Shayan Khan Sherwani, Mili Ghosh
Each culture is a tapestry of unique customs, traditions and rich history. Today, we see more and more couples paying homage to their centuries-old heritage, weaving in different elements of their culture into their wedding celebrations. Here, we put together some wonderful ideas on how to-be-weds from around the world can infuse their wedding with cultural richness, creating a memorable experience for themselves and their loved ones.
Katie Gracen, Shayan Khan Sherwani
Plan a Cultural Ceremony
The ceremony is a special and meaningful part of the wedding celebration, an age-old ritual marking the start of the couple's new life together as spouses. Weaving traditions and rituals authentic to your culture into the proceedings can create a touching and soulful experience while honoring your heritage. Whether it's a Chinese tea ceremony, a Hindu agni, or Jewish ketubah, all these beautiful cultural elements can be smoothly incorporated with the guidance and help from your planner and celebrant. Another great idea is to pay tribute to your heritage by including vows in your family's native language, as well as use traditional music for certain parts of the ceremony or during the key rituals.
Use Symbolic Decor
You can create a truly memorable experience for yourselves and your guests by styling your wedding space with symbolic colors, traditional calligraphy, unique patterns and fabrications. For instance, set the tone with culture-inspired invitations and then carry the theme throughout with tablescapes, heritage-inspired tableware, and artwork celebrating native artists. The possibilities are endless, and it's a wonderful way to honor and share your culture with others.
Parker's Pictures, Dos Mas En La Mesa
Honor Your Roots Through Your Attire
One of the most visible ways to celebrate your background and personal identity is through your wedding fashion. For your ceremony or reception, you might wear traditional garments such as a sari or qipao, or put a modern spin on cultural designs by blending them with contemporary fashion, experimenting with various cuts and fabrics. If you prefer a more subtle hint, you can opt for a classic white gown or suit, but pair it with accessories reflective of your roots.
Reflect Your Culture with a Curated Menu
What better way to showcase your culture than through food? A culturally curated menu is an easy way to take your guests on a flavor-rich journey, allowing them to experience and, above all, taste your heritage. Serve traditional dishes from your culture during the reception or as part of a themed food station. This could be dim sum, samosas, enchiladas or any other beloved dish from your native cuisine or family specialities. And, of course, treat your guests to signature cocktails and beverages inspired by your culture.
Connect Through Entertainment
Get everyone on their feet by hiring musicians who play traditional instruments or perform traditional songs. In Spanish culture, for example, couples often invite a mariachi band who can turn any event, no matter the size or occasion, into a lively, music-filled celebration. Depending on your heritage, you could set up henna stations or special cultural craft corners where your guests can try their hand at origami, beadwork, or calligraphy.
Gift Cultural Wedding Favors
A unique and very thoughtful touch is thanking your guests with wedding favors representing your culture. It might be a pair of chopsticks with engraved initials, fragrance sachets filled with dried flowers that are culturally significant or items made from traditional textiles.
