10 inclusions to enhance your ceremony
Growing up in a big Burmese family, I was always surrounded by so many cousins, aunties, and uncles talking language, sharing stories, speaking very loudly, laughing, cooking, and eating all the food! The generation before me arrived in Australia as migrants in the 70s. It sounded tough, arriving in a new country, trying to assimilate into a culture they were unfamiliar with, looking different, speaking differently, and trying to gain the understanding of their newfound Australian mates.
I remember as a child, I had asked my dad to teach us the language, speak to us in Burmese, so we could learn. He refused and said, “we are in Australia, we will speak English, we don’t need to speak Burmese here”. The desire for me to learn the language wasn’t about the “need” for me to know the language, it was about the need for me to have a sense of connection and belonging to my family and culture. A grounding that so many have not found or never felt they had.
Cultural inclusions can be adapted and added to your ceremony, wedding photos, or reception in a way that is tasteful and that has meaning for you. Inclusions don’t have to be cultural either, they can be individualised and have specific significance to you.
“To honour your heritage , acknowledge your present and dream for the future brings a sense of joy, belonging and connect”edness. The value this gives to us as human beings lead to a life filled with understanding and purpose. We all want a life filled with purpose and meaning and one we can use to teach our future generations.”
I’ve come up with 10 inclusions, in no particular order, that might help you to decide what to include in your future ceremony.
- Acknowledgement of Country. Acknowledging the Aboriginal people and traditional owners of the land of the particular country you are marrying on. If you are not sure what this means or how you can include it, there are numerous Aborginal led agencies in Perth that can help you and advise you of the correct terminology and protocols that should be followed. Note: there is a difference between Acknowledgement of Country and a Welcome to Country – do some research.
- Candle lighting ceremony – to symbolise the coming together of two lives and two families. Keep the flame burning throughout the ceremony to symbolise the long lasting love and bright future you will have together.
- Ring dog – your beloved fur baby might the perfect inclusion to you your day, donning a bow tie and the rings tied to their collar!
- Readings -this might be one of your favourite poems or a sentimental verse that reflects your relationship, individualities and hope and dreams for your future together. Readings or verses can be read by a member of the bridal party or a close friend or family member. If you speak a different language, the reading could be in your language.
- Tree planting- representing love, life and protection. The branches and leaves of the tree can represent each family and the tree could be symbolic of unity – two families coming together as one. You will have to consider where you are holding your ceremony and seek necessary permissions to plant a tree at your designated area, but with all of the right permissions and planning, this could be a beautiful inclusion.
- Music – live or a pre-made play list? Punk rock or rnb? Whitney Houston or Meatloaf? Or a traditional cultural song or tune. The music can set the tone for the ceremony and reception. Make your selections based on your tastes and what you know will evoke the happiest of emotions. I know some people in the music biz if you need them!
- Consider including Parents/ Grandparents or parental figures. This is a special one that can be so heartfelt and emotionally filled. Maybe they could read a poem, light a candle or say a few special words at the reception? Have you seen the Grandma’s who are flower girls?!! CUTE!
- Children – this one also requires precision planning and forward thinking, dependant on the age of the child! This inclusion is especially important for those children who will become a part of a blended family with their new step -parent. They might be a part of the bridal party or they could greet guests as they enter if that’s what they want to do. Inclusion is the key.
- Unplugged Ceremonies – you’ve paid your photographer to capture the most wonderful experience you may have in your life. You want your guests to be present and not looking at you from behind their phone taking pictures and videoing every moment. And if you’re the private type whom would prefer your ceremony not to be posted on social media, the unplugged ceremony might be just the thing for you!
- Consider your guests whom have additional or “special” needs. This could be in the form of accessible pathways to seating or consideration given to parking for those with walking aids and wheelchairs or maybe an Auslan interpreter for those whom are deaf. Whatever it is, be inclusive and make your guests feel welcomed. There’s nothing worse for your guest to feel as though they weren’t considered.
