A Small Sample of Multicultural Weddings we have videotaped

Hindu Weddings: What follows  are the steps of a typical North Indian Sindhi Wedding. The Hindu marriage ceremony consists essentially of seven steps with seven vows taken in front of Agni (the fire). The Agni, or fire, is very sacred in the Hindu religion as it is considered to be the purifier. The flame of Agni represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. The Hindu marriage ceremony is conducted under a decorated canopy structure, called a Mandap.

Jewish Weddings: The Glass:  The wedding ceremony ends when the grooms steps on and breaks a glass. The custom of breaking a glass under the chuppah is derived from the Talmud. It is written that a rabbi broke a vase during a wedding feast in order to warn those present against excessive joy. Even during times of great joy, we should remember the tragic destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Chinese Weddings:  TEA CEREMONY:  Wedding ceremonies in Chinese culture are largely silent because the Chinese people believe that the motions and rituals speak more loudly than words. One popular ritual at Chinese weddings is the tea ceremony, where the bride and groom offer cups of tea to their respective families. Traditionally, this is to signify the acceptance of the bride and groom into the others’ family. Tea is offered, a sip is taken, and a red packet called hong bao is returned with money or jewelry for the bride and groom. This is considered a formal introduction of the families.
The tea ceremony is a wonderful way to add color and drama to a wedding ceremony. Traditional Chinese music could play in the background, and the couple could change into traditional wedding attire. To make the ceremony special for your guests, ask a family member to explain the ritual's significance and introduce family members to your guests. It's a great way to make family members, especially those who might have come from abroad, feel welcome and at home

African-American Weddings: Jumping the Broom" is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of new beginnings. Jumping the broom has become one of the most popular African traditions at weddings-traditional and African-centered. History tells us that the ancestral roots of this ritual began deep in the heart of Africa. It's original purpose and significance has been lost over the years because of the association with slavery.

This broom ceremony represents the joining of two families, it's showing respect and pays homage to those who came before us and paved the way.  Therefore it should be practiced with honor for your ancestors and the beauty of our rich heritage. During the slave "transitions" we were not allowed to practice many of the traditional rituals of our past therefore, much of our heritage was lost during this time.  However, a few were considered harmless and allowed. 

Today "Broom Jumping" is a ritual, handed down from generation to generation to remind us of a time when our vows were not legally sanctioned. During slavery, our ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity. For our ancestors, this small ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them with the heritage of the home land and giving legitimacy, dignity and strength to their unions. In there eyes this union was now sanctioned by "the almighty"  

It is said that broom jumping comes from an African Tribal Marriage Ritual of placing sticks on the ground representing the couple's new home together, I have also heard it said that the spray of the broom represents all of us scattered and the handle represents the almighty who holds us together...... You decide

Today's ceremony can be performed at the wedding, after the minister pronounces the couple man and wife or at the reception, just after the bridal party enters the reception area. Should you decide to incorporate this wonderful tradition in your wedding remember to do it with the honor and dignity it represents.