What is a multicultural wedding

Multicultural wedding means couples are from different cultural background or religious background. Planning a multicultural wedding can be an exciting and enriching experience, as it allows you to celebrate and combine different cultural traditions and backgrounds. At the same time, it can be challenging, since  couples want to make sure everyone is happy and still keep the budget.

Client Case: 

Alainna (American) & Eric (Chinese origin)

"Family is very important for both of us, we hope including Chinese tea ceremony and Chinese banquet can incorporate both of our cultures and unit both families all together."

Alainna and Eric are from out of State, our design meetings and muslin fittings are all done by Zoom. Both of them were presented at each meeting. 

Alainna fell in love with "Poet on A Mountain Top" blue silk Qipao with landscaping embroideries. She wants to personalize her embroideries with 3 rabbits to represent herself (birth zodiac), her mother and her grandmother. 

Madam Shanghai incorporates three rabbits as part of the embroidery.

Madam Shanghai Custom Qipao / Cheongsam Bespoke Service Procedures:

1. Phone consultation;

2. Email consultation;

3. Design meetings & Measurements;

4. Sketch;

5. Muslin fitting;

6. Finalize sketch;

7. Dress fittings;

Time: 3-18 months

Speciality: Custom embroidery to tell your family story. Clients can customize embroidery colors, add meaningful symbols including florals and family names. Madam Shanghai's skillful artisans can embroider any paintings or photos of client's choice. 

Here are some tips to help you plan a memorable multicultural wedding:

Communication & Educate Each Family

Open and honest communication is key when planning a multicultural wedding. Make sure to involve both families in the decision-making process and seek their input and suggestions. This will help ensure that everyone feels included and valued.

Top tip:

Always seek for two mothers' opinions when it comes to traditions. 

Research, Understand Traditions & Hire a Planner

Take the time to research and understand the cultural traditions and customs of both families. This will help you incorporate meaningful elements from each culture into your wedding ceremony and reception. Respectfully discuss and agree upon which traditions are important to both families.

Consider hosting pre-wedding events that highlight the different cultural traditions and customs of both families. This could include pre-wedding ceremonies, rituals, or cultural performances that allow guests to immerse themselves in the traditions of each culture.

Hire a planner who has experience with multicultural wedding might be the easiest choice. Asian wedding planner recommendations from Madam Shanghai:

Aquafuzion Events

Manna Sun Events

Client Case: Chinese Tea Ceremony to highlight Asian wedding traditions

During tea ceremony, bride and groom will be given by the parents jewelries and/or red envelop. 

Incorporate Symbolic Elements & Personalize the ceremony

Find ways to incorporate symbolic elements from each culture into your wedding ceremony and reception. This could include traditional attire, music, dances, rituals, or customs. Work with your families to identify meaningful elements that can be incorporated in a respectful and inclusive manner.

Alainna wore her custom Qipao for the wedding ceremony. 

If there are multiple languages spoken among your guests, consider having bilingual invitations and wedding programs. This will ensure that everyone feels included and can follow along with the proceedings.

Food and Cultural Cuisine

Food is an important aspect of any wedding celebration, so consider incorporating dishes from both cultures into your menu. This will give guests an opportunity to experience the diverse culinary traditions and flavors. Work with your caterer to create a menu that represents both cultures.

Alainna and Eric did a full Chinese Banquet at Ray's Duck House in Chino Hills. 

Multicultural Decorations

Use decorations that reflect both cultures. This could include incorporating colors, patterns, textiles, or traditional art from each culture. Be mindful of cultural symbols and their appropriate use to avoid any potential misinterpretation or offense. Try to keep things modern and minimal. 

Choose a diverse range of music that represents both cultures and encourages everyone to get on the dance floor. Consider hiring performers or musicians who specialize in traditional music from each culture to provide a truly multicultural experience.

Wedding Attire

If you and your partner come from different cultural backgrounds, consider incorporating elements of each culture into your wedding attire. This could include wearing traditional attire during certain parts of the ceremony or incorporating cultural accessories into your wedding ensemble.

Alainna wore a blue silk custom Qipao and Eric wore a gold Tang Suit gifted by his brother. 

Sensitivity and Respect

Throughout the planning process, be sensitive to any potential cultural differences and be open to understanding and accommodating various viewpoints. Respect the traditions and customs of both families and work together to find compromises when necessary.

 

Photo Credit:

Photo: Lin and Jirsa

Venue: Point Fermin Lighthouse

Chinese Banquet Location: Ray's Duck House