What are the traditional wedding customs in the Caribbean islands?

Caribbean wedding customs are rich and varied, as each island has its own heritage blending African, Indian, European and indigenous influences. Common elements include bright, colourful clothing for the couple and guests, steel pan or soca music, and a feast of local dishes like curry goat, rice and peas, and fried plantains. The wedding cake is often a dark fruit cake soaked in rum, sometimes aged for months, and served with a strong rum punch. A popular tradition is the money dance, where guests pin money onto the couple's clothing or place bills in a decorated bag or apron, to help them start their married life. Another custom is the cutting of the cake together, symbolising shared responsibility. Some couples jump over a broom, a tradition with African roots that symbolises sweeping away the old and welcoming the new. In the UK, these customs can be adapted to your venue and budget, and you can mix them with British wedding elements. For the legal side, remember that a religious ceremony alone is only legally binding in England and Wales if it happens in a registered building with an authorised person present. Many couples add a short civil ceremony to ensure the marriage is legal. For specific island traditions, ask older family members or your place of worship, as customs can vary widely.