The Asian-Themed Wedding
Blake Kritzberg entropy5@planet-save.com
Wedding Favor Ideas http://www.favorideas.com

Asian-themed weddings are on the rise. At first this might seem surprising. After all, nothing could seem further from the Laura Ashley vision that floats by when we hear the word "wedding."

Asian Theme Supplies

Maybe that’s one of the forces behind why the Asian-themed wedding's growing more popular: it turns things upside down. In fact, in a Chinese wedding, white is bad (it’s the color of death), and red and black are good (they’re the colors of luck and prosperity). How different can you get?

You might have wondered whether the brides that plan Asian-themed weddings are Asian (or marrying someone who is). Sometimes! Surprisingly often, they aren’t, and the choice is purely for preference.

Asian Theme Decorations

If you look at today's Asian weddings, you see them actually breaking down into two types: the Japanese or "Zen" style, which values simplicity and nature, and the more riotous Chinese style, which bristles with bright colors and shiny fabrics.

Although either choice may surprise your older guests, you may find a deep expression of personal values in an Asian-themed wedding. After all, the usual wedding is a type of pageant: the couple pretends to be royalty for a day, and lavishly entertains a large party —while racking up the debt.

Good Fortune Theme Party

But brides drawn to the Zen-style ceremony sometimes want to avoid some of the excess, and simplify the ceremony (ironically, this can result in greater elegance for the price tag). This type of bride might read "voluntary simplicity" books, think about the environment, enjoy an uncluttered house or apartment with a handful of Japanese accents (Shoji lanterns and screens, for example), or find herself attracted to natural materials. She might prefer a simpler wedding gown, and carry an unfussy bouquet of calla lilies. Her centerpieces might be lanterns surrounded by black and white stones. For favors, she might give out fortune cookies placed in take-out boxes and topped off with chopsticks.

Chinese Chop Sticks
Chinese Take-Out Boxes

Other brides find aspects of the western tradition too staid and quiet, so they mix up their ceremony with Chinese zest. This bride might dress her bridesmaids in glowing red (or slinky black) Cheongsams, dresses with high collars and slit sides. She'll hand them parasols instead of nosegays, and pass out chopsticks for their hair. Her own gown might be of gorgeous brocade in red, orange or gold. Perhaps she'll wrap up the ceremony with a butterfly release and hand out lucky bamboo stalks as wedding favors. This bride doesn’t mind charting her own course in social affairs, and she loves the Chinese devotion to parents and children.

Asian Beauty Costume
Chinese Parasol Fan

In either case, the Asian-themed wedding may be a great way to tie your ceremony to some very personal values. Perhaps the thought of one crossed your mind, but you thought you had to be Asian! Don't worry: Asian traditions, philosophies and trends have gone deep into American culture since the 1960s. So maybe it's time to ask yourself this: which type of Asian bride are you?

About the Author Blake Kritzberg is editor at Wedding Favor Ideas. Stop by for wedding favor ideas, Save-the-Date eCards, free wedding screensaver, free wedding templates and Bridezilla's weekly adventures at: http://www.favorideas.com

ASIAN Decorating Ideas and Favors

Chinese Have A Good Day Button

Asian Theme Decorating Ideas

Item #... or keyword(s)

Chinatown Parasol Fan

Asian Theme Party

10" Floral Fans

Chinatown Dragon

Chinatown Lanterns

Chinatown Banner

Chinatown Guest Towels

Cocktail Umbrellas

Wish Pearl
Wedding Favors and Gifts
An actual oyster containing a beautiful pearl is packaged in a container of special liquid solution, which allows the recipient to be the first person to ever see the pearl inside.

Something Different Invitations

Guests unfold the red envelope to
determine their fortune at the party.

Good Fortune Theme Party

Chinese Chop Sticks
Chinese Take-Out Boxes

Jeweled Birds
Yoga Serenity

Enjoy Plum Party Asian Theme Decor

The following themes are available from Shindigz
 Shanghai Moon Kit
Shanghai Pagoda
Night of the Golden Dragon
Oriental Garden Lamppost and Tissue Lanterns
Chinese Take Out
Palace of the Spring Moon
Moonlit Enchantment Kit
Imperial Dragon Balloon Kit
Giant Dragon Fans
Tissue Dragon
Asian Custom Banner
Chinese Yo-Yo
Asian Invitations
Fortune Cookies
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Shindigz

Food and Recipe Ideas

Asian Almond Beef & Snap Peas
Good Fortune Sea Bass
Snow Falling on Cedars Mudslide
Murder on the Orient Espresso
www.culinary.net

Chinese Theme Decorations