We want to incorporate our cultures into the wedding ceremony. Any tips on when to say the vows?
We're going the three following traditions and I'm trying to figure out when is the vest time to say our vows. During one of them or after. If we do them after, I am still thinking of us exchanging some kind of back and forth during them before our main vows to each other.
Possible Ceremony Order
1. Processional
2. Welcome
3. Readings [Might take this out so ceremony isn't too long]
4. Cultural Traditions
-4a. Tasting of the Four Elements
-4b. Handfasting Ceremony
-4c. Blanket Ceremony
5. Vows
6. Exchange Rings
7. Prayer
8. Pronouncement of Marriage
Here's the Layout (work in progress) of what will be on the back of our Wedding Programs to explain the cultural traditions. Please note some of these are modified versions to accomodate logistics and some dietary preferences/restrictions. Yes, I do know that some of these traditions aren't exclusive for each culture, but based on family recommendations and research we thought these would be representations that we would enjoy most and be special to us. Also if anyone has done any of these, especially the Handfasting or Blanket Ceremony which I have less familiarity with and would like to share tips or advice, I would appreciate it. I'm going to make our own handfasting cords and will probably have 4 separate cords with more colors than listed below that each parent drapes over our hand and then we tie together. Would love tips on crafting them or designs.
Cultural Traditions:
Today we honor the blending of our families and cultures by including wedding traditions from our African and Nordic ancestry and our shared Native heritage.
African: Tasting of the Four Elements
The couple will taste four flavors to represent the distinct stages within a marriage. By tasting each of these elements, the couple symbolically demonstrate that they will be able to remain united for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.
Tart Cherry: Sourness, Apple Cider Vinegar: bitterness, Horseradish: Heat, Honey: sweetness
Nordic: Handfasting Ceremony
Symbolizing the couple's love and commitment to each other, as well as their two lives merging into one, this tradition involves temporarily wrapping or tying the couple's hands together using ribbons, ropes or cloth of various colors and is actually the origin of the beloved expression “tying the knot”.
Black: strength, wisdom, vision, success
Gold: energy, wealth, intelligence, longevity
White: purity, concentration, meditation, peace
Blue: tranquility, patience, devotion, sincerity
Native: Blanket Ceremony
Of the couples varied Native ancestry, the have shared Cherokee roots. A common Cherokee weddings tradition, the couple’s mothers have brought blue blankets and will drape them over their children's shoulders. The blue symbolizes the sorrow of their lives prior to their union in marriage. The couple will then cast blue blankets away and the mothers will step forward carrying a large white blanket and will drape it over the shoulders of the couple, symbolizing a covering over of their weaknesses and sorrows of the past. Now the couple can enter their new life of marriage joined with peace, happiness and fulfillment. The blanket is kept by the couple and displayed in their home. It is often passed down through the generations.
Thank you for your tips!
