Often,the biggest draw of a destination wedding on the picturesque island of Bermuda is the setting itself, complete with blue skies, a balmy breeze, and the soft sound of ocean waves lapping at the shore. But incorporating local traditions into your special day can add a whole new dimension to your destination wedding ceremony.
As the jewel of the Sargasso Sea, Bermuda is one of the dreamiest places to celebrate your wedding.Although, it’s the charming Bermuda wedding traditions and romantic rituals that really set this location apart for brides and grooms looking to get married somewhere that they’ll remember forever.
So, what are some popular wedding traditions in Bermuda? Keep reading to find out!
Tie the Knot on a Thursday Afternoon
In the U.S., many couples get married at the weekend to avoid causing too many calendar clashes for their guests who have work and other commitments.Luckily, destination weddings offer you more freedom to plan a wedding on the day of your choice. After all, your family and friends in attendance are already on vacation with you!
As it turns out, the day of choice for traditional Bermuda weddings is a Thursday. In the past, the whole island used to close down at noon on Thursdays, and this gave people the chance to attend the weddings that took place that afternoon. While the island doesn’t close down like this anymore, marrying on a Thursday afternoon is a beautiful way to incorporate this love-affirming tradition into your special day.
Arrive in a Horse-Drawn Carriage
Pulling up to your venue in a horse-drawn carriage might seem like the stuff of wedding planning dreams. But in Bermuda, most local couples use this traditional form of transport to travel to and from their wedding ceremony.
With no rental cars on the island,doing as the local brides and grooms do is often the best way to arrive at your wedding in style.A horse-drawn carriage certainly adds a romantic old-world feel to the occasion, especially when you compare it to turning up to he ceremony on the back of a rental scooter or in an electric mini car!
Walk Through a Moon Gate
You’ll find the circular or horseshoe-shaped arches known as moon gates all over Bermuda. This is just as well since they’re part of one of the island’s most popular wedding traditions.
According to local legend,walking through a moon gate hand-in-hand and sealing your love with a kiss on your wedding day will assure that you share a long life together full of joy and prosperity. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that these photogenic limestone archways look great in photos and add an instant and authentic Bermuda twist to your wedding album!
Some locations with traditional moon gates for you to walk through include Queen Elizabeth Park,The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, and Palm Grove Gardens.
Celebrate with Two Wedding Cakes
Wedding desserts and cakes varya lot from country to country,but Bermudians go one step further by serving two cakes at their weddings – one cake for the bride and one cake for the groom. Like all the best wedding traditions in Bermuda, the two cakes symbolize a long and successful future for the married couple.
The bride’s cake is usually a fruitcake covered in either silver or white frosting and must have three tiers covered in silver leaves. This cake symbolizes a fruitful marriage full of purity and the growth of love between the couple. The groom’s version, in contrast, is a smaller, one-tier pound cake covered with either gold or white frosting. This cake signifies prosperity and wealth within the marriage.
Plant a Cedar Tree
While we’re on the subject of wedding cakes, it’s also traditional for couples in Bermuda to top their wedding cake with a tiny Bermuda cedar sprig. Then, to honor their special day, Bermudian newlyweds plant this sapling somewhere special on the island as a symbol of their growing love and life together.
Those living on the island can watch their tree throughout the years. But imagine coming back to Bermuda on your anniversary to find your wedding tree thriving! Or, you could always add a sprig of cedar to your wedding flowers and plant it in your backyard. This would then serve as an enduring reminder of your Bermuda wedding ceremony.
Serve Your Guests at a Low-Key Reception
What better way to bring the laid back spirit of Bermuda to your wedding day than with a low-key wedding reception in the local style? Most Bermudians hold their wedding reception in their own homes or at the home of a friend or family member. Depending on how many wedding guests you have and where you’re staying, you might want to follow their lead by holding an intimate gathering in your destination wedding home rental.
But, wherever you choose to hold your wedding reception,it’s also traditional for the bride and groom to serve their guests. Yes, it might be a little unusual. But it’s also an excellent opportunity for you to greet your guests, thank them for attending, and set up a quick candid shot for the wedding album.
Your Guide to Bermuda Wedding Traditions
As this guide shows,many Bermuda wedding traditions are touching and romantic.
Of course, it’s up to you whether you want to include these traditions in your ceremony or not. But,understanding more about the culture of your wedding’s location can be an inspiring starting point.
Any doubts, questions, or queries about planning a wedding? Be sure to contact us for all the best wedding planning inspiration, advice, and tools.
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