written here. I'll share this with them..
We have had one wedding like this ,and the biggest thing to do is let people mingle .Put the seating so it's mixed.Dont have one group sat on one side and the other group sat separately that's a recipe for disaster. Realy try to encourage mixing.
Kind Regards
David Head
Thanks for this blog!! I totally encourage inter racial relationships!