How to plan a multicultural wedding

1. Cultural Rituals and Traditions

This step is crucial, take time to research your customs and traditions, then discuss what you want to include and what you don’t. Be aware that family members will likely have their own expectations about what should be included, make sure you stick to what YOU both want. Don’t be afraid to adapt some things if needed to reflect your preferences, whether that is blending your wedding ceremony for example to incorporate a cultural tradition like a ceremonial blessing. This will create a unique wedding day that reflects you both.

2. Wedding Attire

Your wedding attire is a brilliant way to reflect your cultures. You could both wear your traditional dress, and/ or change at different times during your wedding into each other's traditional dress. So for example if you were incorporating the Mauritian culture, the bride might wear a saree or traditional Mauritian dress for part of your wedding whilst the groom could wear a similarly culturally significant outfit. This is a great way to balance different cultural dress codes.

You could also ask your guests to wear clothes that align with your cultures. Set a clear dress code and then give your guests ideas and guidance to choose their outfits. For example a couple incorporating Ghanaian wedding traditions into their day, might ask guests to wear a certain style of clothes and colour of kente cloth.

3. Wedding Cuisine

When planning a multicultural wedding food should always be considered. It is the perfect way to blend your cultures. Weddings provide ample opportunity to incorporate different cuisines. For example if you are of Jamaican heritage and your partner is Mauritian. You could include traditional dishes such as Jamaican patties, saltfish fritters, or jerk chicken wings during the drinks reception as small bites, then have Mauritian dishes like dholl puri, or biryanis during your actual wedding meal. 

Plus, let’s not forget the desserts where you could serve a range of traditional desserts from both your cultures after the meal for guests to enjoy. This will help to create a menu that honors traditional dishes from both your cultures while catering to all guests' tastes.

4. Wedding Decorations

You can incorporate your cultural backgrounds into your wedding decor. For example if you wanted to reflect your Indian and British cultures throughout your wedding day. 

You could include a traditional Indian mandap with a British floral arch during your ceremony. You could even blend the flowers using marigold flowers, which are common in some Indian weddings along with roses or peonies which are popular in British weddings.

For your reception decor, you can bring in your cultures through your centrepieces or you can include henna inspired designs on the placecards or menus, blending with traditional British calligraphy. For the evening, you could switch it up and incorporate ribbon wands or fans in your flag colours, for guests to wave about as they dance the night away. This will help to ensure that your wedding decor accurately represents both cultures. Read my ultimate decor checklist for multicultural weddings for more tips.

5. Guest Favours

Your guests' favours are a nice way to showcase your cultures too and gift giving is expected in some cultures. Select wedding favors that are meaningful and culturally appropriate for both sides.

For example if you wanted to reflect your Jamaican heritage you could give guests small bottles of Jamaican rum or jars of jerk seasoning. If Mauritian small jars of jams or Mauritian tea.  To avoid wastage, it is best to provide guests with a food related favour or something personalised, which are usually well received.

6. Music and Dance

Within a multicultural wedding music and dance are key, they can set the scene. Entertainment is a great way to reflect your personalities, include part of your culture and create the best atmosphere. You can incorporate diverse music throughout your wedding in a number of ways such as

• have live music during your ceremony or drinks reception.
• Or have a music or dance performance during your wedding reception to keep guests entertained,
• book a DJ who can play a range of music from different genres from reggae to bhangra and everything in between.
• You could also book lively musicians to play as you enter the party in the evening. It’s a fantastic way to make an entrance and get your party started!

Multicultural or fusion weddings can provide a unique and meaningful experience for both you and your guest. By thoughtfully integrating these elements, you can create a wedding that beautifully reflects both your heritages.

I love helping clients plan their multicultural weddings, contact me and let's discuss your epic day.

Natasha