Your big day is coming- and if you are a couple who come from different cultural backgrounds, you’re about to throw the most epic celebration that honors both of your traditions! As a wedding venue in between several large cities in Texas, we see a beautiful joining of cultures on a regular basis! A multicultural wedding is all about blending what you love about each other’s backgrounds and creating a day that feels authentic, meaningful, and fun! It’s kind of like combining two of your favorite playlists… super fun, a little unexpected and 100% full of intention. Here’s how to plan a wedding that celebrates everything you both love, while sending your guests home in awe over your unique day.
Understanding Key Elements of Multicultural Weddings
When it comes to a multicultural wedding, it is all about sprinkling in the fun traditions your family adores into your special day. So, starting first things first, think about the traditions that would make both of your families' hearts melt; perhaps it's a fun coordinated dance like at Asha and Thomas's wedding. Maybe it’s sentimental traditions incorporated into your ceremony? Whatever you come up with is going to be unique and special to your day and your background. You can start by talking with your families about the most special customs they want to share, and trust us, the ideas will be flowing. A wedding is a huge moment, and including traditions makes it even more magical because it is a special way to highlight the people who have loved and raised you.
For instance, if your fiance’s family has a tradition of doing a special dance or playing certain styles of music, why not incorporate it? Maybe you both have different food you grew up on, why not feature a food fusion that showcases the best of both worlds?! Your guests will love it!
Getting the Scoop on Wedding Traditions
Okay, so understanding your traditions is key to keeping things respectful and authentic, and it's a great bonding experience for you and your fiance as a couple. Taking time to truly understand each other's backgrounds is a way to make the day even more special. You will want to dive deep into the meaning behind these traditions to understand their significance and how to make them special on your day. Pro tip: learn about these rituals earlier rather than later on so you have plenty of time to integrate them seamlessly. Also, be sure to communicate openly with your wedding coordinator (hello expert help!) so they can help make it all come together without a hitch.
Blending Wedding Rituals Seamlessly
And then the magic really happens: blending your two traditions together! Combining traditions together will take time and diligence, but it will be a masterpiece when it happens. The best part is seeing the ways the guests are overly surprised and entertained to see traditions that are more unique than what they are typically used to. You can start your ceremony with a vow exchange (so classic!), then maybe weave in a ritual from each culture. And guess what? You can always switch things up! Why not have your officiant speak in two different languages? Or have two different styles of music. We love to see a mariachi band make an appearance in the night or traditional strings in the courtyard for cocktail hour! Your guests will be in awe of how thoughtfully you blended everything together.
Decor That's a Perfect Match
Now for the fun part, wedding decor! Think of colors, patterns, and touches that reflect both of your cultures. If one of you likes pastels and the other likes bold reds and golds, why not incorporate both? You can combine those hues in your table centerpiece, floral arrangements, and even your wedding favors. A great way to do this is to label your tables as “some of our favorite things” rather than typical table numbers. So table 1 could actually be the school you two went to or love! Table two might be where you grew up or a symbol that is specific to your background. This is a creative way to incorporate unique locations that are personal to your love story and a way to share your story with your guests!
Let's talk about fashion too! The bride and groom totally rock two looks- a traditional dress and suit for one part of the day, and then a change into something from the other culture for a show-stopping look!
Let's Make it Happen!
Your wedding day should be a day when all your dreams come to fruition! There are so many ways to share your story as a couple– the love you share, the cultures you honor, and the life that you are about to begin. We can’t wait to see your multicultural wedding become a reality with beautiful traditions, fun decor, and everything in between. Let's create a day that's as unique as your love story and one that your guests will never forget.
Ready to start planning? We’re here every step of the way with Everlasting Weddings, our in-house coordination. Our Lead Planner, Kenna, is here to make sure that you honor both of your backgrounds with a day that truly represents who you are! Let’s make this wedding one for the books! Contact us today and schedule your tour! We can't wait to meet you!
Photos:
Brandie Allyse
Asha + Thomas
