Planning Indian Weddings STEP 1: Determine those customs and traditions that have meaning to you and make them a part of your special day. STEP 2: Select a site to hold the ceremony. Possibilities include chapels, or other spiritual places, historical landmarks, Indian monuments or reservations. Don’t forget, nature provides some of the most spectacular and beautiful wedding chapels on Mother Earth - the greatest of all cathedrals ever built. Consider being married at beautiful Manataka, located at Hot Springs National Park and the resort city of Hot Springs. STEP 3: Choose a prayer that you would like to have read at the ceremony. STEP 4: If desired, couples may write their own wedding vows. Do not wait until the time of the wedding to do so. Begin now to think about the perfect words that will bind you together for eternity. The words should be well thought out, heartfelt and agreed to by both parties. The words may be composed by the couple, taken fromtraditional ceremonies according to the couples religious beliefs, or the vows may delivered by the spiritual leader. STEP 5: Arrange a date and time with the officiating elder and civil officials far in advance. Get it in writing. Send a letter confirming arrangements and check back occasionally. Manataka offers both civil and traditional in one ceremony. STEP 6: Arrange to have someone play an Indian Love Flute. Legend says that this flute, similar to modern flutes and piccolos, is carved out of cedar wood, holds the power of attraction and was used to enhance courtship. If possible, arrange to have someone play traditional Indian drum. In lieu of live music, Native America Indian music CD’s are readily available today. Keep the music soft and earthy. Powwow drum music is great, but not entirely appropriate at a wedding until the reception party begins. STEP 7: If you plant to invite guests, compose a mailing/telephone/email list. You may include guests from the immediate and extended families, friends, co-workers and neighbors and other community members of both the bride and groom to celebrate the marriage. STEP 8: Prepare decorative baskets to hold gifts. STEP 9: Determine and prepare wedding attire. STEP 10: Arrange to have three blankets available (two blue and one large white). STEP 11: Arrange for gifts for the officiating elder(s), mothers and other special guests. STEP 12: Important: Do not forget about the marriage license! Marriage laws vary from state to state, so check with your county or parish clerks office now. In most states, both parties must appear in person at the clerks office. Remember to bring your birth certificate and other forms of identification when applying. You must apply for a marriage license in which the state you will be married. STEP 13: Consider pre-marriage counseling. In the old ways, the elders were responsible for helping insure a marriage would be strong, appropriate and a life longcommitment. Today, modern society often ignores the wisdom of the elders, and as a result, divorce is all too common. Pre-marriage counseling by one of our elders is required if you plan to be married at Manataka. Throughout the years, not a single divorce has occurred in a marriage made at Manataka. STEP 14: Take a deep breath, close your eyes and dream of a beautiful tomorrow! Remember, Indian weddings were simple, yet elaborate ceremonies. Simple because not a lot of preparation was necessary for the location. Nature provides its own flowers and beauty. Elaborate because of the importance placed on sacred vows, tradition, and prayer.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:26:55 +0000
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