The Caribbean, as a location or as a theme, evokes images of immaculate white shores being lapped by the warm cobalt water of the ocean, while palm trees laden with coconuts sway sleepily overhead. Because of the dreamy, relaxed and somewhat romantic nature of this setting, a Caribbean theme is a great choice for wedding [...]

The Caribbean, as a location or as a theme, evokes images of immaculate white shores being lapped by the warm cobalt water of the ocean, while palm trees laden with coconuts sway sleepily overhead. Because of the dreamy, relaxed and somewhat romantic nature of this setting, a Caribbean theme is a great choice for wedding planners and engaged couples to consider.

Theme Colours
A Caribbean theme may go in several directions. It could focus on the island style of colours and décor, using sandy beiges, greens, browns, aquamarines and turquoises.  On the other hand, it could be centred on the Rastafarian colours, using green, yellow, red and black extensively. Alternatively, make use of tropical prints and colours (such as yellow, green, red, blue and hot pink florals). Both of these latter choices will give the wedding a fun, lively and memorable appeal to you and your guests.

Attire
Depending on whether you choose a Rasta theme, a tropical theme or a more relaxed island vibe, your attire will vary. An island theme enables the bride to wear a feminine, flowing dress, no shoes or flat sandals and hold natural, wild flowers. Add tiny palm fronds or shells to your headpiece. The groom and groomsmen can then don open-necked shirts, with summer suits or even knee-length shorts made from white or taupe linen.

If you prefer to go for a more outlandish Rasta theme, use the colours extensively in your outfits, coupled with knitted beanies, natural textiles, grass shoes, grass jewellery and dreadlocks (real or a wig).

Have fun with the outfits of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, who will likely enjoy a little more style freedom than you, as the couple, if you prefer to keep your look slightly more classic.

Décor
Include the following décor elements in the furnishing of your venue to create an authentic Caribbean look and feel:

• Coconut cups holding tasty cocktails
• Grass mats and placemats
• Bamboo torches lining the pathway into your venue, or surrounding your dance floor
• Shells as place setting tags or as an arrangement for the centrepiece (if you are able to get large enough shells, consider using them as plates)
• Frangipanis and palm fronds
• Umbrellas (both full size and cocktail size)
• Brightly coloured towels (perhaps used as tablecloths)
• Bongo drums
• Grass skirts
• Paper and / or tin lanterns

Food and Beverages
The food should be refreshing, but tasty and spicy too. Caribbean cooks tend to use fresh fruit and vegetables and make good use of the seafood so easily available to them. Chicken is another popular ingredient. Bananas, crab, steamed fish, limes, pineapples, mangos, and coconuts are sure to set the theme perfectly. Rum-based cocktails with splashes of coconut, pineapple and banana will be the ultimate hit.

Entertainment
Reggae, bongo drums, calypso bands and the Beach Boys will set the mood for a night of dancing, laughing, and celebrating.

Guest Favours
Leave a Caribbean-inspired memento for each friend and family member so that your day sticks out in their minds and hearts. Consider the following:

• Slip slops
• A straw hat
• A sarong
• Beaded jewellery
• Coconut cups
• A shell collection

Photo Courtesy of Kiss Wedding