Many of the Caribbean islands have their own unique and interesting traditions when it comes to weddings, many dating back hundreds of years.

Bermuda – A tiny cedar tree in a pot is used as a cake topper. Later, the couple plants the tree so that it will grow along with their love.

Jamaica – Slices of dark fruitcake, laced with rum, are mailed or delivered to friends and relatives who were unable to attend.

French West Indies – Wedding receptions of the French West Indies are likely to feature curried goat and white rice. A traditional rum-flavored wedding cake is hidden from guests with a fine white table cloth. Wedding guests must pay for a lucky peek.

Netherland Antilles – 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.

Cuba – Cuban wedding receptions are famous for their festivities. There is almost always lively music and dancing at a Cuban marriage celebration. Wedding guests partake in the traditional money dance, where each man who dances with the new bride must pin money to her dress, to help the newlyweds with their honeymoon expenses. Along with receiving wedding presents, it is customary for the Cuban bride and groom to give each guest a favor, to remind them of this joyous occasion.

Other Islands – A rich black cake baked with dried fruits and rum is especially popular on the islands of Barbados, Grenada and St. Lucia. The recipe, handed down from mother to daughter, is embellished by each. It is considered a “pound” cake- with the recipe calling for a pound each of 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.