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Of course, there are also a few ways to make a one-of-a-kind wedding by
incorporating some distinctly Caribbean aspects.
One fun option that many travelers may not have considered is to add a bit of
the local culture to their own ceremony. Though Caribbean wedding traditions are
largely Christian, the islands have a history of blending cultural influences,
much the same way they have created the fabulous foods and sizzling beats for
which the region is known.
African and European traditions fused with traces of native rituals in the
tropics. These rituals can be combined into your wedding to give it a hint of
culture, whether it's set on the seaside or in a beautifully decorated ballroom.
- Dress like a local: The new wedding attire the bride and groom show tends to
be handmade. Outfits here are designed to help them look their best, and
store-bought dresses are uncommon.
- Consider a long walk down the aisle: Many Caribbean islands include the
tradition of the happy couple walking through the town from their respective
homes to the church, whose bells are ringing out news of the occasion. The
purpose of this is to show off their new wedding attire.
- Pare down the party: In many island traditions, there is no inclusion of a
best man or groom's men. Instead the groom waits while the bride's father, and
sometimes mother as well, escort her to the altar. A maid or matron of honor
position does exist, though she is called "the chief."
- Try tropical toasts: Rum is the liquor of choice throughout the region, and
this sugar-based alcohol is often included in punches for the toast. A cake
heavily laced with rum and rum-soaked fruits is also common at weddings in the
Caribbean.
- Feast on local cuisine: Every island in the Caribbean has its own specialties,
whether it's the jerk marinades of Jamaica or the Latin flare of Puerto Rico,
you'll find something unique in each location. Of course, seafood is easy to
find and hard to resist on nearly every island.
Other traditions may be unique to individual islands. On Bermuda, for example,
the wedding cake is topped not by miniature figures but by a tree! Newlyweds
plant this tree when they return home, its healthy growth considered an
indication of a successful marriage.
Another interesting tradition involves gifts of money granted to the bride and
groom at the reception. Different islands include this differently: In Cuba, a
particular dance has the bride changing partners around the room, during which
time they each present her with money to help with honeymoon expenses; in Puerto
Rico, a doll dressed like the bride is given money by the wedding guests.
Though some of these items might not work for your wedding, taking on a few
Caribbean traditions may be the perfect way to add a little flair to your
ceremony. In fact, these traditions can help you plan an unusual wedding, no
matter whether you hold it in the heart of the Caribbean or in your own
backyard.
About the Author:
Jennifer Smith writes for
Bermuda-Guide.info,
StMartin-Guide.info, and other
Segisys travel Web sites. © 2005, Interactive
Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all
links remain live.
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