The soft, melodic sounds of a steel pan band float across the room as guests mingle before dinner. Fragrant, tropical flowers abound in a room overlooking the water, their lush scent adding a delightful aroma of the tropics for all assembled. Whether you or your ancestors hail from any of the locales in the West Indies or you are a lover of all things island, deciding to create a wedding reception based on the celebrations of the Caribbean will definitely create a heady buzz among your invited guests!
What do you think of when you hear the word "Caribbean?" Does it invoke visions of crystal clear waters, brightly colored flowers, exotic fish, or balmy weather? Does your mind veer to the tempting, delicious cuisine that the region is known for? No matter what pops up, you can blend all of your ideas into an event that will have your guests talking for weeks to come! So how can you transport the look and feel of the islands to your particular location? Where will you find chefs and culinary staff who have the expertise to create these wonderful, taste-tempting delicacies? Who will you hire to provide the toe-tapping sounds of island music that will greet your guests and keep them entertained at your event? For the couple who wishes to incorporate the colors, tastes, and traditions of the islands into their wedding day, doing some research and homework will make the process much easier!
If you or your fiancé has familial roots in the cultures of the Caribbean, obtaining most of the information should not be a difficult task. Sit down and discuss your ideas with members of your family who come from the islands. Ask about various foods, beverages, and desserts that can be used to create a magnificent wedding feast. Find out if ingredients are readily available here or if you need to rely on an importer of specialty foods to get the items you require. Quiz your elders on the music and entertainment you can use to bring your reception to life. What songs and dances will put all assembled into a true island mood? Inquire as to what types of favors or small thank you gifts are appropriate to give to your guests. By involving your families and loved ones in the process of creating this joyous occasion, you create the ties that bind. And you ensure that your day will be heartily enjoyed and wonderfully remembered by those who love you most.
Choosing a location for your celebration can be based on a couple of factors. If your budget will allow it, why not fly to the islands with a few close family and friends and celebrate your new love in the true island tradition? Many resorts offer packages that are reasonable and can accommodate the party you have in mind. Most of them include all of the important trappings that come along with planning a wedding, and you'll have the advantage of having your party in one of the most beautiful locales on the earth. However, if you wish to host your event with a few hundred of your closest friends, perhaps a stateside reception would be a better choice! For a true tropical feel, investigate the possibility of having your event on a private beach or other waterfront property. If you don't live near the water, but still want to inject the tropics into your party, find a reception locale that can transform your idea into an exquisite event! Make sure the facility manager understands and will approve the necessary changes to the location and menus to ensure a smooth and well managed reception.
How do you transform a regular ballroom or banquet hall into the colorful world of the Caribbean? By using color, texture, music and RENTALS! Most reputable rental companies have the tools you will need to turn an ordinary room into an extraordinary sight to behold. Work with your rental agent and select light, airy linens that shimmer with tropical colors of lime, mango and fuchsia. Choose serving platters embellished with gaily patterned fish designs, bold floral etchings, or intricate basket weaves to highlight the island look you are trying to achieve. Order chairs such as Chivaris or bamboo, accented with coordinated seat pads for your guests' comfort. A good rental company can assist you with finding the proper tables, linen, and lighting that will make your reception a snap!
When you are selecting a floral designer to create the look you want, choose one that has a working knowledge of native tropic flora. Have them create designs that blend both exotic blooms and more traditional contemporary blossoms for a look that is both fresh and uniquely different. Use a simple garland of orchids and roses to highlight the bride and groom's chairs, the cake table, and entryways. Delicate votive candles enclosed in sparkling glass or crystal holders are a wonderful touch. Look for scented candles that will give just a hint of the island garden experience. Votives also make lovely favors for your guests to take home after the partying is complete!
Last but not least, find a chef who has the knowledge and ability to create the mouthwatering, divinely tempting cuisine the islands are famous for! If you have recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation, share them with the cook! Most professional chefs are more than happy to recreate the excellent foods that families share. Make sure the recipes are clearly written, with all ingredients and amounts spelled out. Additionally, ask the chef for a "taste test" to ensure the end results are to your liking. Here's a sample menu that is guaranteed to have your guests asking for seconds!
Conch Fritters served with a Hot Pepper Sauce
Three Leaf Lettuce Salad with Mango-Papaya Dressing
Spicy Jerk Chicken
Broiled Plantains
Peas N' Rice
Caribbean Black Cake
The traditional island wedding cake, a rich black cake baked with dried fruits and rum, is especially popular on the islands of Barbados, Grenada, and St. Lucia. It is considered a "pound" cake -- with the
recipe calling for flour, dark brown sugar, butter, glace cherries, raisins, prunes, currants, plus a dozen eggs and flavorings. The dried fruits are soaked in rum and kept in a crock anywhere from two weeks to six months.
Dance the night away to the lilting sounds of steel pan and reggae music and enjoy a wedding celebration that will transport you, body, mind, and soul, to the heart of the tropics!
See More: Destination Weddings