Jamaica

Night Before the Wedding

The mother of the bride prepares a relaxing ‘bush tea’ made out of locally grown lemon grass and lavender for the bride. The bride’s mother then hosts all women of marriageable age to an evening of laughter, where the married women tell risqué stories about their wedding night!

At the best man’s home, the groom and male villagers play dominoes and drink rum.

Wedding Day

Whilst the bride is getting ready, unmarried women sing humorous and tongue in cheek songs bemoaning the bride’s soon to be married status, and removal from their group.

Jamaican weddings are colourful and jovial all-day affairs. The marriage ceremony itself is typically Christian and held in the village church. After the ceremony, guests are provided with “mannish water” (a goat broth) before a lavish buffet meal. Following the meal, attention shifts to the dance-floor where first a mento band, then a DJ give attendees (usually the whole village!) the chance to showcase the latest dance moves, hairstyles and fashions! The bride and groom often leave their wedding by 1am, but the ‘afterparty’ often continues until well into the morning, with a breakfast of Ackee and Saltfish – Jamaica’s national dish – sometimes being served!