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Catherine
Just Said Yes April 2022

Trouble planning white/hispanic reception, need ideas.

Catherine, on September 14, 2021 at 10:42 PM Posted in Planning 0 6


I'm lost. I don't know if I even want a reception at all. I'm quite introverted, never was a partier, and am struck with horror at the thought of all our family watching me attempt to dance.

My fiance has told me multiple times that I should plan what I want, regardless of anyone else's preferences, even though I have asked him on many occasions what he would want. But he wants to stay out of planning for the most part and only give minor input rather than any real direction.

So, here is a collection of moodboardy aesthetic words that vaguely describe the event I would like: Intimate, soft, delicate, French gothic, Victorian, dreamy, lacey, quiet, whimsical, fairytale, starry, candlelight, contemplative, poetic, slow-paced, violins, folk, tranquil, drifting, waltzing, serious, medeival.

My fiance's family (Mexican) love their explosive parties. Spanish polka, mariachi, badass dancing, and cheeky shenanigans. They're fun and boisterous and I love them, but obviously my own selfish vision of a reception doesn't involve their culture's more lighthearted music/dances/vibe. I'm too serious and somber and I have no idea how I would merge my darker aesthetic with a sunny one.

I feel it would be insanely rude to not consider my fiance's culture when planning our reception. I'm struggling because people keep telling me to do what *I* want, but it's NOT all about me, especially when it comes to planning a party.

We're wanting to keep the wedding small (80 or less)... Unless I decide it would be better to elope, which I am always tempted by. Does anyone have advice for what I should be thinking about/prioritizing? How do I merge our very different cultures while still achieving the vibe I want?

6 Comments

Latest activity by Katherine, on September 16, 2021 at 9:14 AM
  • Samantha
    Super May 2022
    Samantha ·
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    Just because there is dancing at your wedding doesn't mean you have to dance! But in the end, I would do what you want. I get that you want to make your future in-laws happy, but its your day. I just wanted a calm dinner with chatting and cocktails in our backyard with twinkly lights and soft music, and that's what I'm getting.

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  • Michelle
    Master April 2021
    Michelle ·
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    Agree-just because there’s dancing doesn’t mean you have to. I’m Hispanic & he’s white- I had to mix our 2 cultures as well. I’m outgoing, loud & talkative (typical Hispanic) & my husband is quiet until he warms up to you. Between mingling with our guests, I was literally on the dance floor a total of 3 times. Had our first dance & father/daughter dance which were both slow songs. 3rd dance was with all my family & the DJ was playing We Are Family & YMCA.
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  • Candace
    Super March 2022
    Candace ·
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    You can mix the two aesthetics without the reception being boisterous. Culture has to do with much more than the energy or dancing. You can bring in parts of FH's culture for the mood you're going for by using decor and food. Seems like 'dia de los muertos' theme might be fitting for this situation but you don't have to go all out. You also can have traditional Mexican music from an acoustic trio or one guitar player if you'd like music but not dancing. Try not to feel pressured to do anything you don't want to do. I'm sure you can make it work.
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  • M
    VIP January 2019
    Maggie ·
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    If your future spouse won't help you with planning your wedding, then I wouldn't worry about trying to make it suit his family/his supposed preferences (that you are just guessing about since he won't help).

    It's never rude to plan a wedding the way the couple getting married wants it and can afford. Stick to those parameters (your preference and budget) and tune out the rest. But also, stop allowing your FS's non-participation to make decisions for you. If you truly would rather elope, do that.

    (and also, yeah, if you don't like to dance, no one can make you dance; dancing is not required for getting married)

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  • A
    Devoted November 2022
    Allaura ·
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    Maybe ask his mom if there’s anything culture wise she would really like to see. And then I’d pick a choose from there. If she doesn’t say anything or you don’t want to even take that step (which is totally fine) then I’d just do you boo.
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  • Katherine
    Expert October 2021
    Katherine ·
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    Im white and my fiance is Mexican. For our wedding we are just doing our colors. For the family there will be Spanish music played. Out first dance is Elvis and a Spanish song combined. A lot of his family doesn't speak English and I do love some Spanish music. There will be no mariachi or anything like that tho.
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