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.

Why Choose The Caribbean Island Of Puerto Rico For Your Destination Wedding?

Why Choose The Caribbean Island Of Puerto
Rico For Your Destination Wedding?

Puerto Rico Offers an Inclusive Caribbean Island Experience
Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise for all types of travel. Puerto Rico’s 272 miles of pristine beach coast make it a top wedding destination in the Caribbean. Its exotic beaches, diverse sites and spectacular settings make Puerto Rico the perfect host for your Caribbean wedding since it provides activities for all your guests, from the leisure sunbathers, to the nature lovers and adventure travelers. The island offers, among other things:
• Miles of sandy white beaches, cavernous cliffs and forests for hiking, horseback riding, and other activities
• More than twenty championship golf courses
• Unique coral reefs, caves, sea walls, and trenches, for scuba diving and snorkeling
• Best conditions for surfing and wave-sailing sports
• Old San Juan, a unique and charming colonial settlement and the oldest city under the United States’ flag
• El Yunque, the only rainforest in the US National Park System
• Guanica Dry Forest, an unusual tropical forest inhabited by many types of plants and animals unique to Puerto Rico
• Rio Camuy Cave Park, the third-largest cave system in the world
• Three of the six bioluminescent bays in the world

Travel to Puerto Rico is Convenient – No Passport necessary for American Citizens
While it’s rich history, unique culture and beauty make it feel like a world away;
• Puerto Rico is part of the USA; therefore traveling to the island is for all purposes like traveling to or within the continental United States. No visas, passports or immunizations are necessary for United States & Canadian citizens visiting Puerto Rico. Aliens not traveling from the continental United States are required to have a valid passport and an appropriate U.S. visa.
• Puerto Rico offers convenient access with several direct flights daily from many U.S. cities
• The currency In Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar

Puerto Rico provides a Cultural Experience Right Next Door
Puerto Rico is blessed historically, culturally and aesthetically. With over 500 years of African, Taino, and Spanish heritage, the island maintains a characteristically Latin personality. Puerto Rico is an interesting mix of tropical island life and developed infrastructure. Puerto Ricans take pride in the purity of their island, and even in the overdeveloped capital of San Juan, the beaches are unspoiled.
Puerto Rico is a small tropical volcanic island, 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, but is a continent of its own. The island is divided into three main geographic regions: 1) golden coast plains; 2) a mountainous interior which rises to more than 3,000 feet above sea level and hosts breathtaking ocean and green mountain views; 3) and a northern plateau, home of interesting caves, rocky landscapes and also home to El Yunque, the only rainforest in the United States National Park System.
The capital, San Juan, is filled with sightseeing attractions, top-rated resorts, excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife and luring casinos. Visitors are often especially attracted to Old San Juan. Its Spanish colonial architecture, history-filled cobblestone streets, and outdoor cafes, restaurants and shops maintain a quaint European feel. Outside the San Juan area lays the best hidden Puerto Rican secret. Small towns, quiet seaside restaurants and deserted golden beaches are reflective of Puerto Rico’s Spanish Mediterranean heritage.
Puerto Rico Climate – The Endless Summer
Puerto Rico’s climate is pleasant year round. Although summer highs can hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures typically range from 77-90 degrees, depending on the time of year and the coastal winds. Rainy season is May through November and the average annual rainfall is 62 inches. Although Puerto Rico is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes from June to November, only five major hurricanes have hit the island in the last 50 years, all of them in the months of August and September.

Wedding Flowers Tips

Flowers

The Bridal bouquet should complement the bridal gown. The Bridesmaids bouquets should coordinate with the dresses worn by the bridesmaids.
The groom traditionally pays for the bridal bouquet, all the boutonnieres (except his own), the corsages and the rehearsal dinner flowers. The Bride’s bouquet is traditionally made of white flowers such as stephanotis, orchids, roses, lilies of the valley, gardenias, carnations, or sweet peas. Included are fillers like baby’s breath, ferns or ivy for greenery. The traditional bouquet should be carried low so as not to hide the details of your dress. The groom’s boutonniere should be different from the groomsmen’s. You should arrange to have a toss away bouquet made for the bouquet tossing and make arrangements to have your bouquet preserved. The meaning of flowers:

Rose - Love

White Daisy - Purity

Gardenia - Joy

Orchard - Beauty

Carnation - Distinction

Blue Violet - Constancy

Forget Me Not - True Love

Red Chrysanthemum - Sharing

Lily of the Valley - Happiness

White Lilac - Youthful Innocence



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Puerto Rico Traditional Wedding

The wedding party is organized at the bride's house. Lights are strung to make it more bright and attractive.

The bride and the groom flaunt traditional costumes and traditional food is served at Puerto Rico weddings.

The bride and the groom are offered a traditional drink called café con leche using coconut cups.

The wedding cake gets decorated with sea shells and pine apple motifs.
At the reception the bride and groom cut off the capias from the bouquet and pin them on the guests.

The capias includes 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.

The bride's bouquet is made up with beautiful flowers specially the traditional flower amapola.

The bouquet usually includes a fan which is a part of the traditional Puerto Rican wedding attire.

The bridesmaid carry amapola, fan to the wedding which symbolize good luck.

During the ceremony a soft music is played to make the ambience romantic and cozy.

While the priest performs the traditional Puerto Rican wedding he blesses a plate of coins and offers it to the groom.

After exchanging the wedding vows the groom gives the plate of coins to his bride which she treasures as a part of wedding gift from her husband.

The gifts of coins signify good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds.

At the traditional Puerto Rican wedding it is mandatory to place a doll dressed identical to the bride at the head of the main table. This bride doll is covered with charms and is offered to the guests.

Following this a feast is organized along with traditional Puerto Rican music and dance.

A Puerto Rican traditional wedding is a happy and joyful event.

Travour.com describes and provides information on the wedding traditions of Puerto Rico and around the world.