Weddings & Cultural terms · Event planning encyclopedia

Weddings in a diverse region

Toronto and the GTA host weddings from many traditions, and many couples blend more than one. The terms in this category describe ceremonies, rituals and celebrations that planners, venues and vendors need to understand to plan well. Knowing what a baraat, a tea ceremony or a hora involves helps you allow the right time, space and equipment, and helps vendors respect each tradition rather than treating it as a decorative extra.

Planning around rituals

Every ritual has practical needs. A baraat procession needs a route, permission from the venue, and sometimes approval for music outdoors or a vehicle or horse on the property. A chuppah needs a sturdy frame and space at the front of the ceremony. A tea ceremony requires a quiet space, a tea set and time in the schedule for each family group. A hora requires a dance floor large enough for a circle and sturdy chairs for the lift. Multi-day celebrations such as a mehndi and a sangeet may each need their own venue, caterer, décor and entertainment.

• Ask the couple and families which traditions they will include, and who leads each one.
• Confirm venue rules on fire, music volume, processions and outside caterers.
• Allow realistic time in the schedule; rituals often run longer than expected.
• Brief the photographer, DJ and MC on each tradition and its key moments.

Food, drink and dietary needs

Cultural weddings often involve specific dietary requirements: halal, kosher, vegetarian or no alcohol at some events. Confirm whether the venue allows outside caterers, as some cultural menus need specialist kitchens, and whether there are kitchen or equipment restrictions. Use dietary codes on the seating chart so servers deliver the right meals. If alcohol is served in an unlicensed space, an AGCO Special Occasion Permit is generally required, and servers must be Smart Serve certified.

Budget and timing

Multi-day weddings change the budget split, with more spent on venue, attire and entertainment. The wedding budget splitter includes a cultural, multi-day style for that reason. For ideas on music and performances beyond the DJ, see wedding entertainment beyond the DJ, and use the wedding planning timeline to schedule each event.