If you’re looking to add a blend of faith, music, and heartfelt rituals to your wedding, the Dominican Republic is bursting with possibilities. You see, in the Dominican Republic, weddings are more than just ceremonies; they are long, beloved celebrations full of love, family, and friendship. The Dominican Republic is not only one of the most beautiful tropical destinations in the world; it is a wedding paradise that incorporates vibrant customs and warm meanings to your big day.
Let’s explore the beautiful traditions that make Dominican weddings so special and ways that may inspire you to sprinkle these traditions into your celebration.
What Makes a Traditional Dominican Wedding Unique?
A Dominican Republic wedding often begins with a formal Catholic Church ceremony and ends with joyful, music-filled receptions. It’s all about faith, family, and festivity, and if anyone knows how to party, it’s the locals!
Another layer of Dominican magic is the gorgeous beaches, stunning sunsets, and beauty as far as you can see. Imagine exchanging vows on a sun-filled beach, with palm trees swaying in the breeze and turquoise waters in the background. What a way to set the stage for an unforgettable, romantic moment of a lifetime.
This is a destination that offers a gorgeous, joyful, and blessed experience. Share your love story, start your new life together, and say “I do” to a traditional Dominican wedding.
Dominican Wedding Traditions You’ll Love
Blend your favorite heartfelt Dominican Republic traditions into your ceremony and reception. Invite your closest friends and family to an extended vacation that includes unique wedding gifting customs before the big day, romantic rituals including the exchange of the arrays (unity coins), and emotional storytelling during the ceremony.
After you exchange vows, get swept away to a vibrant reception filled with traditional music and dance. Discover which ritual fits perfectly into your dream wedding.
Wedding Parties: Celebrating with Everyone
If you like to party the night away, then you will enjoy the Dominican wedding reception tradition. They are bigger than life, fun-filled with love and honor the most important relationships in your life.
This is a very special time, a common ritual where couples often honor their godparents, padrinos and madrinas, who have played an emotional and spiritual role in their lives. This is a beautiful way to deepen your relationship and show them how important they are to you.
Giving Gifts a Day in Advance: A Unique Dominican Custom
One of the more touching Dominican wedding traditions is giving gifts one day before the wedding ceremony. Instead of opening gifts at the reception or back at home, guests personally present the gifts to the couple, making it more intimate and special.
You can recreate this moment during a welcome dinner or gift-giving gathering to spend special, heartfelt moments with your guests before the busy wedding day.
Arras: Dominican Wedding Unity Coins
Another romantic, age-old tradition that happens during the wedding is the arras ceremony. The groom presents his bride with 13 gold coins, symbolizing his commitment to her. The coins represent prosperity, unity, and trust and the bride accepts this gift, symbolizing their shared future together.
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Ceremonia Contada: The Heartfelt Ceremony
One of the most personal and meaningful Dominican Republic wedding traditions is the ceremony contada, “told ceremony.” This is an extra special moment when the couple’s love story is shared with guests, adding an authentic and emotional touch to the day. Your story can be incorporated into your vows or shared by a close friend or loved one.
Church Weddings: Honoring Faith and Family
Catholic Church weddings are common in the Dominican Republic and are the foundation of the wedding day. This includes sacred rituals such as scripture readings, blessings, and unity candles. You can honor this tradition by getting married in your resort’s charming chapel or adapt elements of a church service into a beachfront ceremony.
Dominican Wedding Receptions: Let The Party Begin
Dominican wedding receptions are legendary. It’s all about dancing, singing, laughing, loving, and celebrating the night away. Receptions are all about community joy, with plenty of special moments for toasting, storytelling, and making memories. It’s also about the delicious regional food and drinks that are full of flavor.
Traditional Dominican Wedding Food & Drinks
Dominican Republic’s food isn’t just flavorful, it’s filled with love, hospitality, and sharing the experience with others. Wedding receptions are famous for abundant comfort foods made fresh with tropical ingredients and bold Caribbean flavors. Celebrate with dishes like Pollo Guisado, Pernill, Tostones, Flan, and Dulce de Coco. Serve your guests buffet or family-style for a truly authentic community experience.
Merengue and Hora Loca: The Ultimate Party Vibe
It wouldn’t be a Dominican celebration without dancing the night away. Traditional dances like the energetic Merengue will get everyone on their feet. Consider hiring an authentic band and dance instructor to set the mood.
Another fun, energizing tradition is the Hora Loco, “the Crazy Hour”, a surprise late-night energy explosion. Dancers dressed in costumes and carrying glow sticks, confetti cannons, and LED lights shake up the crowd.
In The End, It’s All About You
Dominican Republic weddings are full of breathtaking scenery, rich traditions, romantic moments, and lively receptions. Make sure that your special day reflects your unique love story and personality. Select customs that speak to your heart and fill you with joy. The most important part of your wedding is celebrating your love for one another and adding traditions that move you.
Plan The Perfect Traditional Dominican Wedding in Paradise
Ready to say “I do” in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world? A traditional Dominican wedding is full of traditions, rituals, and colorful wonders. Breathtaking beaches, all inclusive luxury resorts, and authentic traditions will make your wedding a treasure to remember.
Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are ready to make your special day meaningful, magical, and a romantic dream come true. We are here to help you incorporate any of the traditional Dominican wedding elements that might have inspired you.
Start planning today! Fill out our online wedding planning form and let’s create your unforgettable Dominican wedding.
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