Simply Brides
of Didcot, Oxfordshire
Wedding Studio
Exceptional service at sensible prices
A little piece of tradition for everyone
With more and more weddings being multi-cultural it can be nice to include something traditional from other cultures. It can be fun and it’s a great way of making everyone feel part of the day.
Wedding coordinator Vickie Cook of Weddings By Vickie Ltd encourages her clients to make their day more personal by including something from each culture “I have had clients who have brought in champagne from France to celebrate the French side of the family, and at a wedding where the groom’s family were from Bulgaria, the Bulgarian guests shouted a phrase during the reception which meant the bride and groom had to kiss. It can be a really nice touch”
In France the groom will often meet the bride at her home on the morning of the wedding and escort her to the chapel. On their way children will stretch white ribbons across the road which the bride must cut. At the reception the couple use a toasting cup – a Coupe de Marriage – The origin of giving a toast started in France when they would literally drop a small piece of toast into the couple’s wine to ensure a healthy life.
In Italy at the start of the wedding reception the bridal party are separated from the rest of the guests for an hour and served cocktails and some buffet food. This is when the wedding couple’s photographs are usually taken. The party will then rejoin the rest of the guests for their first dance, and the speeches are made. Between the many courses the master of ceremonies will encourage the guests to dance and celebrate the union.
In Ancient Greece a bride may carry a lump of sugar on her wedding day to ensure she has a sweet life or carry ivy as a symbol of endless love. Dishes are smashed at a Greek wedding for good luck and money is thrown at the musicians.
In China the white wedding dress isn’t the traditional choice. Both the bride and groom are usually dressed in red as it is the colour of celebration and good fortune. At Chinese weddings the tea ceremony is a very important part. The wedding couple pour tea and serve it to their parents, the parents then give the couple a red envelope containing money and offering their blessings. During the wedding meal the bride will often change her outfit, generally after each course to show her new family her wealth and status.
So if you want to embrace both families’ traditions have a look at the wedding customs from each country and add some little touches to make the day personal to you both. It is something all your guests will remember!
Simply Brides of Didcot
01235 815110
SimplyBrides@tiscali.co.uk
www.SimplyBrides.net
Registered number: 5921571