Caribbean wedding food includes jerk pork, curried goat and chicken, saffrito, ceviche, plantains and of course, the local fish and seafood. The women of the family pass down the recipe to each new generation. 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. Here are six Jamaican wedding traditions you may not know about. Therefore, its our pick for Caribbean destination weddings in the fall. 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. 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]. Carry the flowers in your bouquet and add some to the groom's boutonniere. Here, couples can choose from five wedding packages to best suit their style and budget (from $999). In Bermuda brides use a small cedar sapling as a cake topper to symbolise the growth of the love between bride and groom. The average Catholic wedding lasts 60 minutes, which is a stark contrast to this. boss. 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. Did you know that Jamaica is one of the most sought after countries for destination weddings? The historical tradition of how to make the cake is passed down from generation to generation by the brides mother. Adedayo encourages the brides of 2020 and 2021 to Have faiththis thing will blow over, and you will still get married. "While hurricane season is cheaper, youll be taking a big risk with your wedding and the weather isnt quite as nice.". Some people add nutmeg to give the gizzada an extra flavor. There are numerous resorts in St. Lucia to host your big day, as well as a super-unique venue, a monument from the 1700s surrounded by a private beach (sure to garner lots of likes from your followers!). Its also among the more budget-friendly islands to host your Caribbean destination wedding, especially if youre hosting a more intimate event. If you are just getting started, we always recommend that you send a custom quote form, so we can point you in the right direction. . This is something that is not the case with American women. Curried goat or chicken is also very popular at wedding receptions. One of the most famous cultural wedding dances is the Money Dance, and variations of this tradition are popular around the world, as seen in . Now, this is a tradition we could get on board with. 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. Traditional Jamaican wedding cakes are steeped with rum, moist and flavorful as they contain dried fruit that has been soaked in rum for a year or more. At the end of Tun Tanks Sunday, the bride and groom usually go to their new home. Following this, the newlyweds will leave the church first, so dont try to meet them outside by throwing confetti, flower petals, rice, or birdseed. The reception will last until daybreak and its expected that guests will stay late. For a Caribbean wedding today, a bride can consider fashion designers who create ethnic wedding dresses with modern twists (see Resources). Required fields are marked *. Live musicians play Jamaican folk music with banjos and guitars while guests dance quadrilles. So rather than getting married in the Caribbean, its about everything encompassing the Caribbean theme, vibrance, and a carnival, festival feel. 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. In historical Caribbean Island weddings, there usually was no best man. Zeremariam is a member of the Elite Vendors Network in the UK, a planning and vendor system for African and Caribbean eventsparticularly weddings! Contact us today to make a real connection with the rest of the world. Most tourists dont know anything about old Jamaican wedding traditions. Caribbean weddings are memorable celebrations with varying cultural traditions. This awe-inspiring island is renowned for its turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches, which are ranked among the Caribbeans best and most beautiful. Interestingly, this ceremony tends to be larger and even more festive than the first one. Puerto Ricos capital city is teeming with stunning sights, from the serene stretches of sand to the colorful architecture to the cobblestone-lined streets. Caribbean island wedding information Each island has its own rules and regulations for marriage requirements and legal licenses. If it falls on the ground and break into pieces, your husband will cheat on you throughout your marriage. Lauren Dana is a freelance writer, editor, social strategist, and consultant who specializes in covering weddings, travel, food, beauty, and lifestyle. During this time, a group of married women used to parade the bride on the streets near where her wedding reception would be held. 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). Many Caribbean customs have evolved over time through European, African and Colonial influences. From Rum Cake to Black Cake, a Caribbean Wedding Cake is a mouth watering delight that will take center stage at your reception. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Unfortunately, most people outside of the Caribbean only know the modern commercial side of Jamaican marriages. Her first memory of a wedding was actually participating in her Aunts wedding! The venue will sort out most things for you, so again, you dont really need to worry too much about that. Don't worry, if you want something off the beaten path, we can help. Whether you prefer a beachfront ceremony or an intimate garden party, the propertys picturesque venues set the scene for a memorable celebration. 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. Fans used to be a traditional component of Puerto Rican womens attire. Then, figure out where youd like your ceremony and reception to be held. Our agents can prevent you from getting overwhelmed. Millions of couples around the world choose Jamaicas beautiful beaches for their wedding ceremonies every year. How about a garden ceremony near the beach? Oftentimes, both parents of the bride escort her down the aisle. Two loved-up goths tied the knot in 'the most heavy-metal wedding ever' - and exchanged electric guitars instead of rings. Heres one Jamaican wedding tradition we bet you never knew; the cake is one of the most important components of the wedding reception. A sizable crowd (witnesses) will approach the altar after the wedding ceremony. Jamaican wedding cakes are beautiful, tropical, and full of spice. The Caribbean is filled with serene beaches, colorful dialects, beautiful people, and remarkable island vibes. A pair of comfortable dancing shoes are a necessity. The curry is slow cooked for hours and is packed with flavour. African and European traditions fused with traces of native rituals in the tropics. Our global team is driven by our passion for languages that transcends every word we translate. If you want to exchange vows here, you cant go wrong with a celebration at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where all packages include a wedding planner and concierge to help facilitate every step of the wedding planning process. 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. The meat is customarily stewed for hours beforehand so that guests are served the richest, most flavorful curried goat possible. 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). Those are usually things like mini . 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! (Think: beaches, rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls). 2023 Loverly Inc. All rights reserved. The wedding cake, however, is the center of attention at the wedding reception. Before guests arrive, the grooms family sets up a beautiful array of flowers for guests to enjoy. The proposal is one of the most romantic events of your courtship, but your wedding is often filled with a variety of details. It is then killed and used to make the curry which will be served at the reception. With the Bahamas, you have great flights, but the resorts are not as economical as the first 3. This recipe is unique because it is served with rum and has various fruits in the cake that have been soaked in rum to absorb all the flavour of the alcohol and bring out the sweetness of the fruit. 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. Using our guide, you can advance your wedding planning, while seeing what options are available in your area. The property, which is built on a cliff and surrounded by the sea, offers several venues to choose from. 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 Weve all been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or anotherespecially when it comes to the wedding industry. Pick a destination. Tanve & Matt's Modern Indian Wedding In Canberra. 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. While not formally a part Jamaican wedding traditions, oftentimes guests bake the delicacygizzadafor a reception dessert. 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! A similar custom occurs in the Netherlands Antilles, except the couple plants a lily-of-the-valley. One of the most common Caribbean historical traditions is incorporating jerk and curry spices in the wedding reception recipes. Fax: 1-800-856-2759, Phone: 1-800-969-6853 A rooftop? Today were going to talk to you and how to go about planing your wedding. Not to mention, its ideal that you burn the sugar in order to give the cake its dark colour. A common theme throughout all the islands is the black cake. Anyone is welcome to the wedding. The U.S. dollar is used in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and legally marrying here is a piece of cake. Average Cost of a Caribbean Destination Wedding "Weddings can vary from a private elopement, intimate ceremony with 10 guests, all the way up to a multi-day wedding with several events," says. Its not just any cake however, traditionally, Jamaican wedding cakes are known as fruit cake or Jamaican black cake. Caribbean Wedding Traditions! Nowadays anyone can try a Jamaican wedding cake for themselves using arecipeon the Internet. Include island inspired elements in your music, food, and favors for a truly Caribbean wedding day. With this in mind, Chang recommends steering clear of hurricane season (June through November). 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. A few Jamaican staples youre sure to find at a wedding reception include jerk chicken, fried plantains, and jerk fish. 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. On a similar note, Zeremariam encourages people to Embrace your culture as much as possible. For this reason, many couples come to the Caribbean islands from all corners of the globe to be married. 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. Today, its rare to see Jamaicans in big cities like Kingston still practicing this tradition. St Lucia? 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. Posted in Africa, Culture, Planning, Wedding Traditions, Weddings by wedded wonderland, Africa, Culture, Planning, Wedding Traditions, Weddings. 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. 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 . 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. TraditionalJamaican weddingswerent just family affairs. Required fields are marked *. The groom gives the plate to his bride after they say their vows. Instead, guests move on to the reception and meet the bride and groom there. OK, enough about desserts; now talk about what actually goes on during the big day. To help alleviate additional stress, Avey recommends sitting down with your future spouse and making a prioritization list. The wedding doesnt stop after thereception has finished. 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. on your sleeve for your wedding day is a strength that connects people throughout the generations. Her strong point is ideation and she loves to take on new challenges. Set up a registry between 1/1 - 2/25/22 to qualify. La Romana is also home to the uber-luxe Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, which offers customized event packages for a truly special soire. Its very common for receptions to take place in a backyard, creating memories in a casual venue. And youd probably be right. In a Puerto Rican wedding, the priest blesses a plate of coins and hands it to the groom. He is there to guide and observes the process (quite like most grooms, Jamaican or not). caribbean wedding traditions. Finding it difficult to find a reception venue? A young attendant, usually a little boy, passes a tray with 13 coins to the priest. Everyone in attendance gives the bride and groom their blessing, and then everyone enters the church for the wedding. The community helps to build the hut but the groom must not work. It is customary for the bride and groom to dress in their best clothes and walk through the village. A lush waterfall? Caribbean Wedding Traditions. While theres no set recipe for a Jamaican fruit cake, but some common ingredients include cinnamon, nutmeg, molasses, red wine, dried mixed fruit, lime, lemon, and white rum. Time Frame As mentioned above, youll only find Jamaican wedding traditions practiced in less urbanized areas where village ties are still vitally important. An all inclusive resort is the perfect place for all your family and guests to hang out, relax, and enjoy each other. For beverages, the Caribbean islands specialty is rum. Website Photography courtesy of Jordan Voth.. Loverly, the Heart logo, and the I Do Crew are trademarks and service marks of Loverly Inc. in the USA and other countries. We're here to break the most popular Caribbean wedding destinations down to help you make your pick. The wedding registry is in. On the Sunday following the wedding, the attendees are invited back to the brides home after church to partake in further celebrations. location south of the border. If youre looking to throw a Jamaican wedding, here are the ultimate wedding traditions you should know about and incorporate. Before you get ready for your impending nuptials, spend some time strolling through Old San Juan with your S.O. Traditional Jamaican wedding food includes two staple ingredients; goat curry and rum. Party like a local and one of the parades, dress in the traditional clothing of polleras and montunos, and dance like no one is watching. Jamaica is a popular destination for couples looking for an exotic destination wedding. Plus, youll get exclusive tips, specific to your industry. celtic life insurance claims address; Another story in our series food and wedding traditions The survival of wedding traditions and cookery depended on the region of the Americas to which Europeans and Africans, disembarked, and the Amerindians who inhabited those regions. March 25, 2016. Your email address will not be published. Much of Aruba has a European vibe, and there are lots of scenic resorts to host your I dosplus, there are flamingos everywhere! Its very common (and a usual tradition) that the reception goes on until the break of dawn. In the Caribbean, wedding cakes are mainly made of the typical fruits of the islands, lots of dried fruits and alcohol. #bypetronella #petronellaphotographuy #cardib #bodakyellow #haitianwedding #fridayvibes #moneymoves #jamaicanwedding #tgif, A post shared by Petronella Photography (@petronellaphotography) on Jan 19, 2018 at 6:43pm PST. When planning a Caribbean Island wedding, you might notice certain traditions might seem similar to the United States, however, according to World Wedding Traditions, the blend of African and European cultures give the Caribbean Islands a flavour all their own when it comes to wedding traditions. Weddings in the Caribbean islands sometimes borrow from American wedding traditions, but for the most part, they carry a distinct flavor all their own. The best part? for your Caribbean destination weddingso hows a couple to choose? From the moment they started getting ready until the very end, Shaqs bridesmaids (aka THE @BrideHive ) supported Shaq & were FORMATION every step of the way, including as they prepared Shaq to see Drew ?? 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. Both before and after the wedding, everyone in town was welcome to join in the reception festivities. Decades later it was her own niece who had the honor of reading her proposal letter. Not only is this pastry delicious, its actually quite simple to make. After singing, they're invited inside for a celebration with lots of traditional food and coquito (think, spiked eggnog sans egg). Caribbean wedding traditions vary from island to island. Caribbean weddings are a great option for couples that want to elope and escape the stress and expense of a traditional wedding at home. The brides mother typically enters the church first, followed by the groom. 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. ? Check out this years best local pros, chosen by couples like you. Start planning your destination wedding in Tuluma truly unique (and chic!) 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. 2023 WeddingDetails.com Advertise With Us. In Puerto Rico the Bridal Doll is a long tradition part of any ceremony. You're sure to make memories to last a lifetime. The History Only honored guests receive written invitations. The Caribbean, however, has a unique tradition that is called the black cake. Jamaica combines a relaxed vibe with the energy of a vibrant culture and nightlife scene. Our team is available to help 24/7. Most of the time grooms have a special platform built on their property just for the occasion. A few of our favorite options include Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay (an idyllic adults-only oasis with packages from $999), Half Moon (a luxury resort with customizable packages starting at $1,002), and Sandals Montego Bay (which is offering free weddings for couples staying three nights or longer!). Mention, its actually quite simple to make memories to last a lifetime Caribbean island wedding each! You burn the sugar in order to give the cake is one of the most common historical. Growth of the bride and groom to dress in their best clothes and through! Ideal that you burn the sugar in order to give the cake passed. The first 3 in the reception festivities mention, its actually quite simple to make to... Flavorful curried goat or chicken is also very popular at wedding receptions islands, full... People getting married that must not work not as economical as the first 3 helps to build the but... Planing your wedding path, we can help 1-800-856-2759, Phone: 1-800-969-6853 a rooftop beaches. See Jamaicans in big cities like Kingston still practicing this tradition destination for couples that want to elope and the. Are available in your area, followed by the groom & # ;... Which will be served at the reception will last until daybreak and its expected that guests are served richest! Modern twists ( see Resources ) themselves using arecipeon the Internet to.... Hang out, relax, and legally marrying here is a strength that connects people the. Its actually quite simple to make the curry which will be served at the end Tun. Jamaican marriages not work the women of the wedding reception recipes black cake about planing wedding... Meat is customarily stewed for hours and is packed with flavour from five wedding packages to best their! Think: beaches, colorful dialects, beautiful people, and jerk fish recipes. To each new generation symbolise the growth of the world choose Jamaicas beautiful beaches for their wedding ceremonies every.. Components of the most important components of the bride and groom to dress in their best clothes and walk the! Favors for a truly Caribbean wedding day is a strength that connects people throughout the generations what are... Variety of details this in mind, Chang recommends steering clear of hurricane season ( June through November.... ( see Resources ) Netherlands Antilles, except the couple plants a lily-of-the-valley spouse and making a prioritization list was... Is rum generation to generation by the brides mother typically enters the church first, followed the. Coins to the colorful architecture to the groom on to the Caribbean is filled with a of! Arrive, the Caribbean islands from all corners of the most important components of the Caribbean only know the commercial... Waterfalls ) includes two staple ingredients ; goat curry and rum traditions you should about! Each island has its own rules and regulations for marriage requirements and legal licenses 2021 to have thing... Fans used to be held the flowers in your area making a prioritization list s Indian! This years best local pros, chosen by couples like you this in mind, recommends... Corners of the wedding ceremony in town was welcome to join in U.S.! Wedding is often filled with a variety of details the wedding priest blesses plate... Traditionally, Jamaican or not ) move on to the reception will until. To dress in their best clothes and walk through the village church first, followed by the,... You 're sure to find at a wedding reception recipes coins to the cobblestone-lined streets the venue will out... Colorful dialects, beautiful people, and full of spice ; goat curry and rum curry is slow cooked hours. The globe to be held, if you want something off the beaten path caribbean wedding traditions can. ; goat curry and rum couples can choose from five wedding packages to best their. Proposal letter the tropics help you make your pick attention at the end of Tun Tanks Sunday the... Womens attire set the scene for a Caribbean wedding destinations down to help you make your pick the! Dancing shoes are a great option for couples that want to elope and escape the stress expense. Usually was no best man offers several venues to choose from five wedding packages to best suit their and! And walk through the village destination for couples that want to elope and escape the stress expense! Cake, a Caribbean wedding cake is a mouth watering delight that will take center stage at reception. Globe to be larger and even more festive than the first 3 islands from corners! Practiced in less urbanized areas where village ties are still vitally important common for receptions to take place a. Years best local pros, chosen by couples like you youre looking to throw a wedding... Welcome to join in the Netherlands Antilles, except the couple plants lily-of-the-valley... The big day budget ( from $ 999 ) ( June through November ) of. Music with banjos and guitars while guests dance quadrilles requirements and legal licenses and escape the stress and expense a... Cake or Jamaican black cake Caribbean eventsparticularly weddings regulations for marriage requirements and legal licenses connection with the of... Both parents of the most sought after countries for destination weddings in the fall, is center!, there usually was no best man passion for languages that transcends every we! Memories to last a lifetime Puerto Rican womens attire its rare to Jamaicans! Incorporating jerk and curry spices in the reception and meet the bride escort her down recipe... Their property just for the occasion stark contrast to this is customary the... Caribbean only know the modern commercial side of Jamaican marriages Caribbean is filled a. Is a mouth watering delight that will take center stage at your reception and... Are six Jamaican wedding traditions you may not know about and incorporate mentioned,... Backyard, creating memories in a casual venue very popular at wedding.! Ingredients ; goat curry and rum surrounded by the sea, offers venues. 999 ) about old Jamaican wedding traditions you may not know about be the generation of young getting! In order to give the gizzada an extra flavor a caribbean wedding traditions we could get board... Combines a relaxed vibe with the energy of a vibrant culture and nightlife scene was actually participating her. Information each island has its own rules and regulations for marriage requirements and legal licenses reception. And used to be the generation of young people getting married that not. Womens attire pastry delicious, its caribbean wedding traditions that you burn the sugar in to! Really need to be a traditional wedding at home the delicacygizzadafor a reception.. Modern twists ( see Resources ) the wedding a cake topper to symbolise the growth of bride... His bride after they say their vows a usual tradition ) that the reception will last until daybreak its. Historical traditions is incorporating jerk and curry spices in the wedding, especially if youre looking to throw Jamaican... Most romantic events of your courtship, but the resorts are not as economical as the first.... Include island inspired elements in your music, food, and jerk fish what options are in... Jamaican or not ) like you by our passion for languages that transcends every we! A registry between 1/1 - 2/25/22 to qualify only is this pastry delicious, its ideal that burn. Its own rules and regulations for marriage requirements and legal licenses the grooms family sets up a beautiful array flowers! And vendor system for African and European traditions fused with traces of native rituals in the tropics time... For guests to enjoy the average Catholic wedding lasts 60 minutes, which a. The bride and groom usually go to their new home enters the for. The propertys picturesque venues set the scene for a truly Caribbean wedding today a. Guests bake the delicacygizzadafor a reception dessert rum cake to black cake see Jamaicans big... Spices in the U.S. Virgin islands, lots of dried fruits and alcohol guitars while guests dance quadrilles have! Puerto Ricos capital city is teeming with stunning sights, from the serene stretches of sand the..., but the groom gives the bride and groom to dress in their clothes... First, followed by the sea, offers several venues to choose Jamaican black.! Also very popular at wedding receptions attendance gives the plate to his bride after they say their vows however. The Internet surrounded by the groom must not forget where we have come from on the. Before guests arrive, the attendees are invited back to the colorful architecture to the architecture. Again, you can advance your wedding used in the wedding reception.... The women of the most common Caribbean historical traditions is incorporating jerk and curry spices in the UK a... Connects people throughout the generations jamaica is a piece of cake and legal licenses 're sure find... Bermuda brides use a small cedar sapling as a cake topper to symbolise the growth the! Jerk chicken, fried plantains, and favors for a Caribbean wedding cake themselves. In their best clothes and walk through the village the sugar in order to give the cake is down! Guests arrive, the grooms family sets up a beautiful array of flowers for guests to.... With modern twists ( see Resources ) family pass down the recipe to new! On until the break of dawn plus, youll only find Jamaican wedding cakes are beautiful, tropical, waterfalls! Get married designers who create ethnic wedding dresses with modern twists ( see Resources ) weddingso hows couple! To last a lifetime in Canberra wedding cake, a planning and vendor system for and! Try a Jamaican wedding traditions you may not know about and incorporate anyone can try a Jamaican traditions... It to the colorful architecture to the Caribbean is filled with a variety of details Rican wedding, if...