Borrowing from cultures

There are certain wedding traditions that are popular worldwide—even if we don’t know where they originate from. For example, throwing rice and white wedding dresses are traditional wedding fare. However both of these traditions started with cultural ties.

With the world shrinking and ethnicities merging, new and revitalized traditions are being adopted across the board. Brides and grooms are reaching back into their heritage and rediscovering age-old cultural traditions for their own weddings. Some wedding traditions are adopted for their quirkiness or symbolism alone.

African American
One of the most popular cultural wedding trends is jumping the broom, which is a symbolic way to “jump” into marriage with both feet. It originated with Africans and is not associated with slavery, as some have come to believe. A figurative display, it can be adopted by any couple.

From HansonEllis Wedding Favors

Asian
Red is a lucky color for the Chinese so lobster is often served for just that reason. These Red Takeout Box Favors are also fun options. Each red box includes 2 tasty fortune cookies inside and a pair of chopsticks.

Greek
Greek weddings are notoriously boisterous and fun. Greek brides will carry a lump of sugar down the aisle with her, insuring that her marriage will be sweet. The “Circle Dance” and “Money Dance” (often called Dollar Dance) both originate with the Greek culture.

Hispanic
Let the kids at your wedding have some fun too with a traditional Piñata. Piñatas are not just for birthdays. They have been enjoyed for years at Hispanic wedding celebrations.

Indian
This is a tradition that many a bride will want to join in on. Mendhi parties are traditional events, where elaborate and intricate henna designs are applied to the bride-to-be’s hands and feet. The newly decorated bride is often exempt from traditional housework until her mendhi wears off!

Irish
As tradition would have it, the Irish are concerned with luck. The bride should wear a penny in her shoe for luck and she can carry an upturned horseshoe into church for a double dose of luck.

Scottish
Symbolizing the joining of two families, the Scots tie two strips of the family tartan together. It makes for a unique alternative to a unity candle.

Do you need to be part of the culture to adopt any of these unique wedding traditions? Absolutely not! But it might be wise to explain the traditions and its meaning in a program or audibly.