Jamaican traditions to make your destination wedding island-approved

Published on : April 5, 2024

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Jamaica is undeniably gorgeous with its beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls and vibrant energy that radiates throughout the island, but this tropical oasis isn’t just picturesque – it’s steeped in tradition that, when incorporated into your own destination wedding, will connect your nuptials with the island’s “One Love” culture. Discover some of our favourite wedding customs that are sure to help you get inspired when getting married in Jamaica.

Photo credit: LUXE Destination Weddings, Emani Photography

Like mother, like bride

Saying “yes” to that perfect dress is a momentous occasion, but in the land of springs, a bride’s garments represent so much more than a fashion statement. One can purchase their gown from a bridal shop, but it’s tradition that their dress, along with the bridesmaids’, is crafted by a local seamstress. Even more special, a piece of the bride’s mother’s wedding dress is sewn in to signify luck in matrimony. You can make this touching convention your own by looking for local vendors in your chosen destination who can help you realize your vision and are able to work within your wedding timeline, should it be a dress, suit or alternative attire that reflects your personal style.

Have your (rum) cake and eat it, too

Your love won’t be the only sweet thing served at your nuptials in paradise – Jamaica is well known for its rum and its incorporation into a wedding cake is no exception. The Jamaican black rum cake is an integral part of traditional Jamaican weddings; couples will often soak cinnamon, nutmeg and dried fruit in rum from the day of their engagement until its baked into the wedding cake, and it’s even carried in procession to the ceremony! If this delicious representation of love whets your appetite, your on-site destination wedding coordinator will work with local vendors and resort staff to ensure every detail of this dream comes to life.

Serve a time-honoured tradition

Of course, the most important part of your Jamaica destination wedding is the moment you and your soon-to-be partner commit to each other forever…but in this Caribbean culture, commemorating your union through the food served is a top consideration. A staple dish at a traditional wedding is curried goat, and the importance of this dish historically starts at the very beginning with the prospective couple selecting a goat from a local goat farmer, signifying trust and connection. Several all inclusive wedding venues in Jamaica offer goat as a culinary option but if your chosen resort doesn’t have this delicacy readily available, you can curate your wedding menu and honour the bond between you, your partner and your guests with the help of your resort’s wedding team.

Music is the language of love

The addition of Reggae music to your destination wedding will guarantee the rich, vibrant energy this beautiful island is known for. Consider walking down the aisle to the stylings of mento, a traditional folk genre that inspired reggae, before taking to the dancefloor with dancehall, reggaeton and rocksteady vibrating throughout the evening. For a mix of different musical stylings, your on-site wedding coordinator can help you book a local DJ, or if live music is a better reflection of your personality, hire a band to bring Jamaica’s authentic sounds to life. Turn your celebration of love into a celebration of local music and culture, and make your wedding your very own private concert.

You’re worth celebrating twice

In true Caribbean culture, the celebrations don’t stop at the ceremony. Typically on the Sunday following the wedding, friends and family gather at the home of the bride’s parents to observe Tun T’anks, or “Turn Thanks Day”. What makes this tradition a perfect addition to your destination wedding festivities isn’t just the surplus of food, desserts and merriment – it allows you and anyone who wasn’t able to attend your nuptials down south an opportunity to celebrate together back home! If you’re still in destination during this time, consider booking an excursion with your wedding party through NexusTours, then host a more elaborate gathering when you’ve returned to Canada.

This is only a snapshot of the historic traditions you can incorporate into your big day that make weddings in Jamaica so unique. To learn more about how you can make them your own, connect with the experts at Sunwing Weddings and find the all inclusive wedding package that suits your every need.