Hybrid Wedding Traditions

I've mentioned before that I am of mixed ethnicity. I am Filipino and White. My fiance is Japanese. I grew up in Japan on military bases and moved to Hawaii during my senior year of high school. I now teach seniors in high school. My fiance was born and raised on Kauai. When talking about what kinds of things we'd like to include in our ceremony and reception, a blend of customs come up.

We are having a non-denominational ceremony. We aren't writing our own vows or having any special readings. My fiance hates to be the center of attention, so the plan is to get up and get down as fast as possible. We are incorporating mostly Western wedding traditions, including a sit-down meal, a first dance, the garter/bouquet toss, dancing with a DJ.

We are also incorporating some Japanese (or Hawaiian-Japanese) elements into the wedding as well. For example, my dress is made by designer Anne Namba. She creates wedding gowns out of vintage wedding kimono.

In addition, I've folded and had arranged 1,001 gold cranes to give our marriage good fortune.

For my Filipino side, we're incorporating the dollar dance. Basically, the bride and groom have to dance, and all of the wedding guests place money all over them using safety pins or just tucking it in. In some cases the bride or the groom have to remove the money from each other's bodies with their mouths, and then deposit the money into collecting baskets.

My fiance will be wearing a maile lei during the event. It is tradition in Hawaii that lei is given for all important life events, especially birthdays, graduations, weddings, and funerals. Our parents will likely wear leis throughout the day, as well. Typically at local weddings, people don't usually give gifts; it is expected that everyone will give money in a card. 

The types of food served are slightly cultural as well. A lot of people serve ahi (tuna) or sushi because ahi symbolizes good fortune (and apparently is delicious!). There will probably be a Bonzai! toast as well. My FFIL is really good at this toast, and gives it at other events as well, even though it's meant for weddings. Banzai means 10,000 years. Here is what the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii says about it:

The word banzai literally means “10,000 years” and is associated with long life. Banzai cheers are given at joyous occasions, banquets and gatherings, to express congratulations, encouragement, or celebration. Traditionally, the participants shout the word “banzai” three times in unison, raising their hands in the air each time.

It is customary to deliver two separate banzai cheers at weddings. The first, “Shinro shimpu, banzai!” means “long life and happiness to the bride and groom.” The second banzai is: “Raihin shoku, banzai!” or, more politely, “Raihin no minasama, banzai!” This banzai cheer means “Long life and happiness to all the guests!” In Hawaii, these wedding banzai cheers are often given as a special toast, with participants raising their glasses with each shout of “banzai!”

I'm sure there are other things that are going to crop up as well that I don't realize is outside of the norm, but if I think of anything I'll keep you posted.