There’s no guarantee that two people who fall in love will share the same culture or religious beliefs. However, weddings are entrenched with tradition. So, a modern and custom multicultural wedding ceremony may take a little more planning in order to incorporate the needs and desires of the couple. We spoke to Sonal Dave, an award-winning celebrant and toastmaster, about how to perfectly balance both cultures when planning a multicultural wedding.
Priya and Ben are planning a June 2021 wedding that incorporates Priya’s Indian heritage, and Ben’s English and German heritage. Here is some guidance on how they are planning a multicultural wedding ceremony which will celebrate a mix of traditions.
How to Start Planning a Multicultural Wedding Ceremony
Cultural balance and logistics
Ben and Priya knew they wanted to give equal weight to both their cultures in one wedding. So, they agreed on a format that balanced their cultural elements. They wanted a unique, personalised style wedding. Also, they wanted a venue that was convenient for the couple and their international guests. When it comes to wedding logistics, Ben and Priya say that starting planning early is the key to staying relaxed. We are both quite organised individuals. So, we’re not worried about leaving anything until the last minute. In fact, we probably have planned most things well in advance!”
Stay in touch with suppliers
Keep in touch with suppliers, even if some are holding off business until the current COVID-19 situation improves. This way you can start those conversations to get an idea and begin your budgeting. Ben and Priya recommend taking your time with it. Then once you get some significant updates, start provisional bookings for a suitable time in advance.
Take your time
Also, allow more time for budgeting and planning. Make sure you’ve explored all avenues, rather than rushing into booking anything too soon in the calendar. “We have been very open in our communication as a couple and family members have also been so supportive,” they said. “We have never found the planning process exhausting. What has probably not worked for us so far is the unprecedented situation of the coronavirus making us change our mind about how we do things, but we are willing to adapt.”
Consider a celebrant-led multicultural wedding
Being a multicultural couple who wanted to treat each other’s backgrounds equally, Ben and Priya wanted to be able to find a way to respect both sides. As well as an unforgettable wedding day, the couple wanted a more spiritual or human experience than a religious one. They said, “We did our research into celebrants and found that this was exactly what we were looking for as it would give us the freedom we wanted.”
Most of their loved ones hadn’t heard of a celebrant-led wedding, so they showed their families videos of celebrant multicultural weddings. “We haven’t had any objections, and in fact, people are excited to see what it will be like. Everyone is positive it will be a great experience.”
Stay calm!
Priya and Ben are staying open-minded in the wake of everything 2020. “We know our wedding isn’t until 2021, however, we can’t be sure there won’t still be measures in place then. What this has done is given us time to reflect and take notice of what’s really important in life.” Ben and Priya believe that it’s vital to give yourself sufficient time to get arrangements in order for everything to go smoothly. You have people around you that can step in and help, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Thank you to Sonal Dave for sharing this wonderful advice!