subject: Catering For Two Cultures [print this page] The world is full of different cultures from different countries and regions. From this wide selection, we often find a pleasant mix of different people with different practices meeting in the same place- a wedding. Weddings and certain celebrations are often the culmination of one singular cultural habit, reflecting in it the many practices and traditions that are sometimes handed down for generations. But when you place two of them together, the planners must now not only organize their wedding to appeal to one but two different dominant cultures.
What are the different cultural practices? Different traditions will demand certain customs be practiced and ceremonial celebrations at particular events like a wedding. In these situations, the cake may have unique meaning and requirement, such as the Frenchs croquembouche or in India where there is no formal wedding cake at all and they instead feed each other sweeter foods such as yogurt and honey. Throughout the world, there are many different styles of celebration, and almost all of them will affect what your guests will be looking to eat.
Your best option is always to discuss your guests with your caterer. Consulting with your West Texas caterer will help give them insight into what would be the best foods to prepare and who they will be preparing them for. After all, different cultures may eat the same food, but it may not always be cooked the same.
You must also decide if there is a barrier between the two dominant cultures. Do they speak the same language? Will they mingle well or will they recluse back into their own social groups? Communication plays a big part in socializing, so if there is a language barrier, you may end up with guests that will need an extra incentive to mingle with one another. Events and celebrations are supposed to be an opportunity for people to get to know each other and have fun.
So, you will be looking to provide multi-cultural appeal. You want guests to feel comfortable with each other, and the best way to do that is to appeal to their needs and desires. But how will you achieve such a feat? It wont be easy, especially since youll be looking at providing not just one type of main course, but possibly two.
This is where understanding your guests traditions will help you decide what practices are crucial to the event. Do certain customs demand one practice while the other is generally flexible or does not hold fast in that regard? The two cultures should fit together like puzzle pieces, working with each other rather than against. Together, you and your caterer can work out a meal plan that makes the most of both cultures and mixes them into the new tradition of your wedding event.
Catering to two different cultures doesnt mean that you have to split a line right down the middle. By integrating the desires of both cultures into your event, you can inspire unification and provide new experiences for all of your guests.
