Ideas to Help Turn Your Wedding Venue Into a Cultural Celebration

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse of the cultural festivities to follow. There are many unique ways to introduce your guests to the cultural theme including:

• Invitations do not have to be printed on traditional white paper. The use of other materials and various colors can also represent different cultural meanings and traditions.
• Use designs, symbols, or patterns that signify a deeper meaning. These can be anything from traditional geometric shapes to flora or fauna.
• Include a second language, or traditional quotes, poems, or popular sayings.

One of the most powerful ways to honor culture is through music. Music also sets the tone for the wedding, creating an emotional connection between the couple and their guests.

Ways to incorporate traditional cultural music into your wedding could be:

• To add an artistic touch, hire cultural dancers to perform at the reception.
• Hiring a live band specializing in cultural music. The music can be included in the actuarial ceremony and the reception.
• Ensure the DJ (if you opt for that instead of live music) has a playlist of your cultural music. A nice touch would be encouraging the DJ to dress in cultural attire.
• Encourage guests to participate in cultural traditional dancing. You could arrange cultural dance lessons a few days before the event, or include a dance lesson gift card when you send the invitation.
• You can opt for a cultural first dance instead of the traditional slow dance. The couple could also then teach the guests a few basic steps and encourage them to join in the dance.

Honoring tradition through fashion is a beautiful way to showcase cultural heritage. Some ways that clothing can be used to express culture include:

• Provide guests with an assortment of accessories on arrival, to help them feel part of the cultural celebration.
• The bride and groom can wear traditional garments like a sari, kimono, or kilt
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen can wear culturally inspired outfits in traditional cultural colors.
• Encourage guests to dress in culturally significant clothing

Even if the venue’s scenic surroundings provide a stunning backdrop, traditional decorative elements can transform the area into a cultural wonderland.

Some ways to celebrate culture through decor could be:

• Table settings can incorporate culturally inspired centerpieces, cutlery, crockery, tablecloths, lanterns, or other accessories like woven baskets or candles.
• Floral arrangements. Many cultures use flowers symbolically, and these can be a prominent feature throughout the venue.

Food is usually a major part of any celebration, especially weddings. Including traditional cultural dishes and beverages in the menu, can make the wedding feast unforgettable.

Some ways to ensure the meal reflects your culture could include:

• Culturally inspired alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will complement the menu and reinforce the wedding theme.
• Serve popular signature dishes. Hiring a chef familiar with the dishes or providing the wedding venue with special recipes or necessary spices will ensure the meal tastes authentic.
• If your culture has a signature wedding dessert or delicacy, be sure to include it on the menu.

Wedding favors allow guests to take home a piece of the wedding celebrations. A cultural wedding favor could be anything from a symbolic charm to a small handcrafted item or a traditional sweet. A popular wedding favor is a thank you note containing an envelope with the seeds of the cultural flower/plant.

In many cultures, poetry and storytelling toasts are integral to the wedding celebration. During the ceremony or wedding reception, the cultural theme can be included during the speeches by:

• Reciting cultural poetry or famous cultural love quotes.
• Incorporating traditional cultural toasts and family blessings from elders.

Keeping guests engaged during the festivities is sure to keep the celebration lively.

Some ways that guests can participate in the celebrations include:

• A photo booth with a variety of cultural props and accessories
• Wedding-related games or quizzes
• Including/incorporating guests in cultural rituals or traditions.