Something old, something new
Incorporating Traditions into Your Wedding Ceremony
Bringing meaningful traditions into your wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to honour your heritage, include your families, and create a truly memorable celebration. Whether you’re blending cultures or simply want to add depth and symbolism to your day, here are some inspiring traditions you may want to consider for your ceremony. Whatever you decide, authenticity is key.
Māori Traditions
New Zealand couples increasingly choose to weave Māori customs into their ceremonies, both as a sign of respect for the whenua (land) and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa. Here are some special ways to include Māori elements:
Karakia (Blessing): Open or close your ceremony with a karakia to invoke spiritual goodwill and bless your marriage. This can be led by a kaumātua (elder) or family member, or your celebrant.
Karanga or Waiata: Begin your ceremony with a karanga (traditional welcome call) or waiata (song), either instead of aisle music or as a greeting to guests.
Te Reo Māori: Incorporate Te Reo Māori language throughout your ceremony, either alongside English or as a standalone feature. This can include readings, vows, or blessings.
Korowai (Cloak): Wearing or exchanging a korowai symbolises honour and respect, and is often used to mark significant milestones like marriage.
Taonga (Treasures): Exchange or gift taonga such as pounamu (greenstone), bone carvings, or other meaningful items to symbolise your bond and connection to whānau.
Whakataukī (Proverbs): Use Māori proverbs or whakataukī as readings to share wisdom and add a uniquely local touch.
Māori-style Rings: Some couples choose rings made from bone or greenstone, carved into infinity loops to represent enduring love.
Indian Traditions
Indian weddings are rich in symbolism, colour, and ritual. Even if you’re not having a full traditional wedding, you can incorporate some beautiful Indian customs:
Garland Exchange: The couple may exchange floral garlands (jaimala) as a symbol of mutual respect and acceptance.
Mehendi: The bride may have intricate henna designs applied to her hands and feet before the ceremony.
Mangal Sutra: The groom ties a sacred necklace around the bride’s neck, symbolising their union.
Vermillion (Sindoor): The groom applies a red powder to the bride’s hair parting, signifying her married status.
Inclusion of Family: Indian ceremonies often involve both families in rituals, symbolising the joining of two families, not just two individuals.
Handfasting Ceremony
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that’s found renewed popularity in modern ceremonies, especially for couples seeking a symbolic, non-religious ritual:
The Ritual: The couple’s hands are gently bound together with a ribbon, cord, or piece of fabric as vows or promises are spoken. This “tying the knot” symbolises the binding of two lives and is a powerful visual moment.
Personalisation: You can use cords in your wedding colours, family tartan, or fabrics that hold special meaning.
Involvement: Family members or friends can be invited to help tie the cords, making it a communal act of support.
Sand Ceremony
A sand ceremony is a modern ritual that beautifully symbolises the blending of two lives:
How It Works: Each partner pours a different coloured sand into a single vessel, creating a unique pattern that represents their coming together. The resulting design is impossible to separate, just like your union.
Family Involvement: Children or other family members can also participate, making it a wonderful option for blended families.
Keepsake: The combined sand becomes a lasting memento of your wedding day.
Bringing It All Together
Your ceremony is a reflection of your story and your values. Whether you choose to incorporate Māori blessings, Indian rituals, handfasting, a sand ceremony, or a blend of traditions, each element can add depth and meaning to your celebration. Work closely with your celebrant to ensure each tradition is honoured respectfully and authentically, creating a ceremony that feels true to you and your whānau.
If you’d like further guidance on weaving traditions into your ceremony, your celebrant can help you explore options and craft a service that celebrates your unique backgrounds and shared future.