How to Incorporate Your Culture in Your Wedding

Elopements are “non traditional” and it’s YOUR wedding which means it’s entirely up to you what traditions you want to include in your ceremony or not– here are some ideas to get you started. Keep in mind, this is YOUR ceremony. Lots of people have an input, specifically family when choosing to include or not include your traditional heritage in your wedding. Do what makes you and your partner happy, it’s your day!

Clothing and accessories

Many cultures speak through the clothes you wear. This could be through a specific dress or outfit or you can honor it in a more subtle way with the colors you choose or the types of fabrics for your bridesmaid dresses. If you are set on wearing a traditional wedding dress and your budget allows, consider having two dresses! Depending on how you are honoring your culture, wear your traditional dress during the ceremony then change into the white gown for the reception. OR maybe it’s just important to you to get photos in your cultural outfit. Wearing accessories such as earrings, necklaces or bracelets is another great way to add something traditional to your more modern style.

Music

Music is such a great way to incorporate your culture into your wedding day! Consider hiring a band so you can support people within your culture who play. If you and your partner come from different backgrounds and want to honor both of your cultures, you can choose a first dance song from each and dance to both or do a variety of music throughout the night that will touch on both cultural backgrounds.

Ceremony

The largest way to honor your cultural traditions is to include a reading or prayer during your ceremony. Poetry and reading are a great way to include these traditions into your ceremony and it’s completely up to you how much or how little you want to add.

Decorations & Food

Adding small touches to your wedding day in the décor is a simple but great way to include your cultural background. You can use traditional flowers in your bouquet or on the tables. You can incorporate colors again here that are specific to your heritage. You could also borrow some vases or decor from your parents or grandparents if they have anything specific from where you are from! There is no better way to honor your culture than having authentic cuisine on your wedding day! Consider making it a potluck style and have your family and friends bring homemade dishes.

Stephanie Keegan

I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!