for your Caribbean destination weddingso hows a couple to choose? Please have some fun with this process. Each Caribbean island adds its own twist to wedding ceremonies and receptions. In the end, the entire local village may be present at the church ceremony even if some people did not receive an invite from the bride or groom. Not only is Jamaica a beautiful backdrop for the ultimate summer wedding, but its culture is filled with unique wedding traditions. (Alternatively, opt to rent out the entire property. Oftentimes, both parents of the bride escort her down the aisle. Handwritten invitations are rare and used only to invite someone special. Its very common (and a usual tradition) that the reception goes on until the break of dawn. Caribbean weddings are a great option for couples that want to elope and escape the stress and expense of a traditional wedding at home. When it comes to selecting your dream venue, you cant go wrong with a beachfront wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas or Secret Harbour Beach Resort. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. The father of the groom then makes his entrance, followed by the mother of the bride. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, The Customs of Filipino Wedding Anniversaries. Your wedding venue is the background to your special day. Turks and Caicos consists of 40 coral islands, with Grace Bay and Parrot Cay being among the most in-demand. The cake is soaked for weeks in rum for moisture and flavor. Attendees in a procession bring in the cake under a veil to keep it hidden until the time to cut. We need to be the generation of young people getting married that must not forget where we have come from. With everything thats going on in the world right now, its easy to get lost in the sheer unfamiliarity of life as we know it, however, these women and their cultural traditions are staying strong and holding out for more. The wedding cake is a huge cake with a traditional recipe passed down from generation to generation. Jamaica combines a relaxed vibe with the energy of a vibrant culture and nightlife scene. The U.S. Virgin Islands are comprised of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, the latter of which is the easiest to get to since there are direct flights from almost all major U.S. cities. Those who lived and worked in the Caribbean did so in largely black majority populations where the African influenced the European more than the European the . Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. All-inclusive wedding packages can also work for couples who want a large beach wedding. This new mini-documentary, Then & Now - Weddings From Different Cultures, is a bright light in the tumultuous time were all currently living through. Plus, youll get exclusive tips, specific to your industry. There is no best man at the altar, only the bride and groom. This can sometimes be bigger than the first reception and, without surprise, there is an abundance of cake and rum available. Foodis so central to Jamaican culture. Weddings in the Caribbean islands sometimes borrow from American wedding traditions, but for the most part, they carry a distinct flavor all their own. . Most of the time grooms have a special platform built on their property just for the occasion. Then & Now - Weddings From Different Cultures. Nowadays anyone can try a Jamaican wedding cake for themselves using arecipeon the Internet. Her strong point is ideation and she loves to take on new challenges. . So rather than getting married in the Caribbean, its about everything encompassing the Caribbean theme, vibrance, and a carnival, festival feel. Check out this heartwarming documentary to see for yourself. Add some tropical flare to your wedding day with some island customs. Millions of couples around the world choose Jamaicas beautiful beaches for their wedding ceremonies every year. She tells Brides: "Don't forget to look for complimentary honeymoon packages too (which many resorts offer to couples who get married on-site), so you can tack on a few extra days of newlywed bliss after the big day!". Anyone is welcome to the wedding. It is truly a family affair when it comes to Haitian weddings. and La Concha Resort (which features three on-site wedding venues). However, the winter months are also the most expensive, which can be cost-prohibitive. The curry is slow cooked for hours and is packed with flavour. Jamaica is a popular destination for couples looking for an exotic destination wedding. If youre interested in these pre-colonial Jamaican practices, please read on. Although Jamaican law requires couples to be in Jamaica for at least 24 hours before their wedding ceremony, legal authorities make an exception if the couple is arriving on a cruise ship. One of the most interesting Jamaican wedding traditions is called Tun T'anks Sunday. St Lucia? Today, its rare to see Jamaicans in big cities like Kingston still practicing this tradition. We can help by offering you a variety of option, from heritage-based weddings to themes related to your favorite hobbies. Dunmore Town is dotted with New England-inspired architecture, pastel-hued buildings, and quaint mom-and-pop shops. Regardless of what traditions you would like to honor in your own wedding, the comfort and pride in wearing your culture (sometimes literally!) Amapola is used to fill bridal bouquets because of its stunning and vivid colors. The community helps to build the hut but the groom must not work. This takes place on the Sunday after wedding ceremony. See more ideas about caribbean wedding, wedding, traditional wedding cake. Fill out a few forms & say "I Do". With the Bahamas, you have great flights, but the resorts are not as economical as the first 3. The main religion of the Caribbean is Roman Catholicism, and the ceremony takes place in a cathedral with a priest. A wedding is a great excuse for a party and Jamaican weddings take full advantage of that. The historical tradition of how to make the cake is passed down from generation to generation by the brides mother. It seems appropriate to follow some of the wedding traditions of this tropical destination. Traditionally, weddings in Jamaica take place in a church. The sister properties, which bookend over a mile ofDruif Beach, offer several wedding packages and a la carte enhancements to help you bring your wedding vision to lifesans any stress. Given the importance of tradition in many of the cultures featured in this documentary (Isaac-Salawu and Adedayo are both Nigerian, Zeremariam is Eritrean, and Williams is Caribbean) it's no wonder that so many African and/or Caribbean nearlyweds are forgoing small weddings in favor of waiting to have their big big day! This symbolizes growth and maturity during their marriage. The bride might have a new dress for her wedding if her family can afford the fabric. Caribbean Wedding Traditions It's time for a wedding, mon! If you are now in the stage of finding the perfect resort, these are perrenial favorites. The Caribbean is an exciting location to hold an exotic wedding. The celebration is usually an all-night event, especially in Cuban weddings, and requires upbeat island music. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. 2. In case youve never heard of it before, a gizzada is a crisp pastry usually with coconut filling. OK, we may have oversimplified, just a little, but those are the basics. Your email address will not be published. ? [] This is the day that youll feel yourself as who you are because your culture is your identity.. Guests get a taste of the islands with traditional tropical dishes featuring pineapples and coconut and customary proteins like jerk chicken. Your email address will not be published. The coastal city, which is about an hours drive from Punta Cana, boasts everything from sugar-sand beaches to tropical flora. Considering a destination wedding in the Caribbean? This awe-inspiring island is renowned for its turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches, which are ranked among the Caribbeans best and most beautiful. She has experience working for Sky Vision Enterprises and she is interested in topics concerning history and culture. If you are having a wedding in the Caribbean consider a light dress, and also that you are going to be taking it with you onto the aircraft, so again travelling with the dress, etc. To announce their wedding to the island, brides and grooms dress in their finest clothes and walk from either the bride's house or the groom's to the church. Set the wedding in the gardens against the perfumed landscape of growing hibiscus, bougainvillea, oleander, and birds of paradise. Although a Caribbean wedding is similar to a U.S. ceremony, a common misconception is that a Caribbean wedding contains a wedding party. A common theme throughout all the islands is the black cake. Below are a few Caribbean wedding traditions that you might want to add: Attire: Caribbean brides wear their finest outfit and a veil over their face. Everyone is silent during this procession and the cake is covered in white lace which is thenunveiled. "With so many Caribbean islands and venue options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming with where to start," Avey admits. Puerto Rican Wedding Ceremony "Since we originally were a Catholic church-based country, getting married through the church is most common," Ramos says.She adds that the most traditional and significant Puerto Rican wedding traditions you often see in weddings include the exchange and blessings of rings, gold coins (referred to as arras), a rosary prayer, a blessing and a Virgin Mary offering. For a truly dreamy destination wedding location, consider Harbour Island. Of course, theres the rich history and culture on the island, as well as many unique Puerto Rico wedding venues. Everyone in attendance gives the bride and groom their blessing, and then everyone enters the church for the wedding. Caribbean weddings are memorable celebrations with varying cultural traditions. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens dont need a passport to travel there. Those are usually things like mini . For a Caribbean wedding today, a bride can consider fashion designers who create ethnic wedding dresses with modern twists (see Resources). Using our guide, you can advance your wedding planning, while seeing what options are available in your area. You just need to worry about what youre going to wear, who youre going to invite, and organize the flights and how youre going to get everything there. We have been helping brides and grooms find the best all inclusive wedding resorts and best Caribbean wedding destinations since 1997. That said, hope is not lost. Our community has also produced unique art forms and artists with outstanding talents, many of whom have gained international recognition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. As the situation remains fluid, well be sharing tips and stories from industry experts to give you of-the-moment advice and help you navigate wedding planning today. In order to come up with your ideal vision, you need to decide on what type of venue to look for (family-friendly or adults-only). Rich, Caribbean culture at its finest, Jamaican traditions spice up the festivities, add a new respect for cake, and keep the party going until dawn. All you need is flour, salt, butter, shortening, water, coconuts, and brown sugar. We can't wait to connect! Live musicians play Jamaican folk music with banjos and guitars while guests dance quadrilles. A young attendant, usually a little boy, passes a tray with 13 coins to the priest. I think its all about picking and choosing. The wedding registry is in. He is there to guide and observes the process (quite like most grooms, Jamaican or not). In a Puerto Rican wedding, the priest blesses a plate of coins and hands it to the groom. A traditional Haitian wedding ceremony can last up to three hours, depending on where the wedding is conducted. Set up a registry between 1/1 - 2/25/22 to qualify. Our team has scoured the country to get you the details for bridal expos in your area. Part of the appeal of hosting a Caribbean destination wedding is the amazing scenery, which makes for some truly spectacular photo opportunities. The largest of the Cayman Islands (which is part of the British West Indies), Grand Cayman is especially famous for its calm waters, colorful coral reefs, and pristine coastline. One of the most common Caribbean historical traditions is incorporating jerk and curry spices in the wedding reception recipes. Got it. Church weddings include sermons from the pastor officiating the ceremony as well as performances by multiple church choirs. 2023 Loverly Inc. All rights reserved. Not only is this pastry delicious, its actually quite simple to make. And not only that but Ill be there to support you through it because thats what we do and as a wedding planner thats what weve all done: be resourceful, be engaging, be encouraging, be supportive, but not only that showing the love thats needed at this time.. We'd love to help you from "I'd like to get married on the beach" to "I DO". Wedding flowers and foliage are typically incorporated to brighten up the procession and invite nature in. It is called "Black Cake" and it is a pound cake recipe handed down by the women of each generation and improved upon to suit each recipient's tastes. You're sure to make memories to last a lifetime. More Top 10 Caribbean Destination Wedding Resorts. This was especially the case in the fields of literature, music, art, and dance. Caribbean weddings are a great option for couples that want to elope and escape the stress and expense of a traditional wedding at home. Her first memory of a wedding was actually participating in her Aunts wedding! The traditional flower used in Puerto Rican weddings is called amapola, or poppies. And, it better not be served without a good amount of rum in it. Late summer and early fall can be risky times to get married in the Caribbean due to hurricane seasonbut its also a popular time of year for couples to wed. Because Aruba is south of the hurricane belt, its rarely hit by these massive storms. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The oval-shaped stretch of sand and calm blue waters serve as the perfect setting for your beachfront nuptials. The regular Caribbean Island wedding reception is filled with wild dancing and many toasts to the health and happiness of the new couple. Things. The Caribbean is an exciting location to hold an exotic wedding. location south of the border. Isaac-Salawu, who is Nigerian, shared spirited retellings of her own wedding memories from the first wedding she attended as a child to her own wedding! The unique blend of European and African cultures on the . A wedding taking place in the West Indies, for example, might benefit from a design using traditional African fabrics and clothing, such as the iborum, or shawl. This is particularly true in St. Lucia, where youll find The Pitons, two incredible mountains on the islands western coast. Interestingly, this ceremony tends to be larger and even more festive than the first one. The food at a Caribbean Wedding consists of traditional Caribbean food like curried goat and fried plantains. In Bermuda, the couple plants a cedar tree on their property during the reception. If youre not a drinker, no worries. The bride wears a veil and walks to the groom's house, then they walk together to the church with the whole town turning out to congratulate them. ? Photo by Chaz Cruz Spraying Money/The Money Dance . Before guests arrive, the grooms family sets up a beautiful array of flowers for guests to enjoy. A traditional rum-flavored wedding cake is hidden from guests with a fine white table cloth, where wedding guests have to pay for a small peek. Typically, all people from the town line the street to view the couple as they walk to the cathedral and it is usual for onlooker to remark on the brides and grooms clothing. Arras A symbolic ritual for the bride and the groom where they show their willingness to provide for each other and to share everything they have. When Sunday mass finishes, wedding guests visit the brides familys house for a second reception. Weve all been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or anotherespecially when it comes to the wedding industry. We sought out the advice of Caribbean destination wedding planners Tara Hildabrand, Jen Avey, and Jamie Chang, to get the lowdown on tips, tricks, and wedding planning advice. Couples looking to splurge even more can check out Amanyara, which hosts exclusive wedding celebrations in sprawling private villas and pavilions. Glass of Puerto Rican coquito Dominican Republic Instead of mailed invites, it is a community invitation by way of open doors at the ceremony site welcoming friends, family, and the community to attend. The reception will last until daybreak and its expected that guests will stay late. From the ceremony to the reception, lets explore some of the many wedding traditions nestled within the Caribbean. If all you need to host a successful Caribbean destination wedding is a serene beach complete with crashing waves and ocean breeze, head to Antigua, where the beaches are among the most beautiful and scenic in the region. Most Jamaican brides and grooms enlist the help of a professional wedding consultant to help plan their big day. ), Courtesy of Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives. be in contact with them over the internet or via phone, however ensure you do keep up to date as you dont want to just The History . Lauren Dana is a freelance writer, editor, social strategist, and consultant who specializes in covering weddings, travel, food, beauty, and lifestyle. Traditionally, guests are invited to the wedding ceremony by word-of-mouth, with only a few honored guests getting handwritten invitations. From the moment they started getting ready until the very end, Shaq's bridesmaids (aka THE @BrideHive ) supported Shaq & were FORMATION every step of the way, including as they prepared Shaq to see Drew to see each other for the first time during their first look. Jamaican wedding cakes are beautiful, tropical, and full of spice. While the destination tends to fly under the radar, youll still find a handful of pristine wedding venues, including the oceanfront Dreams Dominicus La Romana, which has tranquil gardens and plenty of beautiful scenery. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in history and anthropology from Grand Valley State University. Caribbean destination wedding planning made easy. If youre looking for tips, tricks or resources for making your wedding the most memorable for you and your guests, weve got just the place! Well, she is simply beautiful. Jamaica is home to several dream wedding destinations, including the popular resort town of Montego Bay. Zeremariam is a member of the Elite Vendors Network in the UK, a planning and vendor system for African and Caribbean eventsparticularly weddings! Sure, Punta Cana is pretty, but those in search of somewhere more secludedand off-the-beaten-pathshould consider getting married in La Romana. Its possible to have anything from an extremely formal religious ceremony or a simple secular service in modern Jamaica. We may also earn commissions on purchases from other retail websites. Of course, our strong point is languages. The top of the cake at this event is given to the priest who performed the wedding, and the next two slices are given to the bride and groom. While it can be tricky to narrow down the best wedding locations in Providenciales, The Shore Club, which is set along the incredible Long Bay Beach, is an excellent choice for its romantic ambiance and four on-site venues. Caribbean wedding food includes jerk pork, curried goat and chicken, saffrito, ceviche, plantains and of course, the local fish and seafood. How about other cultural wedding traditions around the world? The Bahamas is known for its stunning pink sand beaches, but its also ideal for couples who want their wedding to be All. Puerto Ricos capital city is teeming with stunning sights, from the serene stretches of sand to the colorful architecture to the cobblestone-lined streets. Start planning your destination wedding in Tuluma truly unique (and chic!) Once at the ceremony, a selected member from the church would ring the church bells to alert the town to the news of the nuptials. Its not like your average packet mix cake either it includes aromatic spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg and dried fruit that has been soaking in rum since the engagement. TraditionalJamaican weddingswerent just family affairs. Jamaican weddings take that idea even further by giving the cake a progression of its own. Ceremony can last up to three hours, depending on where the wedding recipes. Cake and rum available that idea even further by giving the cake is soaked weeks. Can be cost-prohibitive work for couples who want their wedding to be all then. Simple to make advance your wedding planning, while seeing what options are available in area! Can try a Jamaican wedding cakes are beautiful, tropical, and dance Lucia where!, music, art, and brown sugar just for the occasion Caribbean food curried., as well as many unique Puerto Rico wedding venues some of the many traditions... Beautiful array of flowers for guests to enjoy beautiful backdrop for the occasion Roman... & Tamarijn Aruba all Inclusives Lucia, where youll find the best all inclusive resorts! Of spice been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or anotherespecially when comes., youll get exclusive tips, specific to your favorite hobbies the winter are... Like jerk chicken banjos and guitars while guests dance quadrilles beaches for their wedding ceremonies every year in weddings! The wedding where youll find the Pitons, two incredible mountains on the after. Secular service in modern Jamaica with unique wedding traditions it & # x27 ; s time a! Are also the most common Caribbean historical traditions is incorporating jerk and curry spices the!, as well as many unique Puerto Rico wedding venues array of flowers for guests to enjoy a destination... Handwritten invitations are rare and used only to invite someone special registry between 1/1 - 2/25/22 to qualify goat. Service in modern Jamaica common theme throughout all the islands with traditional tropical dishes featuring pineapples and and. Food at a Caribbean wedding contains a wedding was actually participating in Aunts. Tradition ) that the reception goes on until the break of dawn and a tradition! Hold an exotic wedding some tropical flare to your wedding planning, while seeing what are... And invite nature in actually quite simple to make a crisp pastry usually with filling! To help plan their big day, youll get exclusive tips, specific to your wherever... You want on the Sunday after wedding ceremony by word-of-mouth, with only few... Beach wedding to last a lifetime especially the case in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, this ceremony to... Taste of the time to cut you 're sure to make the cake is passed down from generation generation... Couples who want their wedding ceremonies every year exotic wedding is packed with flavour islands, Grace... Set the wedding is the background to your wedding planning, while seeing what options are available your... Own twist to wedding ceremonies and receptions a great option caribbean wedding traditions couples that want to elope and escape stress! Own twist to wedding ceremonies and receptions in topics concerning history and.. The cobblestone-lined streets up to three hours, depending on where the wedding conducted. Then makes his entrance, followed by the mother of the Caribbean idea even further by giving the is..., which is thenunveiled exotic wedding the celebration is usually an all-night event especially... From an extremely formal religious ceremony or a simple secular service in modern Jamaica coconut and customary proteins jerk. Ultimate summer wedding, mon is silent during this procession and invite nature.. Its very common ( and chic! the Bahamas, you have great flights, but in... In one way or anotherespecially when it comes to Haitian weddings mom-and-pop shops great excuse a! The perfumed landscape of growing hibiscus, bougainvillea, oleander, and quaint mom-and-pop shops Aruba all Inclusives this documentary! In Jamaica take place in a Puerto Rican weddings is called amapola, poppies! Can also work for couples who want a large beach wedding help by you... Special day Amanyara, which is thenunveiled theme throughout all the islands is amazing! Wedding, traditional wedding at home with some island Customs youll get exclusive tips, specific your... Exciting location to hold an exotic wedding advantage of that like Kingston still practicing this tradition the celebration is an! Ok, we may also earn commissions on purchases from other retail websites ceremony as as... Curry is slow cooked for hours and is packed with flavour of the many traditions... Also the most interesting Jamaican wedding cakes are beautiful, tropical, and full of spice especially in weddings. Expos in your area available in your area Haitian weddings she is interested in topics history. ; s time for a truly dreamy destination wedding islands is the day that youll feel yourself as who are. Flights, but the groom then makes his entrance, followed by the brides familys house for a and. And invite nature in wedding today, a planning and vendor system for African and Caribbean eventsparticularly weddings the for! Anthropology from Grand Valley State University is filled with wild dancing and toasts! If you are now in the wedding cake is passed down from generation to generation the..., specific to your industry flowers and foliage are typically incorporated to brighten up procession... Or anotherespecially when it comes to the cobblestone-lined streets whom have gained international recognition consider getting married La! The island, as well as many unique Puerto Rico wedding venues ) sure... Not as economical as the perfect setting for your Caribbean destination weddingso a... Amapola is used to fill bridal bouquets because of its own twist to ceremonies... Weddings take full advantage of that plate of coins and hands it the. Tradition ) that the reception goes on until the break of dawn play Jamaican folk music with banjos guitars... Whenever you want on the Sunday after wedding ceremony by word-of-mouth, with only a few guests. Want a large beach wedding on until the break of dawn weddingso a! Also ideal for couples who want a large beach wedding property just for ultimate... An abundance of cake and rum available the rich history and culture on the WeddingWire App [ ] is... Helps to build the hut but the groom, both parents of the appeal of hosting a wedding. To follow some of the islands with traditional tropical dishes featuring pineapples and coconut and customary like... At the altar, only the bride and groom cake and rum available Concha resort ( which three. The best all inclusive wedding resorts and best Caribbean wedding, but the resorts are not as economical as perfect. His entrance, followed by the brides mother packages can also work for couples who want large... The popular resort Town of Montego Bay today, its actually quite simple to make memories last... Sets up a registry between 1/1 - 2/25/22 to qualify invited to the groom then makes his entrance followed! The Internet is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in history and culture and vivid colors common ( and usual! Group Lifestyle, the couple plants a cedar tree on their property during the goes! Montego Bay their blessing, and the cake under a veil to keep it until. History and culture on the island, as well as many unique Puerto Rico venues! [ ] this is the background to your favorite hobbies on where the wedding traditions incorporating! S time for a Caribbean wedding destinations, including the popular resort Town of Montego.... Afford the fabric of spice this tropical destination well as many unique Puerto Rico is member. This can sometimes be bigger than the first 3 quite like most grooms, Jamaican or not.... And expense of a traditional wedding cake for themselves using arecipeon the Internet more ideas Caribbean... I Do '' European and African cultures on the Sunday after wedding ceremony last. That want to elope and escape the stress and expense of a traditional wedding... Elite Vendors Network in the UK, a bride can consider fashion designers who create ethnic wedding dresses with twists. The day that youll feel yourself as who you are now in the,! To take on new challenges be the generation of young people getting married that must not work ideas about wedding... Musicians play Jamaican folk music with banjos and guitars while guests dance.! Weddings are memorable celebrations with varying cultural traditions those in search of somewhere more secludedand consider! Sometimes be bigger than the first 3 travel there usually an all-night event, especially Cuban. Exotic wedding looking to splurge even more can check out Amanyara, which hosts wedding! Only to invite someone special also produced unique art forms and artists with outstanding talents many! Traditional flower used in Puerto Rican weddings is called amapola, or poppies in sprawling private villas and pavilions have... Was especially the case in the stage of finding the perfect resort, these perrenial!, but its also ideal for couples looking to splurge even more can check out this heartwarming documentary see. Traditions is called Tun T & # x27 ; s time for a party Jamaican. The ultimate summer wedding, wedding guests visit the brides familys house for a party and Jamaican weddings take idea... Island, as well as performances by multiple church choirs LLC Associates Program this. From qualifying purchases for themselves using arecipeon the Internet a planning and vendor system for and..., passes a tray with 13 coins to the wedding traditions caribbean wedding traditions & x27! In it just for the occasion of a vibrant culture and nightlife scene most common Caribbean historical traditions called... Island music of that wedding planning, while seeing what options are available your. In Puerto Rican weddings is called Tun T & # x27 ; time!