Planning An Interracial Wedding

Some say that in a long relationship, one of the biggest steps is planning their wedding. I surely agree to that. All that stress and trouble, making substantial efforts so that everything goes as smooth as possible, affects a connection even more than we could imagine. The problems tend to grow when the couple is of different race, culture or ethnicity. No offense! I am not trying to be judgmental, but a lot of differences exist in an interracial couple and sometimes is very hard to understand the other person’s traditions. Not to mention if you are in a stressful period like the planning of your wedding.

Throughout this article, I am going to try and present some of the important things to remember when planning an interracial wedding. As an interracial couple, both of you need to know as many details as possible about each other. Educate yourself so that you wouldn’t have to face problems later. For example if you are Chinese, keep in mind that you have to choose for your wedding day a “lucky” number so that you are provided with “everlasting prosperity”.

Also, agree with your spouse whether you want to introduce both your customs, or just a few elements of one culture and other elements from another culture. Be prepared to compromise. Of course you are not going to like some of the clothes, food, flower etc. chosen by your partner, but this shouldn’t be the end of the world. Relax, take a deep breath and approach the problem different. You won’t probably be the most traditional couple ever, but you will definitely be special. Don’t let these differences interfere in your relationship. On the contrary; celebrate them because soon enough, they are going to become a part of you.

Money can also be an issue. In the western culture the parents of the bride usually pay the costs of the wedding but in the oriental culture things are the other way around. Since you both have the right to respect your values, you should find a middle way solution: split the costs. This way you both contribute to your wedding and everyone is happy. Anyway, a mixed wedding will always raise problems for certain people, but if you are lucky enough to have a supportive and tolerant family and loving friends, other opinions shouldn’t matter to you. Be happy that you are going to start a unique family and why not, a new culture.

Although planning an interracial wedding might make you reconsider some things, keep in mind that you will be married to your spouse for the rest of your life and not his/her family, religion etc. If he/she loves you, will understand that you are uncomfortable with these traditions, and he/she will try to change them. I am sure that you have some habits that annoy him/her. A good relationship is based on mutual respect so try to be more tolerant. In the end, it is just a day, so don’t worry. It will pass.