Beautiful Ways to Introduce Different Cultures into Your Wedding
Advice 25.05.2023
A wedding is the coming together of two people. But it’s also the coming together of two families who sometimes have different backgrounds or cultures.
Whether you want to include traditional South Asian wedding ceremony rituals into the proceedings or simply serving Guinness at the reception for the Irish side of the family, a wedding is the perfect occasion to acknowledge cultural influences from both sides. Here’s how to do it.
With food and drink
Food fusion is hugely popular right now and it’s one the easiest ways to introduce your guests to your or your partner’s cultural background.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Mini beef and Yorkshire pudding canapes work really well alongside samosas or saltfish fritters. Or you might want to stick to a traditional English wedding breakfast menu for the afternoon but in the evening go all out with a sumptuous south Asian buffet, big bowls of paella, or American style hot dogs and sliders at midnight. If it’s Caribbean influences you’re after, opt for a rum laden wedding cake, and serve rice and peas, curry goat and plantain. Go easy on the scotch bonnet though.
What you wear
Your wedding is the perfect time to wear a traditional outfit from your partner’s culture. Whether that’s a kilt or a sherwani and kurta for the men or an Indian saree, Chinese cheongsam or Nigerian iro and buba for the women.
You might want to think about an outfit that will suit your ceremony but can be adapted for the evening reception. For instance, a modest dress that covers your shoulders and arms but converts to a strapless number for the party.
Don’t forget to invite your guests to wear something traditional too.
Ask family members for advice
If you’re honouring your partner’s culture or background in some way, it’s worth seeking out advice from their family. There’s always a mother-in-law or an aunty or two who is more than willing to show you the different cultural elements you can include in your ceremony.
This is a lovely way to get members of your partner’s family involved and it’s a respectful way to acknowledge the family you’re marrying into.
Only choose the best bits
But alongside that it’s important you’re comfortable with all aspects of your wedding celebration. Don’t do something because you feel you have to.
It’s worth you and your partner making a list of all the cultural traditions you relate to and feel meaningful to you both, and thinking about how those elements are going to work with your overall day. A Chinese tea ceremony is always beautiful and can be easily accommodated into your ceremony. And a Greek money dance is always fun.
Let your guests know what to expect
A multicultural or multifaith wedding gives your guests an opportunity to learn about different ceremony traditions they may not be familiar with. Indian weddings especially have numerous rituals including the Granthi Bandhanam which literally means 'tying of the sacred knot'.
So on your wedding website or as an insert with your wedding invitation, let your guests know what’s happening throughout the day, what they’re expected to do, and what each ritual symbolises in your or your partner’s culture.
With music and entertainment
Music is such an essential part of any wedding, so include traditional songs, dances or music from both sides of the family.
You may want your guests led out by Indian dhol drummers. Or you might opt for a band to play traditional music in the early part of the evening and then have a DJ playing the usual party numbers as the night goes on. Again, let guests know what to expect, so they’re ready to hit the dance floor as soon as the music starts.
Through decorations
A super simple way to incorporate another culture into your wedding ceremony is with room decorations, tablescapes and colour.
Use paper garlands, bunting, flags and table runners to create a look. Red, pinks and yellows give a nod to South Asian traditions. Vivrant and bold colours are perfect for afro-cariubbean weddings. Or you may opt for flowers from your or your partner’s family’s homeland to include in your bouquet or on the table.
By having two ceremonies
If trying to mix different elements from both side of the family is proving too tricky, have two separate ceremonies. That way you can showcase both cultures and not have to leave anything out.
You may want to have two different venues. Or choose a venue that can accommodate both ceremonies and enjoy a full weekend of celebrations, food and dancing.
Choose the right venue
And finally, choose a venue that’s completely flexible and makes it easy to incorporate different traditions into your wedding.
Whether that’s having different spaces throughout the venue where you can hold different aspects of your wedding ceremony, or whether it’s having the freedom to decorate it how you like and eat and drink whatever you want.
Looking for a multicultural or Asian wedding venue? Get in touch to find out about availability.