We’ve been lucky to film a number of diverse weddings for Long Haul Films, and it’s been interesting  to learn about wedding customs from different countries and cultures. I’m dreaming of Tom and I having a vow renewal where we include all the best parts of the weddings we’ve filmed. Here are some of the traditions that would make the cut for my multi-cultural mash-up.

The Baraat

In North India and Pakistan, it’s customary for the groom to travel to the wedding venue (often the bride’s house) on a mare, dressed in traditional garb, carrying a sword and accompanied by his family members. For weddings here in America, this tradition has evolved into an all-singing, all-dancing street party where the groom rides in on horseback and boogies with his guests to a driving drum beat. A Baraat is an emotional, overwhelming experience and one of the most genuine expressions of unadulterated joy I’ve ever seen. The only down side to a Baraat is that the bride has to sit it out! No fair, right? In my version, I would definitely get my own horse and be fist pumping alongside Tom.

If you want to see the Baraat in all its glory (along with some other truly stunning moments), check out our trailer for the wedding of Megan and Sree. It’s gorgeous!

The Hora

Continuing with the “great traditional wedding dances” theme, the Hora gives the Baraat a run for its money. The Hora happens during the reception. Everyone joins together and moves in a circle while doing some complicated footwork, often with the bride and groom in the middle. What I really love about the hora is the slow build-up that gets more frenzied as the music (typically “Hava Nagila”) gathers pace. It ends with the guests hoisting the bride and groom in the air. It definitely violates health and safety codes, but it’s so fun to watch.

Tea Ceremony

In Vietnamese weddings, the groom, his family and attendants travel in a procession to the bride’s house. They bring elaborately decorated lacquer boxes containing gifts which represent the wealth the groom’s family will bring to the bride’s family. The gifts may include fruit, cakes, a roast pig and… jewelry for the bride. Score!  From there, an elaborate tea ceremony follows and then the whole wedding party decamps for the groom’s house where another tea ceremony takes place. This makes for a very busy day if you’re the videographer, but would be a lot more fun if you were the lucky, jewelery receiving bride.

The other thing I love about Asian weddings we’ve filmed is that there seems to be a tradition for the bride to wear several dresses throughout the day. For our vow renewal, I’m going for at least 3 costume changes and one will definitely be an Indian-wedding inspired sari.

So, what do you think? Have I dreamed up an amazing sounding vow renewal melting pot? Think I can convince Tom to rent a horse? In fact, think I can convince Tom we should renew our vows at all (he currently remains very much unconvinced) Have you encountered any interesting wedding customs?

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