What are some popular Caribbean dishes to include on a wedding menu?

Caribbean food is built around bold spices, slow cooking and fresh produce, so it works well for a wedding where you want guests to feel welcome and fed. You can serve a full sit-down meal or a relaxed buffet with plenty of sharing plates.

• Jerk chicken, pork or fish, marinated with allspice, Scotch bonnet and thyme, is a crowd-pleaser and often the star of the night.
• Curry goat or chicken with rice and peas, cooked with kidney beans and coconut milk, offers a rich, warming main option.
• Fried plantain, callaloo or fried dumplings make excellent sides and keep the menu satisfying for everyone.
• Coleslaw, potato salad or a fresh fruit salad cuts through the heat and adds colour.
• For dessert, consider rum cake, black cake, or fresh mango and passion fruit.

Many couples mix a few Caribbean favourites with dishes their guests already know, so nobody feels left out. If some of your guests have dietary needs, tell your caterer early and ask for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions of the main dishes. Food can also be a lovely way to honour heritage, so you might include a family recipe or a dish that reminds you of a holiday you shared. If you are planning a religious or civil ceremony first, remember that food rules vary by faith, so check with your place of worship or register office if you are unsure about what is served.