Whether you are from a culture or just would like the knowledge for inspiration here is a brief guideline of some culture themed wedding traditions: |
AFRICA |
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BARBADOS
Practice the tradition of almond gift bags for the guests. |
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CHINA
Traditional wedding tea ceremony.
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CZECH REPUBLIC
Bridesmaids create a wreath for the bride. |
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BARBADOS
Local Frangipani makes a beautiful bouquet and/or headdress |
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Rich in multi-traditions from its many groups of unique tribal customs. However many survived and blended into western society from colonial days. “Jumping the Broom” was a strong symbol for early African society and is still practiced and enjoyed today as part of a wedding ceremony element. It symbolises jumping over into the new. African brides are livelier than their western counterparts, as her arrival would be announced by rhythm and drums/bongos. Décor can include shells which represent beauty and virtue in Africa.
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ARMENIA |
In Armenia Weddings customarily occur on a Friday.
The Godmother acts as a money collector, from the guests to present to the bride and groom as a gift. In return she shares out a selection of dried fruit and nuts to the guests. A strong Armenian cultural custom is the motto “May you grow old on one pillow”, this can be used as a catch phrase for décor ideas. A small cushion on your guest seats would be welcome and harmonise in a fun way in addition to other ideas.
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CARIBBEAN |
Barbados
Present guests with a portion of the traditional black cake (a rich blend of dried fruit and rum) in a box. Sometimes it is placed at the table along with other favours or gifts for the guests, sometimes it is handed out when the guests are departing or signing the guest book. Provide sugar almond gift bags for the guests tied with beautiful ribbon. Popular drink is a delicious Rum punch. Flying fish is always served in some form or fashion at the reception.
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Bermuda
Carry a memento of their wedding through into their new home. A potted tree, usually a cedar which is very small, is used as substitute for a cake topper. This tree is later planted to represent the growth of their love along with the tree.
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Cuba
A lively and festive reception is customary, including the “Money Dance” where each man who dances with the bride attaches money to her dress to help with the couples expenses.
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French West Indies
Enjoy a traditional dish of curried goat and rice which is served at the reception.
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Jamaica
Enjoy a tradition of sharing, where they distribute and send portions of the traditional dark, rum fruitcake to those who were not able to attend the ceremony or the reception.
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Puerto Rico
Have a charming tradition which celebrates the bride called “The Bridal doll” which is a doll in an exact replica of the bridal dress. It is placed on the head table with souvenirs attached which are presented to the guests and pinned on them as a thank-you for attending. It is optional if you wish to pin a monetary note on the doll in return.
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CHINA |
A culture steeped in deep respect for the parents of both the bride and groom. The bride traditionally serves tea to her natural and new parents. A small modernised version of this tradition would act as a bonding element for the new united family. Chinese brides traditionally wear red and weddings are very jubilant. A bond of union is symbolised by the drinking of wine and molasses by the bride and groom, from two glasses which are attached together with red ribbon, symbolising unification and prosperity.
Caribbean touch: Serve your parents (If they are able to travel to attend the wedding) with a local drink, Mauby, Rum Punch, Sorrel etc.
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CZECH REPUBLIC |
The bridesmaids customarily take on extra duties including the making of a wreath, usually of rosemary, for the bride to wear on her special day. However, other selected blooms would serve the same purpose for a personalised version.
Czech republicans are known to receive their wedding gifts the day after their wedding when there is another gathering of guests and light- hearted celebration.
Caribbean touch: Create a bridal wreath with local, tropical flowers. The Frangipani makes a beautiful full wreath and is fragrant in addition to being available in a variety of colours. Ask about alternatives.
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