| When deciding on a wedding theme, most couples | | | | Ethnic Wedding Decorations |
| tend to lean toward the more popular ones: | | | | Choose wedding flowers and arrangements that |
| beach, western, butterfly, etc. However, by | | | | would be popular for your culture. For example, |
| turning your attention toward an ethnic theme | | | | orchids are widely used in Hawaiian cultures, while |
| wedding you'll find that it's a wonderful way to | | | | lotus blossoms are popular for Chinese weddings. |
| incorporate your heritage and personalize your | | | | Daisies and zinnias are suitable for a Mexican |
| wedding day. Your wedding guests will also | | | | wedding. |
| appreciate experiencing some of your wonderful | | | | Use decorating accents and props strategically |
| cultural traditions. | | | | placed through out the reception area that are |
| Just as in any traditional wedding theme planning, | | | | appropriate to your culture to help bring the "feel" |
| you need to look at each aspect of your wedding | | | | of the theme to your guests. Fringed table |
| plans and decide how and what ethnic traditions | | | | runners in deep colors would enhance an Arab or |
| you can include. Here are some ideas to help you | | | | East-Indian theme, while colorfully small-beaded |
| along. | | | | coasters would look lovely on tables for an |
| Choosing Wedding Colors | | | | American Indian wedding (these could also double |
| In some cases, you can interject certain colors | | | | as favors). Small African masks could be used as |
| into your color scheme. For example, those with a | | | | decorating accents in a variety of areas for an |
| Scottish background could use the colors of their | | | | African-American wedding. |
| tartans in their table decorations, wedding flowers | | | | Additional Theme Ideas |
| and bridal attire. Couples who are planning an Asian | | | | It goes without saying that music from your |
| wedding would look at including reds and yellows, | | | | native country is a must. Hire a musician for the |
| perhaps. | | | | ceremony to play a traditional musical instrument. |
| Wedding Attire | | | | Play some of this type of music during key parts |
| The bride, groom and attendants should all wear | | | | of your reception (however, don't play it |
| culturaly traditional bridal attire for the ceremony. | | | | throughout the whole night... a small sampling is |
| The guests will certainly love this, especially those | | | | best in this case). |
| who don't know much about your culture. | | | | If there are dances that are special to your |
| Wedding Favors | | | | culture, hire some dancers to entertain guests |
| Look about your home for ethnic house | | | | during dinner or to start off the reception. |
| decorations that you might have to provide you | | | | Plan to have a small part of the ceremony done |
| with some inspiration. Items such as artwork | | | | in your native tongue (preferably with a translator |
| could lead to handing out low-cost small framed | | | | for those that don't speak the language so they |
| posters or art work featuring your native | | | | don't miss anything). |
| country. | | | | For entertainment, include any interesting or |
| Bookmarks or music CD's from your homeland | | | | simple games, if appropriate, during the reception. |
| would also make great wedding favors. | | | | |