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The Asian-Themed WeddingAsian-themed weddings are on
the rise. At first this might seem surprising. After all,
nothing could seem further from the Laura Ashley vision that
floats by when we hear the word wedding.
Maybe thats one of the forces behind why
the Asian-themed wedding's growing more popular: it turns
things upside down. In fact, in a Chinese wedding, white is bad
(its the color of death), and red and black are good (theyre
the colors of luck and prosperity). How different can you get?
You might have wondered whether the brides that plan
Asian-themed weddings are Asian (or marrying someone who is).
Sometimes! Surprisingly often, they arent, and the choice is
purely for preference.
If you look at today's Asian weddings, you see them actually
breaking down into two types: the Japanese or "Zen" style,
which values simplicity and nature, and the more riotous
Chinese style, which bristles with bright colors and shiny
fabrics.
Although either choice may surprise your older guests, you may
find a deep expression of personal values in an Asian-themed
wedding. After all, the usual wedding is a type of pageant: the
couple pretends to be royalty for a day, and lavishly
entertains a large party while racking up the debt.
But brides drawn to the Zen-style ceremony sometimes want to
avoid some of the excess, and simplify the ceremony
(ironically, this can result in greater elegance for the price
tag). This type of bride might read "voluntary simplicity"
books, think about the environment, enjoy an uncluttered house
or apartment with a handful of Japanese accents (Shoji lanterns
and screens, for example), or find herself attracted to natural
materials. She might prefer a simpler wedding gown, and carry
an unfussy bouquet of calla lilies. Her centerpieces might be
lanterns surrounded by black and white stones. For favors, she
might give out fortune cookies placed in take-out boxes and
topped off with chopsticks.
Other brides find aspects of the western tradition too staid
and quiet, so they mix up their ceremony with Chinese zest.
This bride might dress her bridesmaids in glowing red (or
slinky black) Cheongsams, dresses with high collars and slit
sides. She'll hand them parasols instead of nosegays, and pass
out chopsticks for their hair. Her own gown might be of
gorgeous brocade in red, orange or gold. Perhaps she'll wrap up
the ceremony with a butterfly release and hand out lucky bamboo
stalks as wedding favors. This bride doesnt mind charting her
own course in social affairs, and she loves the Chinese
devotion to parents and children.
In either case, the Asian-themed wedding may be a great way to
tie your ceremony to some very personal values. Perhaps the
thought of one crossed your mind, but you thought you had to be
Asian! Don't worry: Asian traditions, philosophies and trends
have gone deep into American culture since the 1960s. So maybe
it's time to ask yourself this: which type of Asian bride are
you?
About the Author
Blake Kritzberg is editor at Wedding Favor Ideas. Stop by for
wedding favor ideas, Save-the-Date eCards, free wedding
screensaver, free wedding templates and Bridezilla's weekly
adventures at:
http://www.favorideas.com
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