What is the “perfect wedding”? There are countless wedding planning kits out there complete with a checklist to help guide couples through the process. Though useful as a general guideline, checklists can hinder the imagination and they typically do not account for different cultural/religious traditions that might be important to the couple.
Many brides and grooms would love to marry in the tradition of their ancestors or at least introduce elements of a traditional wedding ceremony or reception from their cultural backgrounds. Incorporating cultural wedding traditions and customs to a wedding is not only a fantastic way to share something personal with the guests but a nice tribute to the families.
A simple way to infuse a little culture is by using traditional wedding decorations, wedding supplies and other visual elements. A little more difficult is serving a traditional meal, because in many cases the menu is limited by the venue. If having a customized menu is not possible, try serving signature drinks like sake for a Japanese reception or chai instead of coffee for an Indian wedding. Music and entertainment are easy areas to help set the mood.
Needless to say, the stars of the wedding are the bride and groom. Isn't it only natural to showcase their lives, and spotlight their love? The most memorable weddings will touch the hearts of those in attendance and make even the most distant relative and that friend of a friend of a friend feel as if they've known you all their lives.
The wedding doesn't have to be small and exclusive to be intimate and personal. Even the smallest attention to detail and thinking outside the box can turn a typical wedding into a unique experience that leaves an impression. The following cultural wedding traditions are examples of some of the ways couples all over the world join in matrimony. Let them be a starting point for you to think about how you can make your wedding truly unforgettable.