Every culture has their own traditions that they like to follow when it comes to getting married. This includes Asian weddings, as there are many different kinds of cultures within that category. So, it’s no surprise that there are many differences between Asian weddings and traditional English weddings. But what are they? We thought we’d put together a few interesting points that show a clear difference between the two!

Outfits

Traditionally, the happy couple in an English wedding wear white or black. Perhaps with little pops of colour if you’re trying to step outside the box for your big day. Although, that isn’t true for every couple, most people do tend to stick to tradition in this sense. Whereas, for Asian weddings, the happy couple tend to steer clear from black and white. Usually they prefer to wear more colourful outfits. In particular the colour red is a very popular marital colour for Asian weddings!

Pre-wedding Ceremonies

Now, we know that typical English couples do have a few traditions that they like to celebrate prior to the big day. Such as an engagement party and the hen/stag do. But there are a few very important ceremonies that have to be held prior to an Asian wedding. These can be different for every culture. For example, in the Indian subcontinent, there must be a Sagaai/Mangni (engagement), a Sangeet (musical evening) and a Mehndi (where all the brides friends come and celebrate with her whilst her hands and feet are beautifully decorated). Although, as we’ve already mentioned, these ceremonies vary depending on where the couple in question is from!

Food

Asian wedding food is definitely completely different from what is traditionally served at a typical English wedding. However this may not apply to every Asian wedding. Of course, each region has their own style of food and dishes that they choose to serve at their wedding. Spices and ingredients such as almonds, pistachios, saffron and even pure silver sheeting are used in their dishes on the big day. The happy couple should also aim to feed as many people as possible to invite blessings for the new couple.

Post-wedding Ceremonies

Again, other than a honeymoon, there aren’t many post-wedding traditions that the typical English couple will celebrate after their wedding! However, in many Asian cultures, there must be a home-leaving ceremony. This is usually called Doli, Rukshat or Vidaai. With this the bride leaves her family home to live with her new husband’s family. When she arrives, several other important rituals will happen as part of her becoming a part of their family. The bride is seen as a sign of good luck to her new family. Of course, this doesn’t apply to all Asian weddings, and other ceremonies and rituals may be important to other cultures!

Henna

Now, this is something that the bride traditionally has done in a pre-marital ceremony that they often call their Mehndi. Although it doesn’t apply to all cultures. Mostly it occurs when the bride in question is Muslim, Hindu or Sikh. The ceremony happens a couple of days before their wedding. Beautiful, intricate designs are created on their hands and feet. Some brides have their soon-to-be-husbands names hidden with the patterns. Traditionally, it is believed that the darker the mehndi is, the better the relationship will be with your husband and his other mother!

Just because there are differences doesn’t mean that one celebration is better than the other. Both have beautiful traditions that will make any wedding day special. Despite the clear differences, from Asian wedding venues, to the difference in outfits. We hope this blog helped you to understand what makes Asian weddings so different!