Would it be ok if I...

gower2be

included some elements from my ethnic background on my fathers side into our traditonal protestant weddng?
Ok so my father is not apart of my life and will not be at the wedding but that side of my family is Arab which I am very proud of but my mothers side is very prodomenatly German and very religious and my FI's family is super protestant like straight out a religious joke. I am not Muslim I have observed some traditions and I really want to show that side but I don't know how in our wedding. I was thinking of henna on my hands does anybody think that might be a really bad idea?

ExpatPumpkin

I don't personally have a problem with what you're suggesting, but the church where you're getting married sure might!  And it sounds like your FI's family might not be too thrilled about it either

If you're scared the henna might really freak out your FI's side, you could just do your feet...  That way you could still do the henna night with your female relatives.

Is there any way you could incorporate your Arab/Muslim background into the reception instead?  Perhaps a henna design on your cake?  Some Arab food mixed into the menu?  

There's a Muslim Brides board under the Cultural Weddings Boards tab.  Perhaps you could get some ideas there.  Good luck

aerinpegadrak

I'm not of any culture that has a tradition of wedding henna, but I enjoy getting hennaed for aesthetic purposes, and am doing a fairly simple bracelet design instead of wearing any jewelry on my hands (other than the ring).  I actually posted several months back because I was worried it might seem disrespectful, and was assured that it wouldn't.

If you're concerned about how the henna or other cultural elements might be perceived, that's pretty much what your ceremony program is for.  Definitely talk to your officiant about being able to blend both of your faiths and cultures, and once you've got the ceremony set, explain in the programs any elements that you think might not be familiar to one side or the other (including your henna).

bbyckes

I always find henna art to be beautiful and intricate.  I think you could incorporate it into your wedding, but maybe just not in a visible area on your body.  Like expat suggested, feet, or side of your body or back if your dress would cover it.  You could share that with your husband and it would be something special the both of you are aware of.

gower2be

Thanks ladies I think the feet would be a good idea I will talk to the officiant about her thoughts I'm more worried about her being offended than family I want to do something simple on the palms noting BAM LOOK AT MY MUSLIMNESS! I like the idea of doing it in place of a bracelet too.

Starlet2500

I love the look of henna, but didn't know it was a Muslim tradition as well.  I thought it was a predominantly Hindu ritual.

gower2be

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_customs-traditions_would-ok?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:36Discussion:b9a1059a-4cb9-4420-84d5-d388f2eaea44Post:5221729e-626c-49d1-b011-d1c9a29e02e5">Re: Would it be ok if I...</a>:
[QUOTE]I love the look of henna, but didn't know it was a Muslim tradition as well.  I thought it was a predominantly Hindu ritual.
Posted by Starlet2500[/QUOTE]

That's what I thought too but I found out it is very common in the Mid-East but its not as required as in Hindu, especially in Lebanon, which is where my family is from