How we decided which wedding traditions to uphold or scrap
Sorting through wedding traditions is a Sisyphean task. American wedding traditions are a conglomeration of hundreds of different cultures, not to mention the endless traditions from our individual backgrounds. Traditions, especially ones associated with major life events, connect us with our past, reinforce our cultural values, and hold our communities together. We want to make sure we include elements of both of our families’ cultures, but how do we figure out what to include and what not to include? Here’s how…
Is it cultural appropriation to have Japanese paper cranes at my wedding?
I started folding origami cranes obsessively back in elementary school after reading the very sad story about Sadako, a Japanese girl who survived the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima only to develop leukemia and die while working to fold 1,000 cranes. As a result, I would love to use origami cranes in our wedding. Is this cultural appropriation?
We LOVE the dichotomy of this Chinese-cowboy New York and Texas karaoke wedding
Cowboy hats, a Chinese tea ceremony, a gorgeous red qipao, New York, Texas, wild drunken karaoke, and honoring the parents — this Texas karaoke wedding is everything and more to fill your senses with awe. And maybe make you boggle at all that’s going on. Don’t miss the matching bridesmaid tattoos, handmade paper flowers, and all kinds of book lover details including book cookies!
Decolonialize your wedding! Acknowledging Indigenous territory with a wedding land acknowledgment
When my partner and I discussed the elements we’d like to see in our wedding ceremony, a land acknowledgement was one of the first things that came to mind. A wedding land acknowledgement is an expressive gesture of reconciliation, respect, and goodwill. So, what does this have to do with your wedding?