Indian Fusion Wedding Advice
Hey everyone! Need some advice on if it’s possible to do a fusion ceremony the way I am envisioning within a 45 minute period.
I don’t want to disrespect traditions, but I want the ceremony to represent a blend of who we are. Read below for my thoughts on flow. I would love advice and input.
I want to do a true Indian-American fusion wedding.
My fiancé and his family are Christian (non-denominational) and I am religiously Christian and come from a Hindu cultural background. I was born and raised here in the US. My family is Hindu culturally and religiously.
Whenever I look online or read discussion forums here I see two separate ceremonies and even potentially two separate receptions.
I’m looking to do 1 ceremony (about 45 minutes long) that has parts of a Hindu ceremony and also parts of a traditional American ceremony. I want the ceremony to reflect who I am and we are, but I am concerned that essentially piecemealing a ceremony will be disrespectful to both cultures and the Hindu families will be upset.
Loose idea for ceremony flow:
- Bridesmaids, groomsmen, groom walk down the aisle as is traditional in an American ceremony (wearing American clothes). There won’t be a mandap, but thinking a boho flowery a-frame or wedding arch.
- Kanya aagman - dad, brother, and uncles walk me down the aisle under a flower trellis type thing. I will be wearing a white dress with gold embroidery.
- Jaimala - garland exchange between bride and groom. End with Aachman (possibly?) - this water purifies the bride and groom.
- Officiant starts traditional speech “we are all gathered here today…” and maybe a little speech about love/intercultural ceremonies.
- Sacred fire is lit and saat pheras - 7 steps/circles of the bride and groom around the fire.
- Bride and groom vow exchange and ring exchange.
- Bride and groom kiss
- Walk out
There will be a cocktail reception and there will be meat and alcohol served at the reception right afterwards as well.
