No Caribbean celebration is complete without the irresistible aroma of traditional dishes filling the air—and weddings are no exception. Food is a centerpiece of the experience, bringing people together in joy, laughter, and full bellies.
Whether you’re planning an intimate beach ceremony or a lively village gathering, here’s a taste of what you’ll typically find on the menu at a Caribbean wedding:
Caribbean Classics
- Curried Goat & White Rice: Tender, slow-cooked goat in rich curry sauce, often served over fluffy white rice. A must-have at almost every celebration.
- Jerk Pork & Jerk Chicken: Seasoned with fiery spices and slow-grilled to perfection. These signature Jamaican dishes bring bold flavor and smoky heat.
- Fried Plantain: Sweet and caramelized or crispy and golden, plantains add the perfect contrast to the savory plates.
- Goat Head Soup with Mannish Water: This spicy, flavorful soup is affectionately known as “Caribbean Viagra.” Traditionally served to invigorate guests and maybe even fire up the groom!
- Rice & Peas: Not just a side dish—this staple, often made with kidney beans and coconut milk, is beloved across the region.
Raise a Glass
- Rum Punch: A tropical favorite that combines fruit juices, spices, and of course, Caribbean rum. Refreshing and deceptively strong.
- Champagne: No wedding toast is complete without it. Guests raise their glasses to the couple’s happiness and lasting love.
Sweet Traditions
- Black Cake with Hard Icing: The iconic Caribbean wedding cake. Made from fruits soaked for months in rum and wine, this dense, rich cake is topped with a sweet layer of royal icing.
- Coconut Cake: Light, moist, and packed with island flavor, often served alongside other desserts.
- Puddings: No shortage of options here—cornmeal, sweet potato, and cassava puddings are all traditional choices that reflect the agricultural roots of the islands.
Fruitful Offerings
Fruits are abundant throughout the Caribbean and serve many roles on the wedding table. They’re blended into juices and cocktails, incorporated into savory dishes, served fresh, or stewed with spices. From mangoes and pineapples to guava, papaya, and soursop—fruits bring color, sweetness, and tropical flair to every celebration.
