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Items for event design from Arina Lanis

Hi Arina,
I have several questions, which I hope are not too weird. My fiancé and I really want to decorate our wedding reception around an Oriental theme. Here's my dilemma: we are both Americans from European descent! Nevertheless, we both love the Far East cultures and have travelled to China twice during our relationship. We specifically love the practice of Feng shui and wondered if there was any way we could tie it into our ceremony and reception. Additionally, do you think our relatives will be offended if we don't recognize our own ethnicities at our wedding? We are both a mix of several different ethnicities and can't imagine trying to incorporate all of them. Lastly, can you give me some suggestions on decorating my reception?
-- Christina (Chicago)

First off, Christina, I have to tell you that I don't think your questions are weird; in fact, I completely understand your predicament and I'm sure there are many brides out there who have given some thought to designing a wedding around a particular ethnic theme which may not necessarily be their own. I also think your love of the Far East culture is shared by many people around the world. Oriental inspiration (especially Feng shui) is very popular in almost every aspect of design.

Regarding the question of whether or not your relatives will be offended if your ethnicity is not celebrated: since I don't know your relatives or the importance your family places on celebrating your ethnic background, it would be difficult for me to answer your question. I would imagine that both your parents can be invaluable gauges to assess whether or not the rest of the family will object to your ideas. Whatever the case, blending ideas from various cultures into your wedding ceremony and reception can be absolutely stunning.

As far as ideas on decorating your reception venue go... it's my pleasure! You mentioned that you loved the concept of Feng shui, which is the Chinese practice of arranging objects within a space so that they are attractive to you and naturally support you within the context of that space. There are so many things that can be done within this style, but my first suggestion is for you to decide how serious you are about it. Do you want everything to fit within the Feng shui guidelines -- the arrangement of tables, placement of furniture at your reception facility and ceremony, and so forth. Or you simply want to make your reception attractive with some Oriental elements? If it is the former, I would recommend you seek advice from a professional Feng shui practioner. Even a one-hour consultation, once you know your reception and ceremony venue, can be extremely valuable.

If it is the latter, then compliance with your own sense of style and taste and not necessarily strict Feng shui principles, is all you have to focus on. My first recommendation in designing your event is to create a sense of comfort and relaxation at your ceremony and reception. This doesn't mean being boring; rather, I'm thinking of developing a sense of ease for your guests. For example, I wouldn't recommend having your wedding as a black-tie event. I would also incorporate many elements of nature, possibly even having that as your main theme. If at all possible, consider having an outdoor ceremony and reception. If an outdoor event is out of the question, bring nature into your reception and ceremony. For example, water should be a major decorative element, as should fire (subject to any restrictions your venue may have, of course). Incorporating small rock fountains throughout the reception venue can be beautiful. Placing small votives with Oriental symbols around the reception venue, as we have here, can be beautiful. Or, use them as favors and have each guest pick up a votive at the favor table and carry it back to their seat.

A simple clean look is key. Feng shui is not about excess -- it is about order and discipline. Centerpieces should be attractive but mimimal. Our centerpieces are natural Bamboo Pillars sitting on river pebbles, surrounded by three orchids. Some brides even opt out of having centerpieces at all and may go as far as omitting the placesettings entirely. Instead, guests pick up their plates and utensils at the buffet table or the servers bring the plates with dinner. Although this look may not be for everybody, it certainly can look beautiful in the right setting. I once went to a special event where each table was covered in a tan cheesecloth tablecloth draping to the floor. The tables had nothing on them except one potted blooming orchid... it was breathtaking in its simplicity!

Favors can be anything -- votives, chopsticks, individual flowers in small vases, even flower seeds. I've even been to a wedding where the bride and groom gave their guests a small glass container containing one goldfish... it was a great surprise to all the guests. We used Bamboo votives (above) as favors, or you could give each guest a pair of chopsticks.

Decorating your ceremony venue can be a challenge if you are getting married in a temple or church. I would not recommend competing with the decor of the venue. Instead, consider placing a poem or special symbols within your programs. If your ceremony is outside, the world is at your feet! My first recommendation is windchimes, lots and lots of variously sized windchimes hung in key places... the entrance, the exit, and of course, near the altar. The sound of wind chimes is almost magical and tends to relax all who hear them. Paper lanterns, candles, votives, and water fountains can also be incorporated to great effect.