TRADITIONAL PUERTORRICAN WEDDING (OUR CULTURE)

Except for capias

and bride dolls, there are no unusual wedding traditions. But you can always give your wedding a Puerto Rican flavor. When you think of things Puerto Rican you think of; coquí, orchids, tropics, palm trees, seashells, Taínos, guitars, coconuts, rum, pig roast, and amapolas. You can use things in the wedding and party that remind us of our Enchanted Island. The wedding party could be held in the bride's parent’s house and yard area. That is traditional because long ago there were no ballrooms for rent. Lights were strung on the trees outside to light the yard for the party - I am talking about strings of large bulbs. If it is impossible to have it there finds a party room that has a yard that you can use. Wealthy families would serve a large banquet, jibaritos served a rotisserie roasted pig. That sounds like an unforgettable event - doesn't it? Serve all Puerto Rican foods and desserts. Make the wedding cake coconut, rum, or pineapple flavored. Cake decorations may include seashells, pineapple motifs, etc.

The wedding "brindis" used to be made using coconut cups because there were no fancy glass goblets. The bride and groom may drink a traditional café con leche (espresso) using coconut cups - done more like a ritual and photo opportunity.

I've seen websites selling these coconut cups - some of them are really nice. A traditional brindis may also be included. Capias for all the guests. The capias were attached to ribbons that hung from the bridal bouquet. At the reception the bride and groom cut off the capias from the bouquet and pin them on the guests. This is a great way for the bride and groom to make contact with each guest. The capias had a piece of “abeto” fern (spiny fern used in weddings) attached to the capia (about 5 inches of fern), and the capia sat in the middle of the fern. The fern lasts a long time. The capias include a piece of folded narrow ribbon printed with the bride and groom’s names on one end, and the date of the wedding on the other. This ribbon can be ordered at bridal shops. The bride's bouquet was made using wild flowers of Puerto Rico – mostly amapolas, but also Mimosas flowers, and margaritas (include local greenery and abeto). Puerto Rico has over 50 native orchid species. Use orchids. The bouquet may include a fan - in Puerto Rico fans were a traditional part of a woman's attire. Wealthy women had fans in different colors to match their clothing. There is a long and detailed history of fans - too long to go into now. Bridesmaids may carry a fan and an amapola (maybe a silk amapola) - the flor maga, which is similar to an amapola, is the official flower of Puerto Rico.

During the ceremony - in very low volume - play a tape of coquí sounds - that would be most romantic. The Doll - At the traditional Puerto Rican reception it is customary for a doll, dressed similar to the bride, to be placed at the head of the main table. The doll can be a Barbie or a larger doll. She wears a wedding dress to match the bride's. The bride and groom may choose a danza criolla, a Puerto Rican waltz. La Borinqueña is a waltz. There are many, many beautiful Puerto Rican orchestra pieces for ballroom dancing. If you are interested in the Taíno culture use strings of seashell jewelry for the bridal party and to decorate the table. Centerpieces could reflect our Taíno heritage using petroglyphs somehow. Use lots of candles too. Centerpieces - make small palm trees using “abeto” ferns for centerpieces and decorate with seashells. If you can afford it, hire a local Puerto Rican folk dance group to entertain during dinner. Of course - play Puerto Rican music. Flowers were used to decorate the church, house, and the yard. Again these were flowers that grew wild including amapolas, margaritas and Mimosa flowers as well as local greenery and palm branches. Select a wedding invitation with a tropical theme like ferns, palm trees, or sea shells. Select matching napkins.

If you need napkin rings they can be made using elastic and have a sea shell on top with some ferns. The napkin rings are those rings that hold the silverware that has been rolled on a napkin. ... Honeymoon – a Caribbean Cruise, of course.

Experience the Differences About EnhancEvents, LLC

Why do you publish your prices when other planners don’t?
We believe that from the very beginning of our relationship we will be honest and straight-forward with our clients. By informing you of the fees of our exceptional service up front, we can spend more time during our consultation getting to know you, and you getting to know us, while discussing the vision for your perfect day.
What does “Starting At...” package pricing mean?
Our pricing is based on guest size and your event logistics. All of our wedding packages include a minimum of one Event Planner and one Event Assistant on the day of your event. Larger guest counts and larger event productions dictate more Event Assistants in order to give you our signature service. When we meet during our complimentary consultation, we will provide a custom quote for your one-of-a-kind celebration.

I’ve seen other planners on the internet that charge a few hundred dollars for their service. Also, there are so many planners in the North East area. What is the difference between you and them?
o While we certainly love and have a passion for what we do, this is not a hobby or side-job for us. Wedding & Event Planning is our full-time job.
o We are active members of the Association of Bridal Consultants and are constantly attending seminars, national and international conferences and continuing education to provide our clients with the latest industry trends and style.
o We have established relationships with our preferred vendors who pass on great service and exclusive specials to our clients. Our policy is to not accept any “kick-backs” or returns from our vendor relationships.
o We carry a $1,000,000 insurance liability policy and have a Tennessee business license.
o We are members of NAPW (National Association of Professional Women), an elite group who are fastest growing women organization that supports small business.
o We were voted by real brides for 2010 A-List in North East Weddings in the following categories: Best Wedding Coordination, Best Event Design and Best North East Wedding Blog.
o With EnhancEvents, LLC, we are a team of planners, designers and production assistants. We work together with our combined talents to produce a truly unique and special occasion.