More and more South Asians are blending eastern and western traditions. The wedding cake, a first dance and even a champagne toast are found in many weddings today.
If you are looking for a little more inspiration than just a cake, look no further. To create a fusion wedding first think of Hindu/Muslim traditions and western traditions and pick which type of tradition will compose your overarching wedding theme.
Then, pick traditions from the opposing set. Voilà! You have the making of a fusion wedding.
{via style me pretty build a board}
We broke down the traditions into elements to make it easy to pick and choose.
Indian & South Asian Traditions:
- Agnidev – the fire
- Garlands – flowers
- Mangalsutra, toe rings, etc
- Lengha/sari in gold, cream tones
- Mandap (chuppah)
- Henna for the bride and her friends
- Marigolds
- Rangoli
- Deities and statues
- Sangeet and dance performances
- Buffet dinner/food service
- Couple sits on the wedding stage
Western Traditions:
- Bridal bouquet
- Bridesmaids & groomsmen
- Vows by the couple
- Exchanging rings
- The first dance by the newly married couple
- Father-daughter dance at the reception- This always brings tears to guests
- Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue – A classic
- Reception speeches – Usually done by the father of the bride, best man, father of groom and maid of honor.
- Bouquet toss
- Garter belt toss- Not recommended as it is very revealing. But your husband can throw a football or something else instead.
- Wedding cake – Style it South Asian with paisleys and bright colors
- Flower girls – great way to incorporate your nieces and friends’ daughters
- Father walking daughter down the aisle
- Gift bags for out-of-towners – They will appreciate a local touch
- Formal aisle to walk down – Perfect to decorate with flower petals
- Champagne toast – Father of the bride/groom speak to toast to their happiness. Opt for non-alcoholic sparkling wine if wanting to stay alcohol free
Total fusion:
- Wedding dress in bright colors with embroidery, beads, etc – to give the Indian feeling. Wear a mang tikka to be stylish!
- Indian clothes for the friends – Salwar kameez and ghaghra cholis work the easiest, but most women cannot resist saris.
- Veil – turn that choli into a veil!
- Men have henna on back of hands or head
- Choreographed Indian dances by friends and family at the reception
- Dessert table – mix Indian sweets with macarons and other treats
{photograph by David Tutera}
What are your favorite fusion ideas?
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