What Would You Change About Chaldean Weddings?
By Halim Sheena
Chaldean weddings are known for their grandeur and creativity, leaving their mark on many. We wanted to know what others would change about these sometimes over the top weddings. We asked members of the community what they felt needed to change about Chaldean weddings.
The lengths women go to prepare for weddings. Looking for the perfect, appropriate dress can take weeks, and the logistics involved with booking stylist appointments for hair and makeup can be a nightmare. It’s an unspoken cultural expectation that makes the experience feel more stressful than enjoying the celebration itself.
– Maria Banou, 26, Bloomfield Hills
Let’s keep speeches to a minimum. No one wants to hear every embarrassing detail about the bride and groom. I would also change the stigma of making things “bigger and better,” and keep the focus about love and marriage.
– Chris Hesano, 27, Commerce Township
I love our Chaldean weddings but I feel that many of the weddings today are just too over the top. I would like to see weddings go back to being simple and elegant, and start at an earlier time rather than 8 p.m. on a Sunday evening, where the guests tend to leave right after dinner. An elegant garden wedding followed by a reception early in the evening on a Saturday or Sunday could be beautiful and guests may stay longer to enjoy the celebration.
– Karen Narra, 53, Shelby Township
In between all the glamour, dances and pure joy at Chaldean weddings, people often forget the true meaning behind the celebration. What needs to change is the amount of guests that show up to the ceremony verses the reception. Many people are spending so much time preparing for a wedding, not a marriage. We must remember what is really happening when we are standing at the altar declaring our vows... we are being united and establishing a covenant before Christ.
– Melanie Mensor, 21, Sterling Heights
Someone asked me today, when I get married would I have my wedding at Penna’s or Shenandoah, I said neither and she said “well where else would you have it?” If I could change one thing it would be that a significant percentage of the Chaldean community feels restricted to only having their weddings at Penna’s or Doah. You could give the excuse that the food is good (which it really is) but that just seems silly to me because if that’s the case you could still get them to cater. The Metro Detroit Area is full of gorgeous places to have a wedding. The Detroit Yacht Club, Scarab Club, Jam Handy, all I’m saying is I think we can get a little more creative than Penna’s or Doah. Of course this doesn’t go for everyone but I’m sure there are Chaldeans out there who feel the way I do, unfortunately I can’t say I know any.
– Marianna Foumia, 23, Rochester Hills
Often times when I have a conversation with a non-Chaldean, I hear “I’ve always wanted to attend a Chaldean wedding.” Chaldeans have left their mark in metro Detroit in terms of throwing the hottest parties, all year round. That being said, I am a big advocate of preserving the culture as much as possible. I have noticed that as years go on, our community has abstained from traditional khigga dances more and more. Girls are opting to dance in the middle and too many men spend the night at the bar, gawking at potential brides of their own. It is crucial for the preservation of our culture that we teach each other these unique dances. Otherwise, in 50 years we will be seeing less Siskani and more Cupid Shuffles!
– Daniel Shikwana, 23, Shelby Township