BermudaWedding Traditions

Traditions

Wedding Getaway in the Bermuda IslandsWedding Getaway in the Bermuda Islands

Bermuda, the diamond in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is full of beautiful colors with its pastel-colored homes and crystal blue waters, friendly locals and lots of traditions. Imagine…the cool breeze blowing the lush palms and floral creating a relaxing natural song; the stunning and picturesque beaches with its soft sands and unique landscapes; the sound and scenery of the ocean gently rolling into shore while you marry the love of your life.

No stress, just your close friends and family in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, witnessing your joyous occasion You pack your bags, and the rings, and we will provide you with a few wedding traditions that we have for the bride and groom and a few “wives tales” but we still take them to heart.

Bermudians don’t do ordinary. There’s always a special touch that makes every person, place, and thing on the island just a little different. When it comes to weddings, you’ll see this way of doing things expressed in certain traditions found only on these magical, pink-sand shores.

Bermuda Moongate

According to local legend, the round or horseshoe-shaped arches found in gardens all over the island will assure a long and happy life together. Walk through one of these photogenic limestone archways holding hands, make a wish, seal it with a kiss, and look forward to a joyful and prosperous future.

 

Planning

Horse-drawn carriage rideHorse-drawn carriage ride

With no car to hire (rental car or limo) on the island, brides and grooms often follow the example of local couples who travel to and from their weddings by horse-drawn carriage. If you're looking for an old-world feel or an extra romantic touch, a carriage ride sets the mood perfectly.

Planting a Cedar Tree

To honor their special day, Bermudian newlyweds plant a cedar tree as a symbol of their growing life together. Often, the wedding cakes themselves are adorned with tiny cedar saplings that the couple may plant somewhere special on the island to represent their union. Imagine coming back to the island on your anniversary to find your tree growing and thriving!

Wedding Day

The entire island of Bermuda use to close at noon every Thursday and all the weddings usually took place on then, where people work just half a day and make time to go to the wedding. People still get married on a Thursday, but Bermuda doesn’t shut down at noon anymore!

Wedding Reception

The receptions are held at the house of the couple and the families get together to make sandwiches and cake to serve to the wedding guests. The bridesmaids and groomsmen serve the wedding guests.

Bridal Party

Unlike the usual wedding ceremony, the Bermudian wedding tradition incorporates married couples or singles who gather at the dais instead of your typical bridesmaids and groomsmen. This was, however, a tradition in the past; things have changed pretty much through the years.

Checklists

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Tips

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Dresses

Coming Soon

Cakes

Traditionally, Bermudians serve two cakes at their weddings: one for the bride and one for the groom. The bride's three-tiered fruitcake is covered in silver icing to symbolize their fruitful marriage, while the groom's single-tier pound cake with gold icing signifies prosperity. Check out the island's wedding vendors or ask your wedding consultant for bakery recommendations.

 

Resources and References

Yolanda P. Furbert, Dip EP (Inst.EP), CWP™, AWP™, CTA

Creative Director & Principal Consultant

Website: www.ththbda.com

Certified Sandals Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist

Warwick | WK BX | Bermuda

Wedding Details would like to extend a big "thank you" to Yolanda P. Furbert for contributing this delightful piece on Bermuda!