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Tropical-Wedding-Reception Ideas
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Overview
Tropical-Wedding-Reception Ideas
A wedding in the tropics is a dream for almost any bride and groom, but even if the vows don't actually take place under tropical skies with balmy breezes, a reception set outdoors with a mix of tropical music, spicy food and colorful decor can come very close.
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Setting
A summer wedding affords the best opportunity to create a tropical setting outdoors. Wedding receptions in cities that are warm year-round make it even easier. But even if it's the dead of winter and the party stays indoors, potted palm trees, wicker seating and tiki torches will warm up the room. Bamboo-shaped cutlery and wooden dishes bring a touch of the islands to the banquet table. Rented parrots will fill the hall with the sounds of the rain forest.
A luau is just the thing for a beach reception. Luaus are less formal than indoor affairs. A bonfire is traditional, and plenty of orchids decorating the tables and the sand create the proper vibe.
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Food and Drink
Roast pig is a staple of tropical celebrations around the world. A Caribbean wedding reception may also include paella, plantains, conch salad and curried goat. For a luau, think pineapples, poi and fresh fish. Jamaican jerk chicken is another tropical reception staple. A bounty of tropical fruit makes a beautiful centerpiece.
Tropical-wedding-reception drinks almost always feature rum, the lifeblood of the islands. Rum punch is a combination of sweet tropical fruits and rum and is often served in a punch bowl, making for easy party dipping. Sangria is another punch bowl favorite and is made by mixing a variety of fruits with red or white wine. The Mai Tai is the preferred luau cocktail.
For nonalcoholic options, everyone looks tropical with a coco frio (coconut water, served in the shell) in hand. Children can fill their cups from their own fruit punch bowl, sans the demon rum.
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Music
Reggae music imparts a laid-back, easy feeling to any reception, while Brazilian samba or bossa nova evokes the sultry Amazon. For dancing, Caribbean wedding reception standbys include Buena Vista Social Club, Elvis Crespo or an assortment of mambo, salsa and meringue beats. For a laua or Hawaiian wedding reception, the Hawaiian Wedding Song, or Ke Kali Nei Au, is practically mandatory.
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Attire
Guests at a Hawaiian wedding reception can be encouraged to wear relaxed linens or Hawaiian shirts to add to the atmosphere, and each guest should be presented with a lei upon arrival.
The men in the wedding party may wear guayaberas, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. These shirts have fine pleating and embroidered details that let the wearer appear formal and casual at the same time--perfect for a tropical wedding.
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Party Favors
Engraved shells and palm-tree card holders are easy options, but favors that stimulate the memory of the tropical reception are better bets. A small bottle of rum, a tropical-scented lotion or lip balm, or a sampler of tropical candies are sensual alternatives.
