Global Customs
Taking a closer look at your own heritage as well as some global wedding traditions may inspire ideas for your wedding ceremony.
Celebrate Your Heritage
I want to incorporate traditions from my heritage. Where do I begin? Find inspiration by talking to your parents or grandparents. Have your fiancé do the same and then see which pieces of your past you would like to include. Once you find the traditions or rituals you like, look to incorporate a few here and there. If possible, be sure to include the reason and description of these rituals in the wedding program so the guests understand what and why they are included.
Culture Cues
I would like to include some more worldly elements into my wedding. Where do I start? First try to “borrow” elements from your heritage and your fiancé's heritage. If that is not giving you enough inspiration or if you and your fiancé do not have strong cultural ties, seek inspiration from a culture you admire or a country you have traveled to and have a particular interest in.
Alert
Certain traditions and rituals are closely associated with particular religions or cultures, and a literal translation of the custom into your ceremony may not be quite right; in fact, it could even offend some. Be creative, but be sensitive when incorporating “new” elements into your ceremony.
What are some simple ideas from other cultures that I can incorporate into my wedding? There are many ways to incorporate a global perspective into your wedding. Here are a couple of ideas that can easily be incorporated into many weddings.
For the Jewish custom of Yichud, the bride and groom are immediately escorted to a private room after the ceremony, where they spend some time alone. You too can sneak away to spend a few moments with your new spouse before hitting the reception. Ask the caterer to have champagne and hors d'oeuvres waiting for you.
The Chinese tea ceremony is traditionally the final duty of the bride on her wedding day. In a special room with a table complete with symbolic offerings, the bride serves tea to the groom's family, beginning with the oldest and continuing until she reaches the youngest member. Upon finishing the tea, the bride takes the cup and in turn is presented with a monetary gift in a red envelope. You can incorporate this Chinese tradition by inviting your parents and your husband's parents to join you in a separate room or private area for a special toast that can be done with tea, champagne, wine, water, or a specialty beverage.
