How to Plan a Native American Wedding

Native American weddings are a true reflection of the couple's inner spirituality and beliefs. Some couples today embrace traditions from their heritage, while others prefer a more modern approach. Either way, each ceremony is completely unique.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Indian Love Flute
• Woven Baskets
• Woven baskets
• Drums
• Peyote

1. Determine those customs and traditions that have meaning to you, and make them a part of your special day.

2. Select a site to hold the ceremony. Some possibilities include chapels or other spiritual places, historical landmarks, Indian monuments, or reservations.

3. Choose a prayer that you would like to have read at the ceremony.

4. Ask someone to play an Indian Love Flute. Legend says that this flute, which is carved out of cedar wood, holds the power of attraction and was used to enhance courtship.

5. Invite everyone from the extended families of both the bride and groom, along with the community, to celebrate the marriage. Usually, an officiating elder is at the center of the group.

6. Prepare decorative baskets to hold corn, which is a symbol of fertility. This is presented to the couple during the ceremony.

7. Use woven willow baskets to hold cornmeal for blessings or prayers.

8. Direct the opening of the ceremonial baskets always to the east, since this is a sacred direction where no harm shall pass.

9. Follow a Native American Church tradition of using drums containing peyote tea. (Peyote is a type of cactus known for its mind-altering properties.) The drums are played during the ceremony, following which guests drink the tea.

Tips & Warnings

• The couple and wedding party often wear traditional Native American dress. For the bride, this could be knee-high moccasins and a long leather dress with beads and fringe. For the groom, it might be a hip-length native shirt with black pants and shoes.
• Use a double-spouted pottery wedding vase, which is a tradition at Pueblo ceremonies. One spout signifies the bride and the other the groom. A looped handle on the vase is symbolic of the unity of marriage. The couple drinks nectar from this vase as a way to consummate the marriage.

[ck81906]

on 6/5/2008 This is the most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard.

[Taleweaver]

on 3/23/2008 Ummm, are you aware that you have listed numerous "steps" from numerous tribes/groups? Have you ever played a Native flute? I think not, since if you had, you would know that not just anyone can play it! It seems far more advisable to borrow a recording from a public library or purchase a recording from somewhere. Are you aware that cornmeal is a Southwest element that will fall through your woven willow basket? Most flabbergasting was your advice to get one's guests stoned on peyote! Which is a controlled substance, by the way. This too is a Southwest element. It's too bad you've never drummed. Because if you had, you would know that a liquid, such as an illegal tea that will mess with your mind, will deaden the drum!
If you can't give solid, helpful advice, stick to what you know!

[Nyko]

on 2/8/2008 Do you have any links for Native American Wedding Customs?