We have heard so often about the differences in the cultures of different peoples and nations. Some are more introverted, others very open. Some live on their homestead, for others - the more people, the better. It just proves and confirms how different we really are. International weddings, where the bride and groom are from different nationalities, are no longer a rarity. However, for these couples and their wedding planners, the question of what their wedding will be like and how to entertain so many different guests of two and more nationalities always remains open.

Americans – full of ideas, the French don't like being stuck

Wedding organizer Alise Kolosova /Boutique Event Planning by Alise Kolosova/ has organized many weddings with guests from different countries. She admits that it is always necessary to find compromises when compiling such a wedding program so that all guests are satisfied in the end. It is often heard that foreign guests do not really need the presence of a wedding leader at a wedding, because the guests themselves are attractive enough and they enjoy communicating with each other more. "It's not a myth, I've observed it too. However, I would like to say that the atmosphere largely depends on the nationality of the particular people.

For example, Americans are very open - they come with their own ideas, get involved even before the wedding celebration, wanting to participate in the organization of the program. Latvians, on the other hand, have created and therefore expect that they will not have to think of anything themselves, but that everything will be thought of and they will be entertained. On the other hand, for example, the French, unless they are young people, are much more composed and do not like to be crowded.

Catering, the quality of food and drinks served is very important to the French. It is important for their mentality - not only what is served, but also how it is served. Therefore, often at weddings where there are guests from France, wine, for example, is brought from France itself. For Americans, it is important that the food is not only of high quality, but also a lot, and that everyone is fed. All these aspects, when organizing a wedding, should be taken into account as the organizer, the leader of the evening," says Alise Kolosova.

At weddings of mixed nationalities, couples tend to do without a host of the evening

To the question of which nationalities it is emotionally easier for guests to organize a celebration, Alice answers: "Easier does not always mean more interesting". If it is easier to be emotional with Latvians, then foreigners add various motives of surprise. "But it's not clear-cut either.

Latvian weddings usually have a great atmosphere if the guests of the couple know each other and have already formed a common circle of friends. In such cases, they are much more open," observed Alice.

She also admits that couples at mixed-ethnicity weddings sometimes choose to do without a wedding leader because they understand that their guests don't need one. "If the guests themselves have a high level of initiative, then it can be done. Of course, this is often an additional challenge for the organizer, but mostly it pays off. For example, I have observed that at weddings where most of the guests are English, they have already prepared speeches to the new couple. Although Latvians also have a culture of toasts, in the case of English guests, they are always thought out, not created on the spot," says Alice.

Compromises should be sought in matters of costs

Of course, each nation also has different customs regarding wedding expenses. Latvians are used to the fact that if they are invited to a wedding, they probably won't have to pay separately, for example, for using the bar. In other countries, on the other hand, it is self-evident. "If people of two different nationalities get married, compromises must always be found in these matters. I believe that the same system should be applied to all guests - it should not be the case that guests of one country pay for everything, and others do not.

In such cases, for example, a compromise can be - free wine will be provided at the wedding for free throughout the celebration, while the guests can pay for alcoholic drinks cocktails at the bar themselves," advises Alice.

Speaking about the budget, there are countries where it is customary for the couple's parents to cover at least part of the wedding costs. In such cases, the organizer should expect that all coordination work will have to be done not only with the couple themselves, but also with their parents.

Attention should be paid to the seating of guests

At international weddings, where most likely the guests of both parties do not know each other well, attention should also be paid to seating the guests. Alice suggests that there must be a common denominator.

"You shouldn't artificially seat the guests of both parties just for the purpose of making them friends. This can be done with a youth table, but not with more mature people. I have observed that people will get to know each other and a great atmosphere will be created exactly when the guests feel comfortable. Therefore, I advise couples to always think about how the plan for guest seats is drawn up."