Planning A Culturally Diverse Wedding
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By Jean DeRosa-Pizutelli, Caterer
While many different religions and nationalities
have their own well established traditions, it is becoming increasingly
common for couples of mixed ancestry and faiths to marry. Jewish-Catholic,
Muslim-Christian, Vegan-Hindu, Christian-Hindu; with this trend
comes the need for weddings that have a multi-cultural feel. With
so many wonderful traditions that hold a great deal of importance
to many families it is important to plan a wedding that will celebrate
the cultural diversity of both parties rather than spotlight just
one. Even if the couple themselves do not feel strongly about
having their heritage represented, it is important to consider
the feelings of family members.
One way to plan a multi-cultural wedding is to allow one culture
to dominate the wedding ceremony while the other culture dominates
the wedding reception. While the preceding solution of having
one culture control the ceremony and another culture control the
reception is the easiest way to achieve this, many couples choose
to blend or meld both components of the wedding instead. While
this can be more difficult, it may be a better solution because
neither family feels left out of the wedding party.
One of the easiest ways to reflect this is in the menu decided
upon for the celebration and the food served that represent both
cuisines. This strive for balance can best be achieved by enlisting
the help and expertise of an experienced caterer that is familiar
with this diversification. There are many ways this balance of
blending the respective cultures may be achieved. I will mention
a few of them here to serve as a guideline.
Go for an International Flavor
Vary your menu to create your entire feast according to your cultures.
Serving a buffet style dinner that serves cultural favorites of
both heritages is one way to go. If you are more interested in
continental cuisine, choose just one or two courses to represent
both cultures. For example, serve a delicious wedding soup that
is customary in many cultures. This is an unusual and well received
menu twist.
Keep in mind that things are likely to be easier if you pick a
menu that is a bit neutral. Foodstuffs like Fois Gras or oysters
would be typical on a French wedding menu, but you may find your
British guests unwilling to eat them. Similarly, vegetarianism
maybe unknown in the host country, but your veggie friends should
not be expected to tuck into raw steak either. Therefore, a variety
is what you should look for here. Generally the buffet would be
simpler than a full set menu in this regard. But then again, too
much choice can be difficult for the company doing the food to
handle unless, again, a knowledgeable, experienced caterer is
enlisted for help with planning when deciding upon your intercultural
menu.
Equal Representation
Your wedding is your chance to give the most creative party of
your life. Please keep in mind that careful considerations should
be made so that both cultures are prominently displayed and celebrated.
Email: FussyCaterer@yahoo.com
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Planning the "Perfect" Wedding
By Christopher Rollings, Director
Just like the fact that nobody is perfect,
stressing over making your wedding perfect is like demanding the
weather to provide a sunny day. But you work to create the most
beautiful, memorable occasion of a lifetime. Plan as thoroughly
as you can by organizing information, communicating clearly to
all involved, and coordinate with vendors and guests as promptly
as possible.
Avoid buying into the perfection mind-set that advertisers use
to entice brides and grooms into spending more money than they
need to; try not to worry about things that will take away from
really enjoying your special day.
Compromise can be essential between families and friends. Ultimately
it may not be about being right but about being kind. Being gracious
can go a lot farther in presenting charm and good taste than trying
to impress.
Include all the people, places, and things that truly matter to
you as the bride and groom first and foremost. Then seriously
consider the feelings and requests of family and friends as the
need arises.
Do whatever you have to that keeps you both in the true spirit
of your wedding day - two persons that love each other and are
celebrating their relationship and commitment with the people
they love. From the wedding ceremony to the reception to the honeymoon,
stick to what means the most to you both and makes you happy.
Whether you spend $1,000 or $100,000 on your wedding, focus on
the content of what you are planning not just the form. It's quality
over appearances. You want to look your best and feel great but
not at the expense of your peace of mind and harmonious relationships.
In the end it's not really about clothes, hair, make-up, banquet
facilities, dinners, and gifts. It's about sharing together what
truly matters: love between two people and enjoying this celebration
with others you care about. With the right mindset, your wedding
day will be as unique and meaningful as your relationship.
Oftentimes less is more and more can be less. Remember, a wedding
day is one day, your marriage is for a lifetime.
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