How to Combine Multiple Cultures Into Your Wedding Day
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
Planning a wedding involves plenty of excitement and perhaps a bit of nerves, but combining multiple cultures can add an extra layer of meaning (and fun!). For multicultural couples, the big day isn’t just about saying “I do” — it’s a chance to bring two families together in a way that celebrates both of your backgrounds.
There are so many ways you can approach your planning when blending cultures. Maybe you’ll wear a traditional hanbok before changing into an elegant white gown, or perhaps you’ll serve a delicious menu that represents both cultures.
Finding a balance between honoring your heritage and telling your unique love story is the key to hosting a wedding that captures who you are as a couple. Let’s dive into some ideas to harmoniously marry two (or more!) cultures on your big day.
Love in every language
Save-the-dates and invitations offer the first glimpse at your wedding’s theme and style, so it’s the perfect opportunity to spotlight your distinct cultures. For some couples, including two or more languages is a considerate way to show your guests what they can expect on your big day.
“Some couples might automatically think to print invitations that feature only the specific language the household speaks, but combining all languages into one invitation is a thoughtful way to honor all cultures,” Kelley Nudo of Momental Designs confirms.
But don’t leave it only to your invitations! Nudo encourages couples to continue with multilingual stationery into the wedding day itself. “Menus and programs that reflect all languages will ensure each guest feels included and informed,” she assures.
Adding family languages to your wedding stationery will make everyone feel like a special part of your day, no matter what language they speak.
Two cultures, one design
From color schemes to flower types, design elements can hold significance in certain cultures. For example, marigolds are commonly seen in Indian weddings to symbolize good fortune and prosperity. As such, blending decor styles from different cultures can be a beautiful way to reflect your union.
“Decor offers endless opportunities to represent the various cultures you aim to incorporate,” Sarah Chianese of Mangia and Enjoy! agrees. “From food service display to full-blown projection mapping of the different regions you want to celebrate, you and your guests can feel as if you\'re transported to each culture you aim to represent.”
Japanese cherry blossoms, Hawaiian orchids, Chinese lotuses — flowers have a special role in weddings all around the world. For example, “in Greek culture, olive branches are used for flower arrangements and crowns, symbolizing peace and prosperity,” reveals Joan Wyndrum of Blooms by the Box.
By mixing meaningful blooms into your big day, you’ll create truly unique arrangements that highlight your one-of-a-kind relationship. “Choose flowers representing different cultures for both the bride\'s bouquet and the groom\'s boutonniere,” Wyndrum suggests.
Research wedding traditions on both sides to learn more about culturally significant decor elements. Or, better yet, ask your families and look at photos from past weddings!
Dressed to impress
Wedding day attire varies from culture to culture, from Indian lehengas and sherwanis to Ghanaian kente cloth. Wearing traditional clothing is a thoughtful way to honor one’s heritage and celebrate the joining of your two families.
“Attire highlights the fashion of each other\'s culture,” reminds Dee Lee of Dee Lee Designs. “Some couples have chosen to custom design attire to combine both cultures into one outfit or wear traditional attire at different key moments on the wedding day.”
Casey Cannon of EBJ & Company agrees, adding that “outfit changes from ceremony to reception, and after party provides the opportunity for the couple to honor each culture.”
Whether you opt for a fusion design that blends your cultures into a single outfit or embrace several styles throughout your wedding weekend, your wardrobe can tell the story of your love and the rich tapestry of cultures that brought you together.
Ceremonial traditions
While you may plan your reception as the party of a lifetime, your ceremony is the most important part of the day. After all, it’s why everyone has gathered to celebrate your love! By adding cultural traditions to your ceremony, you can tie the knot in a meaningful way that honors the significance of your union.
“Understanding and being a part of traditions is a fun way to understand a culture from your partner’s perspective,” says Craig Peterman of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “Embrace that uniqueness and come into it with an open mind.”
Some examples of ceremony traditions include breaking the glass (Jewish), handfasting (Celtic), jumping the broom (West African), saptapadi (Hindu), and ring warming (Irish). Consult with family members, officiants, and faith leaders for help incorporating cultural traditions into your ceremony.
Fusion flavors
From family dinners to heirloom recipes, food has always brought people together. When planning your wedding menu, it’s an excellent opportunity to infuse multiple cultures for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that everyone will appreciate.
“Often, family from each culture is present at the wedding,” Cannon says. “Serving familiar food is nostalgic and a way to make them feel comfortable and welcome.”
With hors d’oeuvres, multi-course meals, desserts, and even signature cocktails, there are many opportunities to add flavors that speak to each of your backgrounds. “Food stations and separate courses make it easier to add cultural touches,” wedding planner Penny Haas confirms. “Couples can play around with flavors and menu staple pieces.”
The key to merging cultures with a fusion menu is working with a caterer experienced in multicultural events, particularly the cuisines you want to serve. They’ll know how to develop an inclusive menu that pairs flavors seamlessly while accommodating dietary restrictions, like Halal, Kosher, and vegetarian alternatives.
Sounds of unity
What’s a wedding without music? When it’s time to hit the dance floor, you want everyone to feel welcome — and there’s no better way than by playing songs they can’t resist!
“Music is a great way to include different cultures as well,” confirms Loni Peterson of LP Creative Events. “Songs or instruments played during the ceremony or reception dances are a great way to include and share your culture(s) with your guests.”
“In many cultures, there are line dances, group dances, and even money dances that are so fun to include during the open dance floor portion,” Peterson adds.
Work with your DJ or band to add meaningful songs to the evening’s playlist. Or, if you want to go the extra mile, hire entertainers who specialize in your culture’s music and dances, like Caribbean steel drummers or Chinese dragon dancers.
Blending traditions, foods, and languages into one unforgettable celebration is a thoughtful way to reflect who you are as a couple and your shared future. But finding a way to weave it all together seamlessly can be more challenging than you expect!
Bite Catering Couture’s Vijay Goel urges couples to seek out venues and wedding professionals who are excited about a multicultural approach.
“You\'ll be able to tell in the first few conversations if there is joy in doing something interesting and personalized and different,” he says. “Be clear on what you want and find the people excited and equipped to bring that to your day.”
Whether you’re mixing up traditions in your decor, rocking matching outfits from both cultures, or dancing to a fusion playlist, your wedding is all about celebrating who you are as a couple. Every detail adds a special touch to your celebration, so don’t hold back!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
- PR: OFD Consulting