Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Your Wedding Ceremony; How Are You Incorporating Your Culture?




We spend most of our lives trying to fit in and be like everyone else; as kids our parents, culture, traditions and foods often embarrass us. The day you get married should be about embracing these things that make you unique and set you apart. Cultural and religious traditions offer a sense of security and continuity and bring richness into any ceremony or celebration. 

When I was a young adult I got to participate in my cousin’s wedding.  I was raised as a reform Jewish girl on Long Island in an area of Long Island that was not very Jewish; in fact it was the microcosm of assimilation. I had never been to a modern orthodox Jewish wedding before and this one night has stayed with me for most of my adult life. I remember his wedding being infused with so much Jewish tradition and culture but most of all it was a night filled with celebration and joy.

In the Jewish religion the groom sees the bride before she walks down the aisle so he can cover her face with the veil. It is called a “Bedecking” and this one stands out in my mind as magical. I remember that during the cocktail hour, which took place prior the wedding ceremony the bride came out and sat in a special chair on a platform, surrounded by her mother and her bridal party- guests approached and wished her well and then out of nowhere there was singing and the groom entered the room, surrounded by all his friends and close family and they danced him to where the Bride waited- As he approached the air was electric.  He covered her face everyone sang and danced and as quickly as he was danced into the space he was escorted out.

Almost 30 years later I can still remember this wedding and that moment.  It was magical and set the tone for the entire night.

Dear Reader, How are you planning to embrace your roots, your religion or your culture?  I am fascinated by the traditions of other cultures and religions.  I love when my couples decide to embrace theirs. So please share!  I would love to hear about how you plan to make your day special and unique.

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!


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