Balancing tradition while planning a wedding can be a delicate process, especially when there are cultural, familial, or personal expectations involved. With culture and heritage an integral aspect in Hong Kong celebrations, many parents still value having these in weddings. The tension arises when modern couples prefer a more contemporary route when it comes to celebrating their special union.

Does this scenario seem all too familiar? Do you feel pressured to keep all the Chinese wedding traditions despite desiring a simpler, modern union or a more Western-like wedding format?

You can always try to meet halfway with your parents and relatives. You’ll just need to carefully lay down your wishes and find ways to marry these with that of your family. How, you might ask? Here are some tips to help manage the challenge of balancing tradition when planning your wedding.

Open Communication

Start by having open and honest conversations with your partner about your cultural backgrounds, family expectations, and individual preferences. Clearly express your values and priorities for the wedding day. Keep the openness throughout the planning process as things may still change. What’s vital is that you both know what each one wants from the beginning.

[From: A Charming Teal Outdoor Garden Wedding at One-Thirtyone / Photos: The Hour Gallery]

Prioritize Key Traditions

Identify the most important traditions to you and your partner. Prioritize traditions that resonate with both of you. Focus on incorporating those that hold significant meaning rather than trying to include every tradition. It’s important to start with your and your partner’s must-haves first. After this, you can open up the conversation with your parents to find out their preferences.

Customize Traditions

How can you keep the modern and personalized twist at your wedding while adhering to some of the requests the parents? You may customize your wedding format, or which activities or ceremonies to include, and how to execute them, based on the traditions your parents openly expressed they would like–this is where you try to meet halfway. Adapt traditional elements to fit your unique style and preferences. Modify rituals, ceremonies, or attire to reflect a modern or personalized twist while still respecting the essence of the tradition.

[From: A Traditional Chinese Wedding with Classic Details At Rosewood Hong Kong / Photos: KC Chan Photography]

Educate and Involve Family

You can avoid conflict and keep the balance by educating and involving loved ones through your decision-making process. If there are specific traditions that are important to your families, take the time to educate them on your vision for the wedding. Involve family members in the planning process and find ways to incorporate their input while staying true to your vision. Continue reading “Balancing Wedding Traditions: How To Manage Culture and Heritage While Planning a Modern Wedding”