Back when Jamaica was a more agrarian society, the newlyweds would be excused from working in the fields for at least a week. 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. If youre dreaming of a Caribbean destination wedding, but dont have passports (or know that many of your guests dont), Puerto Rico is your best bet. Of course, there are numerous resorts, but also off-the-beaten path spaces like historic ruins in a nature-filled setting, modern restaurants, luxe villas, and more. Not only is this pastry delicious, its actually quite simple to make. . In the words of Isaac-Salawu, Having that traditional [wedding]not just for you, not just for your parentsyoure doing that to carry on that [tradition]. 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. But in recent times, more and more weddings have shed the four walls of a building and are done outside in beautifully decorated gardens or by the sea, which we might add has become extremely popular. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. However, there are still a few tight-knit communities in rural areas of Jamaica that practice this custom. From the beautiful Bahamas to the dreamy Dominican Republic, read on for a few of our favorite Caribbean destination wedding locations. A traditional Haitian wedding ceremony can last up to three hours, depending on where the wedding is conducted. I think that aspect that element of your wedding should not be taken for granted. Typically the bride and grooms families sent out wedding invitations to everyone in their home village. Here are a few of our favorite places to wed in Cabo. Throw your bouquet directly to someone and do not let it fall on the ground. The documentary features Zeremariam as well as three other African or Caribbean wedding vendors: Kashi Isaac-Salawu of Eden Event Design, Tessa Williams of A Touch of Neveah, and Shola Adedayo of Designer Wedding Planner reflecting on their heritage, history, and the future of their industry. This undoubtedly busy time of year takes place in November, where Panama celebrates the liberation from Spain, Flag Day, and a celebration of the country's sovereignty. Instead, guests move on to the reception and meet the bride and groom there. The Dominican Republic overflows with stunning natural beauty, from the lush rainforests to the mountains to the unspoiled beaches. The main religion of the Caribbean is Roman Catholicism, and the ceremony takes place in a cathedral with a priest. This awe-inspiring island is renowned for its turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches, which are ranked among the Caribbeans best and most beautiful. Pick a date and time. Who doesnt love a good wedding? Its unclear if this is still a widely practised tradition in the modern life. terminal turk's head knot; ashly burch brother; germanwings crash audio recording; Hello world! All you need is flour, salt, butter, shortening, water, coconuts, and brown sugar. to see each other for the first time during their first look. When it comes to partying, a Jamaican wedding takes things up a notch with open invitations and long bouts of dancing. Many Caribbean customs have evolved over time through European, African and Colonial influences. African and European traditions fused with traces of native rituals in the tropics. Contact us today to make a real connection with the rest of the world. Don't worry, if you want something off the beaten path, we can help. Whilst many Caribbean weddings borrow from traditional western customs and traditions, the unique combination of African and European cultures give the islands a flavor all their own when it comes to wedding traditions. 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. 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! 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 Caribbean beach image by Katja Sucker from Fotolia.com, Caribbean beach image by Katja Sucker from, Reed Dance in Swaziland - young girls dancing for their king image by Elzbieta Sekowska from, Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Fans used to be a traditional component of Puerto Rican womens attire. On the Sunday following the wedding, the attendees are invited back to the brides home after church to partake in further celebrations. Please have some fun with this process. A sizable crowd (witnesses) will approach the altar after the wedding ceremony. Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate. Consider getting hitched on the rooftop observation deck at The Morgan Resort & Spa, which overlooks the world-famous Maho Beach (where the airplanes land insanely close to the shore, drawing travelers from all over). The bride is traditionally given away by both her mother and father. While doing this, the church bells ring. Are you fascinated by Caribbean culture? Pick a resort. In Cuba, a traditional money dance is done for the bride. Whilst many Caribbean weddings borrow from traditional western customs and traditions, the unique combination of African and European cultures give the islands a flavor all their own when it comes to wedding traditions. 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. Live musicians play Jamaican folk music with banjos and guitars while guests dance quadrilles. "A good time to go that balances weather and price is the spring," she says. The coastal city, which is about an hours drive from Punta Cana, boasts everything from sugar-sand beaches to tropical flora. When Sunday mass finishes, wedding guests visit the brides familys house for a second reception. Jamaica is a popular destination for couples looking for an exotic destination wedding. The festival, first held in Guyana in 1972, shows the full spectrum of Caribbean culture. Glass of Puerto Rican coquito Dominican Republic Weddings in the Caribbean islands sometimes borrow from American wedding traditions, but for the most part, they carry a distinct flavor all their own. 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.. To help alleviate additional stress, Avey recommends sitting down with your future spouse and making a prioritization list. Since the destination is so popular amongst soon-to-be-wed couples, youll find an abundance of wedding venue options. According to Jamaican wedding traditions, family and friends would gather together to play a few games, chat, and eat before the wedding ceremony. Therefore, its our pick for Caribbean destination weddings in the fall. Finding it difficult to find a reception venue? Both properties are situated along the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, which serves as a beautiful backdrop. The History Besides, its called "One Happy Island" for a reason! I mean, the carnival essence of it and the colors are fantastic. Guests tend to dance, sing, and play games at least till the late afternoon. I make money moves. Sure, Punta Cana is pretty, but those in search of somewhere more secludedand off-the-beaten-pathshould consider getting married in La Romana. Those are usually things like mini . At the end of Tun Tanks Sunday, the bride and groom usually go to their new home. "The winter months around the holidays are always the most popular because the weather is so nice and warm in comparison to almost everywhere else," explains Chang. . The more the merrier is the mantra, with it being quite common for guests to turn up uninvited. The Caribbean wedding traditions Weddings are fairly casual affairs, with the bride and groom dressed in their finest. Set up a registry between 1/1 - 2/25/22 to qualify. Everyone in attendance gives the bride and groom their blessing, and then everyone enters the church for the wedding. 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. Before you get ready for your impending nuptials, spend some time strolling through Old San Juan with your S.O. for your Caribbean destination weddingso hows a couple to choose? Part of the appeal of hosting a Caribbean destination wedding is the amazing scenery, which makes for some truly spectacular photo opportunities. Regardless of what traditions you would like to honor in your own wedding, the comfort and pride in wearing your culture (sometimes literally!) #Jooforever #firstdance #weddingday #weddingreception #husband #wife #bride #groom #bridalparty #love #matrimony #justmarried weddingdress #groomswag #royaltonbluewaters #Trelawny #Falmouth #Jamaica #JamaicanWedding #munaluchibride #blackbride1998 #theknot #madisonjames // #HamiltonMultimedia #Hamultiweddings, A post shared by Hamilton Multimedia Weddings (@hamultiweddings) on Apr 11, 2018 at 5:30pm PDT. Traditionally, the reception is held in a marquee in the backyard of the groom. The historical tradition of how to make the cake is passed down from generation to generation by the brides mother. So rather than getting married in the Caribbean, its about everything encompassing the Caribbean theme, vibrance, and a carnival, festival feel. Guests are encouraged to stay the nighteven those of the community. The father of the groom then makes his entrance, followed by the mother of the bride. The wedding registry is in. Attendees in a procession bring in the cake under a veil to keep it hidden until the time to cut. It seems appropriate to follow some of the wedding traditions of this tropical destination. Before guests arrive, the grooms family sets up a beautiful array of flowers for guests to enjoy. Sometimes, guests make a batch of manish water, which is a soup composed of goat meat, dumplings, yams, and carrots. The blistering summer heat did nothing to dull the sense of celebration, of joy when Tanve and Matt tied the knot in Canberra. Heres one Jamaican wedding tradition we bet you never knew; the cake is one of the most important components of the wedding reception. The bride might have a new dress for her wedding if her family can afford the fabric. After singing, they're invited inside for a celebration with lots of traditional food and coquito (think, spiked eggnog sans egg). Average Cost of a Caribbean Destination Wedding, Best Time For a Caribbean Destination Wedding, Caribbean Destination Wedding Planning Tips, Jamie Chang is a destination wedding planner and owner of. The Caribbean is an exciting location to hold an exotic wedding. The curry is slow cooked for hours and is packed with flavour. Caribbean weddings are memorable celebrations with varying cultural traditions. When it comes to selecting a venue, consider Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort or Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resort. You dont have to go the whole hog. There are also numerous resorts to host your U.S. Virgin Islands wedding, including historic properties and modern, luxe accommodations. For the most up-to-date guidelines and latest on travel restrictions and requirements, check theCDCandU.S. Department of Statewebsites. The result is a colorful celebration slightly personalized by each Caribbean island. Finding a bridal expo can give you the opportunity to address multiple parts of your wedding planning, including food, dresses, and cakes, in one place. Probably the best part of a Jamaican wedding is, of course, that you dont have to travel at all to experience one of the worlds finest honeymoon destinations. Having trouble coming up with a theme that embraces you as a couple? Did you know that Jamaica is one of the most sought after countries for destination weddings? The proposal is one of the most romantic events of your courtship, but your wedding is often filled with a variety of details. This former fishing village draws soon-to-be-married couples for its gorgeous natural beauty. Finally, in Bermuda, a unique cake topper is used on the bride and grooms cakea small cedar tree. A Cabo destination wedding offers romance and luxury like nowhere else. For the best bang for your buck, Avey recommends opting for an all-inclusive package. Popular islands include Jamaica and Dominican Republic, although lesser-known places like Curacao are also ideal for Caribbean destination wedding locations. Traditionally, the backyard reception (in the grooms backyard) is held in a marquee built by members of the reception. Kayan is a multi-talented writer based in the beautiful island of Jamaica. Caribbean wives are willing to take care of their partners and be traditional wives. Mar 2, 2017 - Explore MarryCaribbean.com's board "Caribbean Wedding Tradition", followed by 555 people on Pinterest. The Bahamas is known for its stunning pink sand beaches, but its also ideal for couples who want their wedding to be All. Weddings and traditions basically go hand in hand, but what traditions you incorporate into your wedding completely depends on who you areyour background, your family, your heritage, etc. Handwritten invitations are rare and used only to invite someone special. At Day Translations we pride ourselves on our ability to embrace and indulge in different traditions. 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. Let your friends and family contribute 24/7. Jamaican wedding cakes are beautiful, tropical, and full of spice. Well, she is simply beautiful. The traditional flower used in Puerto Rican weddings is called amapola, or poppies. With the clear turquoise water and tropical sunsets, whats not to love? The music, company of good people, food and drinks, gifts and the celebration of a happy couple are all things that make weddings enjoyable. 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. After a Dutch wedding, the couple plants lily-of-the-valley in their garden so that they can renew their love for one another every year when the plant blooms. They serve the cake with a rum sauce that sits in a crock pot with dried fruits for several weeks prior to the wedding. Then, figure out where youd like your ceremony and reception to be held. Fax: 1-800-856-2759, Phone: 1-800-969-6853 Start planning your destination wedding in Tuluma truly unique (and chic!) Zeremariam is a member of the Elite Vendors Network in the UK, a planning and vendor system for African and Caribbean eventsparticularly weddings! Things to Do in Little Rock, Arkansas Hayley Pangle started freelance writing in 2009. Rum, after all, is a staple of the Caribbean. You'll find numerous luxury resorts here, from the large all-inclusives to smaller, more intimate lodging, where you and your guests can live like movie stars throughout your wedding weekend. "While hurricane season is cheaper, youll be taking a big risk with your wedding and the weather isnt quite as nice.". Like In the French Indies, the wedding cake is hidden from the guests for most of the celebration with guests able to pay a fee to look at it before it is served. If there was a divorce in the family, however, only the father walks the bride down the aisle. Our agents can prevent you from getting overwhelmed. A pair of comfortable dancing shoes are a necessity. The. Her strong point is ideation and she loves to take on new challenges. Caribbean wedding traditions vary from island to island. Hopefully this list has helped you understand and have a greater respect for Jamaican culture. Plus, youll get exclusive tips, specific to your industry. The celebration is usually an all-night event, especially in Cuban weddings, and requires upbeat island music. The cake is an important feature of any wedding, but in the Jamaican culture its especially important. Two loved-up goths tied the knot in 'the most heavy-metal wedding ever' - and exchanged electric guitars instead of rings. Invitations to the wedding ceremony are usually personal, through word-of-mouth. From charming villas to luxe resorts, there are a variety of lodging options and wedding venues to choose from on Barbados. The best part? Providenciales is one of the six principal islands that make up the Turks & Caicos. She has experience working for Sky Vision Enterprises and she is interested in topics concerning history and culture. A common theme throughout all the islands is the black cake. Jamaica combines a relaxed vibe with the energy of a vibrant culture and nightlife scene. Deciding to have a destination wedding is a big step, but choosing exactly where to get married is just as important. The church is typically not segregated into bride or groom sections in Dominican wedding customs, allowing visitors to sit wherever they choose. Maybe you can suggest that they dont wear ties or suit jackets, because it will be very hot and dont forget to pack the suntan lotion! From Rum Cake to Black Cake, a Caribbean Wedding Cake is a mouth watering delight that will take center stage at your reception. The property, which is built on a cliff and surrounded by the sea, offers several venues to choose from. For beverages, the Caribbean islands specialty is rum. The black cake made its way to the Caribbean via England, with the recipe spreading across the region and being customized within each country, to its people's liking. According to Bilen Zeremariam of Queen of Hearts Floral Design, No Eritrean wedding is intimate and I think that goes for any African or Caribbean wedding, to be honest, its in our DNA to just have big weddings.. The unique blend of European and African cultures on the . In this article, well go through nine interesting Jamaican wedding traditions that are still practiced today in a few rural areas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Theres no passport required to enter (assuming youre traveling from the States). All-inclusive wedding packages can also work for couples who want a large beach wedding. Think energy bright, vibrant, colour, caribbean music, the dancing, the steel band and everything! Caribbean island wedding information Each island has its own rules and regulations for marriage requirements and legal licenses. and La Concha Resort (which features three on-site wedding venues). Look, I don't dance now. Check out this heartwarming documentary to see for yourself. This was especially the case in the fields of literature, music, art, and dance. During this time, a group of married women used to parade the bride on the streets near where her wedding reception would be held. Other traditions often include large cookouts, live music and a pig roast in the mountains to pair perfectly with the stunning views and cooler weather. They are eager to earn lots of money and work their way up in a company. Only honored guests receive written invitations. This symbolizes luck and prosperity in their marriage. A dark fruitcake, usually with a liberal lacing of rum is served at wedding receptions in Jamaica. Unfortunately, most people outside of the Caribbean only know the modern commercial side of Jamaican marriages. The other Caribbean wedding you can have is the Caribbean style wedding. March 25, 2016. From the ceremony to the reception, lets explore some of the many wedding traditions nestled within the Caribbean. Caribbean destination wedding planning made easy. During the event, friends and family members can offer to share some poems as well. Druif Beach is often overlooked in favor of the more popular Eagle Beach, but dont let that deter you from exchanging vows here. Much of Aruba has a European vibe, and there are lots of scenic resorts to host your I dosplus, there are flamingos everywhere! With the dominant religionof Jamaica being Christianity, theceremonydoesnt differ much from many western weddings. Clothing Some people add nutmeg to give the gizzada an extra flavor. Considering a destination wedding in the Caribbean? Check out the top 24 destination wedding locations, and learn what makes each unique. Caribbean weddings are memorable celebrations with varying cultural traditions. Here, couples can choose from five wedding packages to best suit their style and budget (from $999). 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. In a Puerto Rican wedding, the priest blesses a plate of coins and hands it to the groom. Check out this years best local pros, chosen by couples like you. Right after the wedding, everyone heads over to the grooms house for a reception. Its very common for receptions to take place in a backyard, creating memories in a casual venue. This is known as Tun Tanks Sunday. 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!". This island is particularly appealing because of its unique British influence, white-sand beaches, and the relative ease with which non-natives can marry here. The Caribbean is an exciting location to hold an exotic wedding. Required fields are marked *. #bypetronella #petronellaphotographuy #cardib #bodakyellow #haitianwedding #fridayvibes #moneymoves #jamaicanwedding #tgif, A post shared by Petronella Photography (@petronellaphotography) on Jan 19, 2018 at 6:43pm PST. From traditional ceremonies to questions regarding the guests, our website offers you one place to do all your research. Generally, everyone from the village will line the street to view the couple. 3. Her first memory of a wedding was actually participating in her Aunts wedding! Our community has also produced unique art forms and artists with outstanding talents, many of whom have gained international recognition. Its very common (and a usual tradition) that the reception goes on until the break of dawn. Guests, whether a part of the culture or not, can experience a rich celebration full of tradition that inspires and uplifts. The brides mother typically enters the church first, followed by the groom. The People "With so many Caribbean islands and venue options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming with where to start," Avey admits. 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. Weve all been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or anotherespecially when it comes to the wedding industry. 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. . Your email address will not be published. Weddings are a pretty big deal no matter what culture youre talking about, but listening to Zeremariam and her fellow EVN members talk may get you thinking that no one does weddings like Africans and Carribeans do weddings! I advise everyone with a culture, everyone with a tradition to sort of [imbue] their tradition [into their wedding].. OK, enough about desserts; now talk about what actually goes on during the big day. CARIBBEAN WEDDING TRADITIONS The unique combination of African and European cultures give the Caribbean Islands a flavour all their own when it comes to wedding traditions. In case youve never heard of it before, a gizzada is a crisp pastry usually with coconut filling. Truly . Your wedding venue is the background to your special day. 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) its no wonder that so many African and/or Caribbean nearlyweds are forgoing small weddings in favor of waiting to have their big big day! The caribbean wedding traditions and customs wedding cake is called a Black Cake, a amigo of rum pas mi passed down through pas of the amie's family. We have been helping brides and grooms find the best all inclusive wedding resorts and best Caribbean wedding destinations since 1997. The current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by theWorld Health Organization. by | Dec 22, 2017 | Jamaica Culture | 0 comments. Jamaican weddings take that idea even further by giving the cake a progression of its own. 1. Anyone is welcome to the wedding. La Romana is also home to the uber-luxe Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, which offers customized event packages for a truly special soire. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. Dress: @jeanralphthurin . A wedding is a great excuse for a party and Jamaican weddings take full advantage of that. . When Sunday mass finishes, wedding guests visit the bride's family's house for a second reception. Using our guide, you can advance your wedding planning, while seeing what options are available in your area. Theres usually tons of food, rum, and cakes to be consumed at this festive occasion. Whatsapp: 1-718-285-0845. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",(function(){var e="dmca-badge",t="refurl",n=document.querySelectorAll("a. A similar custom occurs in the Netherlands Antilles, except the couple plants a lily-of-the-valley. Walking down the aisle becomes a family affair in Jamaican weddings. 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 . We're here to break the most popular Caribbean wedding destinations down to help you make your pick. Most importantly, have an . Youll never see a mother leading her daughter to the groom. During this procession, locals were allowed speak openly about how pretty (or ugly) the bride looked. All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean can provide beauty, romance and uniqueness to your big day! Your email address will not be published. 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. Steeped in rich tradition, the couple immersed themselves fully into the rituals and moments that not only made their story their own but echoed what was important . Got it. Mar 2, 2017 - Explore www.MarryCaribbean.com's board "Caribbean Wedding Tradition", followed by 565 people on Pinterest. Turks and Caicos consists of 40 coral islands, with Grace Bay and Parrot Cay being among the most in-demand. Theres also a vibrant music scene here, as well as a serene vibe ideal for couples and their guests who just want to relax. For a Caribbean wedding today, a bride can consider fashion designers who create ethnic wedding dresses with modern twists (see Resources). For drink, usually theres plenty of rum and rum punch to whet everyones whistle. Puerto Ricos capital city is teeming with stunning sights, from the serene stretches of sand to the colorful architecture to the cobblestone-lined streets.