| so many travelers making their way to the Caribbean | | | | are designed to help them look their best, and |
| each year, it's easy to see why weddings and | | | | store-bought dresses are uncommon. |
| honeymoons are growing in popularity in the region. A | | | | * Pare down the party: In many island traditions, |
| few days of fun in the sun may seem like the | | | | there is no inclusion of a best man or groom's men. |
| ultimate indulgence, but more and more frequently, | | | | Instead the groom waits while the bride's father, and |
| visitors are arriving with an agenda all their own. | | | | sometimes mother as well, escort her to the altar. A |
| Weddings and honeymoons have always been a | | | | maid or matron of honor position does exist, though |
| popular activity for couples visiting the Caribbean, but | | | | she is called "the chief." |
| these days themed weddings put a new spin on an | | | | * Feast on local cuisine: Every island in the Caribbean |
| old favorite. | | | | has its own specialties, whether it's the jerk |
| Many islands in the region have plenty to offer | | | | marinades of Jamaica or the Latin flare of Puerto |
| lovebirds who hope to create their dream nuptials or | | | | Rico, you'll find something unique in each location. Of |
| post-party escape. Gorgeous scenery and warm | | | | course, seafood is easy to find and hard to resist on |
| weather make the perfect backdrop for a tropical | | | | nearly every island. |
| ceremony, allowing travelers to make their special | | | | * Try tropical toasts: Rum is the liquor of choice |
| day into something truly memorable. Of course, there | | | | throughout the region, and this sugar-based alcohol is |
| are also a few ways to make a one-of-a-kind | | | | often included in punches for the toast. A cake |
| wedding by incorporating some distinctly Caribbean | | | | heavily laced with rum and rum-soaked fruits is also |
| aspects. | | | | common at weddings in the Caribbean. |
| One fun option that many travelers may not have | | | | Other traditions may be unique to individual islands, |
| considered is to add a bit of the local culture to their | | | | including gifts of money to the newly wedded pair. |
| own ceremony. Though Caribbean wedding traditions | | | | Different islands include this differently: In Cuba, a |
| are largely Christian, the islands have a history of | | | | particular dance has the bride changing partners |
| blending cultural influences, much the same way they | | | | around the room, during which time they each |
| have created the fabulous foods and sizzling beats | | | | present her with money to help with honeymoon |
| for which the region is known. | | | | expenses; in Puerto Rico, a doll dressed like the bride |
| African and European traditions fused with traces of | | | | is given money by the wedding guests. |
| native rituals in the tropics. These rituals can be | | | | On Bermuda you'll find another interesting tradition; |
| combined into your wedding to give it a hint of | | | | the wedding cake is topped not by miniature figures |
| culture, whether it's set on the seaside or in a | | | | but by a tree! Newlyweds plant this tree when they |
| beautifully decorated ballroom. | | | | return home, its healthy growth considered an |
| * Consider a long walk down the aisle: Many | | | | indication of a successful marriage. |
| Caribbean islands include the tradition of the happy | | | | Though some of these items might not work for |
| couple walking through the town from their | | | | your wedding, taking on a few Caribbean traditions |
| respective homes to the church, whose bells are | | | | may be the perfect way to add a little flair to your |
| ringing out news of the occasion. The purpose of this | | | | ceremony. In fact, these traditions can help you plan |
| is to show off their new wedding attire. | | | | an unusual wedding, no matter whether you hold it in |
| * Dress like a local: The new wedding attire the bride | | | | the heart of the Caribbean or in your own backyard. |
| and groom show tends to be handmade. Outfits here | | | | |