Weddings: Incorporating Multiple Cultures

We're a melting pot society or a mosaic, depending on how you see it, so it only makes good sense that our nuptials reflect who we are. We've found some traditions that can enhance any wedding—whether it’s a custom that holds special meaning for you because of your background or something you choose to adopt for its symbolism or just because it's fun.

DRESS CODE
The bride wore white -- and red and purple… Having trouble choosing between two wedding dresses? Wear them both. In Asian cultures guests consider the highlight of wedding festivities to be the bride’s multiple dress changes. Decades past, American brides, too, changed during the reception into their going away outfits, which tended to be beautiful suits with matching hats. Luckily this classic exit is back in style. But you don't have to leave the party in order to change. As bigger ball gowns come back into vogue, more and more brides are changing into a dancing dress for the reception -- still white, but slinkier. Weddings in which two cultures come together often find the bride acknowledging this through her attire, be it wearing a traditional Western wedding dress during the ceremony, then changing into a Japanese kimono, Mandarin Qipao, South Asian sari, or Western-style evening gown at the reception. Fashionistas would approve.
If a veil isn't quite your thing, consider donning a rosemary wreath as Czechoslovakian brides do. Guests also get to join the fun when bridesmaids give them sprigs of the flowery herb to wear as a symbol of fertility. Should a crown seem more fitting, go the way of the Finnish and Norwegians by topping off your attire with some silver and gold.
Your shoes may play an important role too. English brides place a sixpence in one of their shoes for good luck before walking down the aisle. And instead of using a bouquet toss to determine the next single woman destined for marriage, the bride’s shoes are used in Turkish weddings. Single female guests sign the bottom of her shoes, and at the end of the evening the name that is the most worn is the prospective bride.
Bored with calla lilies? We are too. When it comes to your bouquet, consider including lavender as English and Irish brides do. The stalwart flower signifies survival through the toughest of times in marriage. In lieu of a bouquet, consider carrying an ornate Asian fan or carry a family Bible or heirloom handkerchief as some Southern brides do.

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