In researching cultural wedding reception ideas for this post, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of some of the traditions I read about. Some were elaborate three-day celebrations with every minute planned, while others involved expensive and time consuming processes. Not everyone has the time or money to devote to such extensive traditions but many couples still want their heritage to be a part of their wedding reception. So from our experience with Veranda weddings, we offer some simple- but perfectly sweet cultural wedding reception ideas.
Russian or Polish Heritage
This particular tradition was actually seen throughout many of the wedding receptions here with varying cultural backgrounds. The vodka shot before dinner is most commonly associated with Russian or Polish heritage though. For some couples, this group celebration took the place of the more traditional champagne toast. For others, it almost took the place of the wine glass clinking to make the new couple smooch. Apparently the bride & groom must exchange a rather impassioned kiss in order to relieve the bitterness of the shot itself.
Japanese Heritage
1000 Paper Cranes is an amazing wedding tradition that I really wish I had the patience to carry out! The legend behind the tradition states that whoever makes and keeps the cranes will be granted a wish – certainly a useful thing to have on your wedding day. Often times the tradition involves the Father of the Bride giving the cranes as a gift. So how can this be incorporated into your wedding reception? To begin with, they are beautiful and make an amazing backdrop for a gift table or dessert table. You could also use them as the escort cards themselves however this is messing with tradition as it is believed all cranes must be kept in order for the wish to be granted. If you love the idea, here’s a great tutorial from Boho Weddings on just how to get started!
Italian Heritage
One of my favorite things about wedding receptions is the food! So of course we have to put some simple menu selections in here to help bring your heritage into your event. One couple we worked with had an amazing meatball recipe from Grandma that absolutely no one could rival. So as a special tribute to Grandma and their Italian heritage, they gave the recipe to the catering company who followed it exactly and was able to serve a meatball that was Grandma-approved. If you have a family recipe that is meaningful to you, ask the caterer if there is an option to incorporate it into your meal. Stellar caterers (like our own CK Catering!) will find a way to make this happen!
Good Ol’ Southern Heritage
Again with the food (I’m sorry, my weakness….) – another wedding reception idea is to bring that down-home Southern cooking to your guests. One wedding we had the pleasure of hosting served guests such delightful southern dishes as fried okra, mac n’cheese, and Kentucky hot-browns. With much of the family traveling to Michigan from the south, this small touch added a great feeling of comfort and intimacy to the wedding.
Indian Heritage
We have seen some beautiful Indian weddings and one of my favorite traditions is hand painting. The pure art of this tradition is enough to amaze me so when we had couples carry that art form into other parts of their wedding reception I was simply awed. Henna design on cakes, stationary, or table runners really elevates this tradition to the next level and makes it more a part of the entire wedding reception instead of just for the bride!
Need other wedding reception ideas? We’re always happy to chime in so feel free reach out at any time!
Have fun planning!
-kristin ♥