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Are in a multicultural wedding and trying to blend different family traditions? This module helps you incorporate your two cultures in a balanced way to start creating your own new traditions.
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In 2001, almost 20% of marriages in Canada were inter-religious unions. As of the 2006 Canadian census, almost 20% of marriages were multi-cultural. So, how does one infuse different cultural traditions into their wedding celebration?
When two different cultures merge in a wedding celebration, your focus should be to respect your separate cultures, and make a personal statement at the same time. As a couple, you need to decide how you will express your separate cultures in a way that blends the two cultures. It is not about one culture taking precedence over the other, but more of a blending and sharing of traditions to create a new tradition within your relationship.
The three most common ways to share your culture at your wedding is through the food, music and wedding attire. When it comes to food, you can choose to have food stations for your hors d’ouevres, either before the reception, or later in the evening that are specific to your respective cultures. Often the couple choose to have a meal that blends the two cultures, or is typically Canadian so there is no perceived favouritism. Sometimes there is a dessert buffet later in the evening that shows off cultural delicacies.
Music is also a great way to express a culture. Culturally specific music can be used during the ceremony, for the first dance at the reception, and played throughout the reception, along with contemporary music for your guests.
Unique culture attire is another great way to express a culture. It is quite common for inter-cultural marriages to have two wedding ceremonies so both cultures are respected. This is particularly common if the couple have two distinctive religious traditions.
Of course, there are other ways to infuse a culture into your wedding. Argentinian’s might choose to dance the Tango. Scottish traditions might include the “Drink of Life” or the use of tartan plaid. A Hindi bride might have a Mendhi Party the night before the wedding. A Chinese bride might choose the Hair Combing Ceremony. What traditions do you have in your family?
If you are having difficulty with family traditions, choose two or three traditions from each family and incorporate them into your wedding. Or, if you like, make a very personal statement, and choose one tradition each, and make your wedding truly yours. Good luck and enjoy the blending of your families.