My best girlfriend, who is Samoan is getting married in January. Her fiance is from the Fiji Islands. The wedding ceremony will be in her finance's homeland in the Fiji Islands. She asked me to be either her maid of honor or her bridesmaid. I understand it will be a tribal Fijian wedding ceremony. I just want to know what will be my role as a bridesmaid or maid of honor, if they have such a role and what is customary in Fijian culture as far as their wedding ceremonies are concerned? I am from the American culture (I am African American). My girlfriend is from a Samoan culture and to my little bit of understanding to Samoan culture, the Fijian wedding culture will be quite different than what she would expect and besides, I was told the the fiance's parents will pay for all of the expenses of the ceremony, which is a blessing. Please advise.
Honestly, I wouldn't know. I'd have to research it and end up asking those from the country to verify my research. So, it may be best to ask her what she expects and what your duties will be. It may be that there is no such position, but she wants you to follow our traditions in this instance.
I am not familiar with the customs specific to maid of honor or bridesmaid in the culture. However, if it is different than an American role, the bride would be able to inform you of what she has in mind for her wedding. She may very well be following the American traditons. I think it's best to find out directly from her. Nancy Tucker President of Weddings Beautiful US http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com
Fijian Wedding
