Marrying someone who comes from a drastically different background can bring about some challenges that you did not initially expect. While love is love and there is no rule book for who you are going to become romantically entangled with, you may not be prepared for how much work is involved when it comes to crafting a multicultural wedding. If you want both families to feel included and respected, you need to exercise caution when making your arrangements. Though it may seem daunting, you can make the task simpler with some small moves.

Start With a Discussion

The worst possible thing you or your spouse could do when planning a multicultural event is make assumptions. For example, the most commonplace religious group in the United States is Christian. However, this does not mean that all people who follow this faith believe in the same rituals and traditions. In fact, estimates from recent years suggest that there are roughly 200 different types of Christianity practiced in America alone. This means the only way for you to know exactly which traditions should be included is to ask. 

This conversation may also be a good time to get both families together under one roof. If your families have already met before, then there’s no need to go to extremes to make this event seem special. For a first meeting, on the other hand, put thought and effort into how to properly introduce your loved ones to each other. This will break the ice and help to start preliminary discussions about what each family wants included in the event.

Plan Around Your Own Tastes

Another important point to keep in mind is that there is no rule stating you need to cater your event to the traditions of your families. In fact, you may want to instead craft your wedding around your own preferences. After you’ve set the main details in stone, you can highlight each of your cultural backgrounds during the reception in ways that are meaningful to you. For example, someone from a Greek or Nigerian family might want to do a “dollar dance,” where the couple dances while guests throw money at them.

Pick and choose whichever customs appeal to you the most or have some type of special significance. Since this is your wedding, you don’t need to please anyone except yourself and your partner.

Focus on the Sound

You don’t always need to make a multicultural wedding about big rituals that capture the attention of the entire crowd. For plenty of people, understated inclusions can speak volumes. If you really want the presence of your culture to be felt by the guests, then you can achieve a lot with the right soundtrack. Select tunes that embody your people and their history, especially those that center on love and celebration; this can work wonders for the overall vibe of your big day.

Work With a Quality Caterer

Finally, don’t forget the importance of food when it comes to both weddings and cultural traditions. Including dishes that are popular within your community can be a great way to introduce both sides of the family to tastes they may never have experienced before. Naturally, you can’t force the crowd to eat meals they may find strange. Work with the caterer to have some dinner staples available for picky eaters or anyone who has severe allergies. This will keep the crowd happy while simultaneously providing a veritable international feast for the rest of your guests. 

When it comes to crafting a multicultural wedding that perfectly blends two different cultures, you don’t want to rush through the process. Talk matters out with your partner and both of your families and see what you can accomplish.