Asian Wedding Celebrant
Specialising in multicultural fusion & lgbtq wedding ceremonies
Fusing Cultures, Traditions, and Values in a Multicultural & LGBTQ Wedding Ceremony
As a Multicultural couple, you can have so much fun when creating your wedding ceremony. There are so many opportunities for you both to include rituals from your faiths, including elements that reflect your personalities and your story.
Your wedding ceremony is about you and should be your choice. Yet, this can also be a very difficult time with the expectations of religion and elders in the family telling you what you should do and what you can’t do. What should be a happy time becomes very stressful.
Creating your unique wedding ceremony
With me as your Independent Celebrant we can create your ceremony that is personalised and reflects you as a couple, You can choose what you want to include and anything that may be new to your guests will be explained to ensure everyone understands what is going on and be kept engaged.
So what can we include:
We can tell your story, include the rituals you want, your family or friends can do a reading, the ring ceremony, the promises, your personal vows and if you want you can both have entrances.
We can also include the garland ceremony, the milni, spiritual phera, mangalsutra, saptapadi, tying of the knot, varmala, lavaan, sheva b’rachot, breaking of the glass, hand tying, sand ceremony, unity candle and so much more.
How will we create the perfect ceremony?
Together, we can work through the ideas that you have put on the questionnaire and start to create your ceremony. If there are family members who do not understand what is happening, then let’s get them on the call and help them to understand. I will also provide you with a list of items that you need to source for the ceremony but if you do not have time we can agree on how to get this done. You are never alone. I am on this journey with you to create your special Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremony.
Asian Wedding Celebrant – Sonal Dave
I am Indian, Born in Uganda and married to Dhani who is mixed Irish and Indo-Caribbean, making us a multicultural, multi-faith, multi-heritage, multilingual couple. This has given me the experience to live both the challenges and opportunities that this brings.
Once upon a time is how every fairy tale and love story begins. Yours is no different. You have a story that deserves to be told. You’ve come a long way in your journey together and this day will be the cherry on the top of your love.
As your Independent Celebrant, I come to you with a love and passion to create and deliver your dream ceremony that is about you and not the expectations of others. I help you turn your dream into a reality. I take your story and turn it into something extraordinary, a story that your loved ones need to hear.
The first time your eyes locked together, or the time you danced until the sun came up. Your wedding ceremony should capture those moments and give them back to you a word at a time.
This is my passion, this is my art. My art is telling your story in a way that no one else can.
As an experienced celebrant, with years of writing and officiating ceremonies, I will work closely with you to create the unique and personalised ceremony you desire. I run through all the ways we can personalise it to give it an extremely meaningful feel whilst respecting any want for tradition in your culture, ethnicity or identity.
I speak English, Gujarati and basic Hindi, and I can sing mantras, hymns and songs.
Have the ceremony that starts with once upon a time but finishes with forever.
What Rituals Can be Included in our Multicultural & LGBTQ Wedding Ceremony?
We can include the Western traditions of readings, the ring ceremony, promises and the kiss.
The Asian rituals of:
Garlands, (the couple garland each other),
Milni, (the elders in the family meet and garland or feed each other Indian sweets),
Phera, (the couple circle the bowl 4 or 7 times),
Saptapadi (the couple make 7 promises to each other or personal vows),
Mangalsutra, (a necklace with black beads is given and put on the other partner),
Sindhoor, (a tikka (red spot), is put on the partner’s hair parting),
The clay pot, (this is stepped on to break it),
Antarpat, (the white cloth used to stop one partner from seeing the other as they walk down the aisle),
Varmala, (the gold tread placed across both partners),
The Gant Bandhan, (tying of the knots),
Koda Kodi, (the ring game),
Lavaan (similar to phera and there are 4),
Palla Rassam, (ceremonial scarf placed on shoulder and other end handed to partner, father giving daughter away),
Chunni, (scarf given as a welcome to the family),
Jaan/Baraat, (entrance with a Dhol),
Bedeken,
Circling,
Ketubah,
Breaking of the Glass,
Silent Reflection
Including Music in Your Wedding Ceremony
There are many options for what music you can include in your ceremony. Musicians playing along to the ceremonies either playing the traditional music or music of your choice.
The musicians I work with are part of the band D26 music that has been created and is run by my husband Dhani.
Here are some ideas for your wedding ceremony music
Jaan / Baraat – Dhol player for your entrance on its own or with accompanying musicians playing a song of your choice.
Guitar & Tabla – A fusion of both Western and Indian instruments to compliment your ceremony. They can play traditional music for each part of the ceremony or music of your choice from Western, Bollywood, Bhangra, Swahili, and any genre of your choice.
Guitar, Tabla, and Piano (keyboard) – The three musicians create both a melodic and rhythmic atmosphere for your ceremony. They can play individually for parts of the ceremony or together.
The D26 band are also available for pre-wedding events and your reception.
What to Expect
Planning
First, we’ll meet for a video call to discuss your perfect ceremony. Once the booking is confirmed and the paperwork and booking fee are sorted then I will send you a questionnaire to complete. Most couples do this together but you can do this separately as well.
I will draft the very first version of your Celebrant Wedding Ceremony, known as v0.1
This is your opportunity to check the structure, order, and the wording before I update the draft. There can be 2 or 3 versions before we get to the final one, the perfect one to tell your story.
Before your ceremony
There will be some nerves and that is really ok. Remember that you are human and being nervous is ok. It is your special day that we have been planning for. You have shared so much with me to help me create your perfect ceremony and we have laughed, cried and remembered some great memories that have all helped us to get to your perfect ceremony.
Remember, you have been part of creating your ceremony, so you know what is included.
During the ceremony
You will be excited and still a little nervous. I will talk you through so you will know where to be at all times and what is happening next.
You will see your family and friends with you and in front of you, and they will all be smiling with you and at times crying tears of joy for you.
After the ceremony
The nerves will have gone, your shoulders will be relaxed and you will go and take some beautiful photos with family and friends who will be talking about just how beautiful and special your Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremony was and so happy that you were able to celebrate their faiths and include family, friends, and even pets.
You will also receive a copy of your ceremony as a keepsake to look at every wedding anniversary and even use parts of it when renewing your vows.
Ready to Create Your Multicultural Wedding Ceremony?
Step 1
Book a free consultation so we can discuss your perfect wedding ceremony.
Step 2
We create the perfect ceremony script and plan for your ceremony.
Step 3
Relax and enjoy sharing your story with those closest to you.
Multicultural Wedding Ceremony FAQ
What is the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?
A registrar is appointed and will conduct the legal marriage. They are bound by laws of what can and can’t be included. An Independent Celebrant will conduct the wedding ceremony. This is where together we can create a personalised ceremony that reflects your personality. You can include whoever you want, have live music, including your pets and so much more. It’s your day – your way, your choice.
What’s the difference between an Independent Celebrant ceremony and a Humanist ceremony?
Independent Celebrants give you a choice regarding what you can include in your ceremony. They can include religious and cultural content, spirituality, live music, family, friends, children, your pets, and more. The main difference is that Humanism is a belief in itself and a way of life that people adhere to. Humanists don’t believe in religion and as such only offer secular ceremonies, (does not include religious or spiritual content), so they don’t include any religious aspects in their ceremonies.
Will you write the ceremony for us?
Yes – I will write the ceremony script for you. Once you book me, I will send you a questionnaire to both fill in and based on your answers I will start to draft your ceremony. You will get sent a draft and we can then add, and amend until we are all happy. It usually takes two or three drafts to get to the final.
Can we write our personal vows?
You can write your own personal vows. I can give you some support, advice and guidance, if you need them but it is great when you write them from the heart and then get to read them out yourselves.
Is there anything that has to be included in a service?
In a Celebrant Wedding, there is nothing that has to be included. It is your ceremony and your choice, so you can guide me as to what you would like to include and I can also make suggestions.
Do you cater for LGBTQ weddings?
Yes, I do cater for LGBTQ weddings. I will work with you both to ensure that I create a ceremony that is personalised to you, asking any questions I feel I need to, ensuring that your ceremony reflects the two of you and that the language I use is inclusive.
Do you cater for multi-faith weddings?
Many of my weddings are multi-faith, multicultural, inter-faith or fusion. I am British Asian, (born in Uganda, roots to India), and have good knowledge of Asian rituals, music and culture. I have been educated in the UK so have a good understanding of other cultures as well. My husband Dhani is both Irish and Indian from the Caribbean, so I have a good understanding of the challenges that being a multicultural couple has.
Do you cater for couples who are not religious?
Yes, if one of you or both of you are not religious, then we can create a ceremony that is more spiritual and earthly. If you have ideas of what you would like to include then we can include them and if you are not sure I can give you some suggestions.
Do you cater for couples who are from the same religion?
Yes, if you both have the same religious faith, then we can create a ceremony incorporating elements from that religion. You can share with me what you would like to include and if you are not sure then I can make some suggestions.
Does it matter what faith, culture or traditions we follow?
No, it does not matter what faith, culture or traditions you follow. The ceremony we will create will be focussed on the two of you, your personalities and share your story.
Do you need to meet us personally before the wedding day?
I don’t need to meet you before the wedding day, but if you would find it useful and we are local enough to each to make the arrangements, then we can meet.
How long is a Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremony?
I usually suggest that 30-45 is a good length for a Celebrant Wedding Ceremony.
Where can we hold our wedding ceremony?
Your Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremony can be held wherever you like. It can be indoor or outdoor. At a venue, in your back garden, where you had your first date, where you proposed. The choice is yours.
Is our Celebrant Wedding Legally Binding?
Currently in the UK, your wedding ceremony is not legally binding. You have to have a registrar conduct the legal requirements for marriage, which can be as small as the two of you and two witnesses, then have your ceremony at a place that you choose and include what you would like to include.
What Rituals Can We Include?
You can include any rituals you want as long as it is allowed at the place where the ceremony is taking place, is not a risk to you and your guests and will not cause any harm.
Can we read your script before the ceremony?
Yes of course you can. I will create the first draft from your answers to the questionnaire and share that with you to review and comment on. Once I receive your feedback the draft will be updated to incorporate your thoughts and I will share that with you again. You will know what will be included in the ceremony. The only part you may not see is if you have both chosen to write your personal vows as a surprise.
Can we have our Celebrant Ceremony Abroad as a Destination Wedding?
Yes, you can. The creation of the ceremony is the same as if we were in the Uk. The differences would be that we would need to coordinate with your wedding planner / venue manager and tech team to ensure that we have everything we need for the ceremony and there would be additional costs including flights, hotels, taxi’s and allowances.
We are based out of the UK, Can we come to the Uk for our Celebrant Wedding?
Yes, you can. We can create the ceremony together online and meet if you are doing your venue visit. On the day of your ceremony, I will be at the venue early, to make sure everything is set up as we need. This will also be an opportunity for us to meet ahead of the ceremony for any final checks and to calm your nerves.
How far in advance should we book you?
As early as possible to ensure that your chosen date and time is available as well as giving us enough time to get to know each other, research ideas, draft and prepare the ceremony. I am currently receiving enquiries 12-18 months before planned wedding dates.
How much does a celebrant wedding cost?
For prices and options for your bespoke multicultural wedding ceremony please see the pricing page.
Create the ceremony or event that you've been dreaming of
If you are interested in booking me or wish to enquire about any special requirements, contact me today.