Mulit-Culture Mania: 10 Tips for planning a Multi-Cultural Wedding

1. Don't feel like you have to put all your cultural eggs in one basket- Just because you are merging together 2 cultures, doesn't mean you need to include each and every aspect of each culture. 
2. Personalize your Ceremony-This is your day, so let it be that way. Pick your favorite and most important aspects of each culture to make the most personal and memorable day for you and your spouse. 
3. Help your guests understand and special wedding rituals-While most people who attend a highly cultural wedding can pick up on the rituals, some people may need a little more assistance than others. use your program to help guide any confused guests through the ceremony so they can enjoy it just as much as you. 
4. Take advantage of ethnic traditions that do a double duty- this tip explains itself, if you happen to have a ethnic ritual or food, or something that works for both cultures why not incorporate it into the event? You know the whole kill two birds with one stone idea?
5. Get creative and inventive with the food- Food is one of the bigger ways you can incorporate your culture into your event, so why not have some fun while still wow'ing your guests? 

6.  Communicate openly with both sides of the family- this is very important especially with the older generations who tend to follow the cultural rituals more closely. 

7. Educate both sides of the families- Since there is usually more in depth rituals and traditions that are being followed with one culture let alone two make sure that each side of the families are somewhat aware of the other sides traditions and rituals and vice versa. 

8. Pick a ceremony site that will accommodate your wedding, and know their rules- While this isn't a major problem that people encounter, it is something to definitely be aware of. 

9. Remember, honoring your families' culture is great, but don't forget yo showcase your own personalities- as mentioned before this is YOUR day, so don't get lost in making your families' happy, but don't forget to honor their traditions and rituals. 

10. Now listen up this may be the most important tip of all, Make it clear that this is YOUR wedding- since some of the older generations do follow the cultural traditions more closely, you and your spouses ideas may get lost in translation, so don't forget to voice your opinion!

By: Megan Loberg, A Memory Lane Event