How To Plan An Unforgettable Multicultural / Fusion Wedding

Ben Yew Photography

Multicultural weddings, also known as fusion weddings, always stand out! Lots of guests find them a lot more interesting than a traditional celebration. Every fusion wedding I have planned and coordinated has been a highlight in my career! Having been brought up with a mixed English- Austrian-German background, this topic is one that is particularly close to my heart, and I have wanted to write about to you for a while. 

So what exactly should you consider when planning your fusion wedding?

• INCLUSION

Family traditions on both sides are significant. To make the most out of your day, it is a good idea to write out a list of all traditions that are typically partaken in on both sides of the family. Highlight the ones, which are of particular importance to you and your family. This will help decide what you definitely want to include in your day and what you want to exclude.

• CLARITY

Let the guests know what is going to happen next by giving them a timeline of your day. This timetable can include a list (quirky) tradition explanations you would like them to take part in.

• SEPARATION 

Consider splitting the day into two parts or even two days if you are having trouble to seamlessly merge the two into one.

• CATERING

Food is such an important of part of every wedding. And there are endless ways of merging two or more cultures into one here. Have fun with your menu! From altering the serving styles to creating a signature dish, which is a combination of the two of your favourite dishes into one (if you have a skilled chef) to serving alternating courses.  Or even giving the guests the option of what they would like to eat beforehand. 

• ALCOHOL

Booze is often another touchy topic, especially if the family and friends have very strong differing opinions on this subject. If you don't want to have an alcohol free wedding or want to avoid family or friends being upset, you can set up separate alcohol and alcohol free areas or ask catering guest and staff to restrict drinking to the later hours of your day.
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• EXTRA TIME

Often different cultures have different ways of dressing. If you want to change your outfit on the day, make sure to include some additional time to get changed into your timeline. You might want some extra time for additional photographs in the new outfits, too. 

• OUTFITS

Your guests will be trying to figure out what to wear, too. A great place to clarify your dress code is in your wedding invite. Let your guests know if you would like each side to wear what they usually wear in their culture or if you are having a more casual approach towards dressing for the occasion. If you have decided to have your wedding over two days or more you can even suggest wearing one type of outfit one day and a different another day.

• DÉCOR

Your wedding styling is your chance to stand out! Have fun with combining the two traditional styles of decorations with your two personalities to create your unique style concept. The internet, your friends or even your home can be areas for inspiration. 

• YOUR DAY YOUR WAY

In the end, your family might not always agree with you on every point of your wedding and what you are including or excluding. However, it is YOUR wedding, and therefore the only person you have to please is yourself and your partner. Don't forget this.
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• ASK FOR HELP 

If in doubt or you are unsure how to combine different aspects of your dream day, hire a professional to help, who has experience with multicultural celebrations.