Cuban Wedding 

Weddings present a chance for the showcasing of opulence, love and unity first as couples and the whole community that comes together. People from different backgrounds with a common factor of care, concern and respect for the wedding couple unite to see them exchanging their vows. The diversity of weddings around the world is what makes them unique and special. Regardless of the apparent differences between how diverse cultures, traditions and races around the globe plan and execute their weddings, the goal of such celebrations is the same everywhere.

In any set up around the world, people uphold weddings as among the most critical social and community occasion. Elaborate planning for the event starts way earlier, some months to even years before the scheduled marriage celebration. Families and friends come together to focus on making the day a success for the wedding couple.

Everyone aspires for their wedding to be unique and remarkable, something that they and their guests will not forget that easily. The need for uniqueness and creation of special moments pushes people to look for and chose an exotic, spectacular and authentic wedding plan. If you are searching for a wedding idea that is thrilling, easy to execute and with a rich history of traditions and customs, then a wedding, the Cuban style is the way to go.

Cuban traditions and culture have had significant influence from Latino America, and there are a lot of similarities with the United States. A majority of the population in Cuba profess the Christian faith, with many angling towards Catholicism and Santeria. Religion plays a significant part in how the masses plan and execute their weddings, albeit with a rich mixture of existing traditions and customs.

Cuban Wedding Traditions

Cuba is in itself, a top wedding destination in the world, owing to its enchanting tropical beauty topped with warm climatic conditions and cascading glamourous landscape. The wedding ceremonies in the country are always a significant undertaking and involves many people. Traditionally, a girl between the ages of fourteen and seventeen are married off while men between seventeen and eighteen years. In the current setup and with the influence of modernity and Christianity, people plan for their marriages when they are economically ready to start a family. The grandeur and splash of opulence that occasioned weddings in the days' yonder are no more, with the current wedding setup in Cuba being a simple event.

A home in the Cuban customs is an essential commodity, and are passed from generation to the next. Marriage allows the newlyweds to move into the groom's family home and start their lives anew.

One of the most vibrant traditions is strong knit family and friendship ties, that plays a massive role in one who would wish to marry. It is common practice for the bride and groom to drive to the wedding venue in a convertible or walk to the site with crowds cheering them on as they walk past.

As stated earlier, a majority of the Cuban population are Christians, and religion has a significant influence on how people conduct their weddings. Many of the wedding processions take place in churches, while others prefer the outdoor spaces that include gardens or at the beach.

The Wedding Dress Code

The Cuban bride, is, on many occasions, expected to be pure, which means a virgin. White floral wedding dresses are traditionally reserved for brides during the wedding ceremonies. The bride’s wedding dress is made out of super luxurious materials like silk and satin, making it as extravagant and gorgeous as it can get. The groom is expected to wear an official suit with matching shoes, although ties are optional.

Customs also dictate that the guests to the wedding should ensure they are smartly dressed, and it is common practice to seem them colourfully dressed during the nuptials.

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding event is usually pre-selected and arranged specially for the wedding procession. Creative and standout designs are put in place at the venue for weddings. The guests, which in many occasions is between 50-100 people, are usually seated way before the bride and groom graces the event.  Once the bride and groom are at the wedding venue, the ceremony can officially begin, and in many instances, presided by a priest or a church official.

After exchanging their vows before officiating person, friends and family, the bride and groom are declared man and wife and step into the marriage life. Most of the weddings in Cuba take place in the evening hours.

Wedding Reception

Just like many other places in the world, the wedding ceremony in Cuba is closely followed by a wedding reception which takes place late in the evening. The reception usually takes place in a selected hotel, gardens or restaurants.

The wedding reception involves merrymaking, with local music filling the air as the guest dance and have fun. The songs usually have a Latin connotation, including live bands, invited music artists, and playing of drums and the guitar. Some of the greatest Latin dance weddings songs currently hitting the airwaves in Cuba include;

• Suavemette by Elvis Crespo
• Despacito
• Danza kuduro
• La Chona
• La Vida Es Un Carnaval
• Mesa Que Mas Aplauda
• Vivir Mi Vida

The wedding reception also involves the bride’s and groom’s parents present the newlyweds with gifts, and the bigger, the better. The typical gifts home valuables for the couple to start their lives. The other guest for the event can also share their gifts with the newlyweds to start them on their marriage journey.

The guest indulges in the Latino cuisine at the wedding reception, that includes salads, plenty of seafood, meat among many other exquisites’ meals. People also enjoy a variety of beverages that are on offer and the parties usually take place deep into the night, or even till dawn.

Cuban weddings have an exquisite touch, a mixture of rich customs and traditions that have been around for ages. If you are looking for the ultimate wedding plan, then the Cuban wedding is a perfect choice.