East meets West… we see this term emerging nearly everywhere. In interior design, fashion, on the television, and especially in cuisine (remember food “fusions” anyone?). The wedding industry is slightly slower to respond to such a transfer from what we in our minds view as the “traditional” wedding. As the population and demographics expand in America, many new cultural practices and religious beliefs are presented for us to take in and understand.

So what is a “traditional” wedding?

Many couples have expanded their ideas on exactly what the traditional wedding is. The notion of East meeting West has become a popular trend do to the ever expanding cultures prevalent in our American societies. We have seen the practices of both cultures begin to “fuse” as some cultures begin to adopt a more Western plan for their nuptials, and vice versa.

Asian cultures hold some of the most beautiful and honorable beliefs and traditions. There are many subcultures of religious beliefs and faiths, schools of thought and philosophy. Yet as different as each belief system is, they all have time-honored traditions when it comes to the union of man and woman. Almost all involve traditions which honor their elders and families, such as the Chinese wedding tea ceremony. In Thai culture the oldest family member leads the wedding ceremony, then cleanses the hands of the bride and groom with water from a shell to wish them good luck in their marriage.

Introduce Eastern decore into your reception

Though most of our American brides will not be incorporating this into their fusion weddings, we are seeing many couples of Asian decent born in America, having the “traditional” ceremonies of their culture, then a modern reception following the nuptials later that day or the day after. You don’t have to practice the philosophies of our Eastern neighbors, but can appreciate their nobility and beauty for all living things. Use this admiration to incorporate aspects of these beautiful cultures into your wedding day and reception plans!

Incorporate traditional Asian florals like cherry blossoms, orchids, lilies, bamboo, and bear grass into your bouquets and table décor. Accent lighting with paper lanterns and lush candlelight. If you choose to go sparingly in the floral department, consider alternatives such as bonsai trees or a small Zen gardens. Choosing to incorporate religious figures may not be polite if your are not practicing the religions they represent. Should you choose to though, please proceed with caution. You can also incorporate items such as personalized chopsticks, fortune cookies, or small “lucky” bamboo into your table designs to add more to your décor and as a favor for your guests to part with.

So many delicious dishes to choose from

You can serve traditional dishes or “Americanize” your plates and appetizers with foods such as pot stickers and dipping sauces, won tons, and california rolls (if you want to include sushi!). This type of theme provides the best opportunity for a buffet style dinner… so many delicious dishes to choose from! If money to spare, a sushi bar or hibachi grill station would be sure to amaze your guests. Offer traditional drinks at the bar like Sapporo and sake. Skip the coffee after dinner and offer a variety of green and white teas.

As far as attire is concerned…

…women can opt for the traditional wedding gown or can sample pieces from our Asian friends. The traditional Japanese garment is the Kimono, usually detailed with purple iris flowers which represent love. Wedding garments of the Chinese cultures are typically crafted in red and gold (which represent good fortune) and decorated with images of the phoenix, peonies, and chrysanthemums. The traditional male garments range from kimonos to long draping robes, or short garments with a short or long pant. If you are planning a traditional church or non-denominational ceremony, a wedding gown may be your best option, then don your choice of Eastern dress for the reception! However you choose to create your Asian inspired wedding, you have the most beautiful and inspiring palate of cultures and designs to start with.

Images from beau-coup.com, favoursbygorgeousmoments.ca, shootingstarweddings.co.uk, asianhairstyles.com, weddingpicturesweddingphotos.net, My Wedding Place, weddingguideasia.com, shopcrazy.com.ph, williwongportraits.com, rasamalaysia.com, projectwedding.com, atrero.com, jamesbibowblog.com, sdweddinginsider.com, coryparris.com, rabbatphoto.com, more-japan.com, Bumatay Studio, and adriennegundeblog.com

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 9:11 am and is filed under Themed. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.