Planning a wedding is a deeply personal experience. But, when two people from different cultural or religious backgrounds come together, that special day can become even more meaningful. Blending traditions is not just about compromise, but it’s about celebrating where you each come from and creating a unique fusion that represents your shared, new future together.
Whether you are mixing languages, foods, dress codes, or ceremony traditions, the goal is the same – to honor your roots while creating something new and beautiful, together. So, here is how to create a harmonious, inclusive, and unforgettable diverse wedding day.
STEP 1: Make a shared list of the most important cultural or spiritual elements you’d love to include on your wedding day.
The first step is to start with open and honest conversations. To blend traditions, is to understand what matters most to each of you. You will want to leave opportunities to have open and honest conversations about what matters, for your cultural and religious values. Discuss with your partner what traditions are non-negotiable. Which ones feel optional or can be adapted? Be sure to talk to your families. Especially, if their expectations are high or they have an emotional investment. Be honest, listen with respect. Set the tone for communication and mutual respect.
STEP 2: Educate and Communicate with each other and your guests.
Often your guests may not be familiar with the traditions involved in your wedding celebration or cultures. Use your wedding as an opportunity to educate and share your culture with your guests. Include a guide on your wedding website, or wedding program to explain specific ceremony/reception rituals and/or attire. Include a short description of what each portion means and its symbolism. This will help everyone feel included and creates an engaging experience.
STEP 3: Find vendors that align with your traditions and are culturally sensitive.
One of the best things you can do while planning, is to choose vendors who align, are experienced, and respect your traditions. Look for photographers, planners, caterers, make-up artists and officiants who have experience working with different cultures. Selecting vendors that align with your values and cultural needs, will ensure that they will be able to help keep the day running smoothly. If you’re not sure – ask your vendors if they’ve worked with multicultural weddings and how they approach blending traditions respectfully.
STEP 4: Create a thoughtful timeline.
We’ve coordinated all different kinds of weddings, including multicultural weddings. What we’ve learned is that sometimes multiple traditions mean doubling up on ceremonies or events. Instead of cramming everything into one day, you may want to consider celebrating over a weekend. You can always host your traditional ceremony on day one, followed by your western-style ceremony and reception on day two. If you keep it all in one day, you want to consider a hybrid ceremony, or having a smaller intimate gathering for your traditional cultural ceremony in the morning. You can walk down the aisle in a white dress, change into traditional attire for the reception, or even combine rituals into a personalized ceremony.
STEP 5: Blend your traditions creatively - you don’t have to choose one tradition over another.
When you blend your families and traditions, it does not mean that you have to choose a tradition over another. You must work to find thoughtful ways to combine both. Here are creative ways to combine both.
Mix readings or blessings from both cultures or religions
Light a unity candle, followed by a cultural ritual like a garland exchange etc.
Walk down the aisle to traditional music, then exit with a western-style, modern twist.
Wear traditional, and then change into modern outfits.
Encourage your wedding party to wear outfits representing both cultures.
Combine both cuisines into a diverse wedding menu or offer stations for each.
Serve signature cocktails that are inspired by your cultures.
Include a group dance or solo inspired by your culture.
STEP 6: Honor your Elders and your Ancestry
Weddings are not only about the couple, but it is a tribute and celebration of family history and the legacy they live. Weddings are the perfect time to honor your elders, even if your elders are not present. During toasts, or as you greet your guests with the opening welcome, include a blessing or a moment of silence for your loved ones. Be sure to incorporate heirlooms, like jewelry, fabric, or traditional items into your ceremony and attire. Family members may want to perform or read something meaningful from your culture. This inclusion adds connection that goes far beyond any decor or aesthetics.
STEP 7: Your wedding does not have to follow any rule book.
Just because you have chosen to honor your tradition, doesn’t mean you can’t be modern, playful, or creative. Write your own vows that reflect your journey. Incorporate phrases, or words from your native tongues. You can even customize your decor to fuse both cultures. But, most importantly. This day is about you as a couple. Let your love story be the common thread that ties it all together.
STEP 8: Your goal isn’t to please everyone.
When families of two different backgrounds come together, you may encounter some friction. Not everyone may understand or appreciate each tradition equally, and that is okay. Your goal isn’t to please everyone. It is to celebrate love, unity, and respect. You and your partner will need to stay grounded in your purpose and be flexible. If something doesn’t go exactly as planned, that is okay. Embrace it as a part of your overall journey.
A multicultural or interfaith wedding isn’t just a celebration of love between two people. It is a celebration of where you both came from, how you grew up, and the life you are building together. When you approach your wedding planning with intention, openness and creatively, your wedding can be a magnificent bridge between two families and cultures that leave a lasting impression on everyone. So, whether you’re tying the knot under a chuppah, or dance the Hawaiian wedding song for your partner, your wedding can be as rich and as meaningful as the love that brought you together. You wedding day is about you and your partner – so make it just that.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 20 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.