Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Savvy November 2021

Cultural appropriation?

Claudia, on December 2, 2019 at 8:07 AM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 14

Saved

Flag
Hide content

This is directed more towards Indian , Pakistani , Bangladeshi , Desi brides overall. But anyone can give me their opinion, advice experience .
So I went to my first Pakistani wedding and I was blown away. The dresses the colors the traditions the party (despite no alcohol). I loved every part of it !

But I am not Indian and neither is my partner .So I want to incorporate someOf the dancing (possible) and dress (?) into my wedding .
After seeing Indian wedding dresses I wa blown away by how beautiful and colorful they are . Yes I AMBuying a white/cream/ wedding dress but can I also wear an Indian wedding dress ? When ? My fiancé is not crazy about the men’s wedding dress but he’s happy w me incorporating other things to the wedding .
But , how much is too much? How can I slightly add Indian culture into my wedding without having cultural appropriation?
My Indiana Nd Pakistani friends say they don’t mind and don’t find it offensive but I want opinion from my Indian community who are not my friends .

Thanks !

Flag
Hide content

14 Comments

Latest activity by Judith, on December 4, 2019 at 10:03 PM

Master 0000
Judith · on December 2, 2019 at 8:36 AM
Flag

Hide content
It is not a costume party, where you put on a different persona. I would find it very alienating , as a guest. You are not doing costuming for a play or a film. Your wedding should reflect you. And your background . And making someone else genuine cultural articles your costumes does not do that. Leave it alone.
- Reply
Master January 2015
null · on December 2, 2019 at 8:43 AM
Flag

Hide content
I understand where you're coming from, but I would feel uncomfortable involving a culture that isn't my own in my wedding. It's great that you appreciate the beauty of Indian culture, but I don't think it would be appropriate to include it in your wedding just for the aesthetic appeal.
- Reply
Dedicated April 2021
Simone · on December 2, 2019 at 8:44 AM
Flag

Hide content
I agree with the previous poster. However, maybe you could incorporate having your hand/arm made up with henna.
- Reply
VIP September 2020
Neeva · on December 2, 2019 at 9:00 AM
Flag

Hide content
I'm Indian and having an Indian wedding.
I think that it's a bit odd to have a wedding from a culture that is not your own. Especially because Indian culture is very synonymous with religion. I would shy away from wearing an Indian outfit or getting henna done or doing an Indian dance as these have deep cultural meanings to us and would be inappropriate for someone to sport if they do not understand the significance behind it.
That being said, if you want to incorporate bright colors and decor, go for it! If you want to have an Indian-esque wedding incorporate lanterns and elephants and bright colors. But please do not don our culturally significant outfits for your big day. Your wedding should be about celebrating YOUR culture. This is just my opinion...
- Reply
Savvy November 2021
Claudia · on December 2, 2019 at 9:22 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Thank you for your honest reply !
What about just doing a dance to an Indian/ Bollywood song with an Indian outfit ? Or should I do it While wearing my own outfit (white cream plain lol) or
- Reply
Savvy November 2021
Claudia · on December 2, 2019 at 9:25 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Thank you!!! See ? Can’t trust your friends on this one xD
- Reply
VIP September 2020
Neeva · on December 2, 2019 at 9:30 AM
Flag

Hide content
I would also recommend not doing an Indian dance/outfit yourself at your wedding.
If you are interested in Indian dancing, I would hire a dance group in your area to perform.
- Reply
Savvy November 2021
Claudia · on December 2, 2019 at 9:38 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
That’s a great idea !
What about my own Indian friends doing a dance ?
- Reply
VIP September 2020
Neeva · on December 2, 2019 at 9:41 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment

Sure. If your friends want to do a dance then that is appropriate.
- Reply
VIP November 2019
Catherine · on December 2, 2019 at 10:13 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment

I agree with Amber. I see where you are coming from but it might not be the appropriate choice for your wedding day. sorry
- Reply
Dedicated May 2020
vttn · on December 2, 2019 at 10:16 AM
Flag

Hide content
I agree with previous posters. It’s not appropriate. I understand that you genuinely appreciate Indian culture. I don’t know what culture background you are from, but for example’s sake let’s just imagine a Caucasian girl putting on kimono and perform a Japanese tea ceremony for her wedding, or put on Native American outfit and get married the native way. Its not cool... That’s the thing about cultural appropriation. You can’t just take someone else’s culture because you like it, it’s also about respect.
- Reply
Master December 2019
Cher Horowitz · on December 2, 2019 at 10:51 AM
Flag

Hide content
I personally feel this would be inappropriate. I'm Asian and I would likely side-eye someone wearing any type of traditional Asian wedding dress if they weren't Asian. That's just my perspective!
- Reply
Expert September 2021
Ka-Rina · on December 2, 2019 at 12:39 PM
Flag

Hide content
Eh I guess there is a fine line. I am Russian and personally would be thrilled if someone non Russian decided to incorporate Russian traditions in their celebrations. I wouldn't find it offensive. Attire is beautiful and some of the wedding traditions are just so fun for all guests and the couple getting married. You are not trying to seem like you are from another culture. It's like paying tribute and recognizing how beautiful another culture is. Nothing wrong w that...
- Reply

Master 0000
Judith · on December 4, 2019 at 10:03 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
A much better thing. That is appreciating someone else's culture, watching a fine performance, never offensive. An eye opener to people who have never seen it. While you stay you. You could do buffet or side tables in layered cloths in festive Indian type colors, and serve a few goodies. With guests from India and Pakistan, are they vegetarian? Numerous religious and cultural groups there You could have one meal choice cater to your friends, and any one who wants to try it, too. So much more appropriate.
- Reply