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Christmas Caribbean Weddings
Above: Wedding
photo courtesy Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, USVI
No need to “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”
on your wedding day because, in the Caribbean, “the weather is so
delightful” around the holiday season. Christmas means the peak season
for the islands, a time that’s perfect for a wedding.
If you’re considering a Christmas wedding in the Caribbean, keep
in mind:
This season has the best weather and also the highest demand. This means
the highest prices of the year, too.
Higher demand also means that some properties will book up early.
Christmas holidays generally mean more traveling families, perfect if
you’re bringing along a wedding party that includes kids, no so perfect
if you’re looking for a little quiet time at the pool (unless you’re
at an adults only or couples only resort).
Although you won’t find snow in the Caribbean, the islands celebrate
Christmas with their own special traditions, ones that can be wonderfully
woven into your wedding celebrations.
Food
The traditional Christmas drink in the islands is sorrel,
a red drink made of hibiscus (and usually spiked with, of course, island
rum). It’s not served much in the resorts but dine in a real local
restaurant and you might be lucky enough to have some; we’ve enjoyed
it in local homes during the Christmas season. (How can you get an invite
to a local Jamaican home? Check out the Meet
the People program.)
To have an authentic Caribbean wedding cake, order a “black cake,”
a heavy fruitcake that’s dark with molasses and rich with rum-soaked
fruits.
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| Above:
Jamaica's Sandals Grande celebrates the season. |
Flowers & Decor
Poinsettias will be in bloom during the holidays…not the potted variety
but full, blooming bushes of poinsettias in some locations! Bougainvillea
and other tropical blooms will also provide a colorful backdrop for your
wedding pictures.
Some islands have their own special Christmas decorations as well as the
ones you’re accustomed to seeing. In the US Virgin Islands, the stalks
of the tall “century plants” or agaves are cut, stuck in a planter
filled with rocks, and decorated as wonderfully unique island Christmas
tree.
In the Cayman Islands, the lawns of homes are covered in beach sand…producing
an island version of the “white Christmas.”
You’ll also find traditional Christmas decorations at almost all
Caribbean resorts. Fully-decorated Christmas trees grace the lobby of
most properties.
Dress
Plan on warm evenings in the Caribbean during your Christmas wedding—no
need to bundle up here! The winter season is slightly cooler than summer,
though, so a light wrap for evening is often nice, especially if you’ll
be dining outdoors (and, with this great weather, you will!)
Activities
Most resorts plan a full menu of Christmas activities including special
evening entertainment and a special Christmas meal.
Government Offices
One item to remember: just like home, government offices
will be closed on Christmas. Talk with your wedding coordinator to make
sure you obtain your license before offices close down for the holidays.
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