Multicultural/interfaith weddings can be difficult to navigate.
As many of us know, it is impossible to make everyone happy, but oh boy, do we try!
So when you weave through the wedding processes that are already difficult, planning a wedding while being cognizant of the different faiths and cultures of those you care about most, it can begin to feel impossible.
But don’t fret! I am proud to have planned many multicultural and interfaith weddings, so I have some great tips to navigate this process.
Trust me, it is possible to incorporate different cultures, ideals and faith, and have a fabulous wedding that everyone fondly remembers. Read our 6 tips for planning a multicultural wedding!
1. Have a Conversation with Both Families
You need to sit family members down and discuss your plans and expectations.
While some of us love to see faith and culture mix and blend, it can be extraordinarily difficult for others.
For many families, there is nothing more important than their traditions, culture, and faith. It is pertinent that family understands that while you are including their values they hold closest to their heart, the other side of the family also has a strong tie to their differing ideals. Both need to be respected.
It is crucial to set expectations for etiquette at your event. Letting people know what to expect can greatly help each step of your wedding run smoothly.
2. Incorporate Both Cultures
From the save the date invites to the last dance, incorporate both cultures into every aspect of your wedding.
Wear multiple outfits.
Switch cultural garb (e.g., groom wears a traditional garb from the bride’s culture and the bride wears a typical American wedding dress from the grooms traditions).
Wear traditional clothing for two separate ceremonies.
Be daring with your fashion, such as wearing a red ball gown for a Chinese wedding
Give take home gifts with candy from each culture.
Have your invitations in English on one side, and Chinese on the other.
After a traditional Indian wedding, see how this reception was turned into a traditional chinese market.
Two separate worlds can be intertwined into so many fun combinations!
3. Educate Guests
What a fun opportunity to introduce friends and family to a new culture!
Before the wedding, during the ceremony, and at the reception, take the opportunity to introduce and educate your guests so they can easily follow along in the various traditions.
Translate wording during speeches and prayers.
Teach a traditional dance.
You will be surprised at how much your guests love this, and talk about it for years!
4. Venues and Vendors
Make sure you pick venues and vendors that can accommodate you.
For example, many places only give you a 30-minute window to hold a ceremony, which may not be enough time for many traditions.
The person or persons who perform the ceremony might be ok mixing religious aspects into one ceremony, while others may insist on doing them separately.
If you want to incorporate foods from two very different cultures, make sure your caterer is down with and can experty execute a fusion menu.
Have the DJ mix in traditional music throughout the night. This ensures that everyone, at some point, will get on the dance floor.
5. Narrow Down The Various Options
Again, you can’t make everyone happy and the most important thing is that the wedding includes what is most important to the bride and groom.
If you aren’t excited about it, don’t include it in your wedding.
6. Hire A Wedding Coordinator
You have to have the right people running your wedding. As a wedding planner who has planned multicultural and interfaith weddings, I know how to navigate such an occasion.
I am your alley and intermediary between families.
I can help you make difficult decisions, and interweave the most important aspects of both cultures and/or religions beautifully.
Looking for a wedding planner that can expertly navigate this delicate balancing act of a multicultural/interfaith wedding? I’m your girl! Contact me here today.