Haitian Wedding

Sister Yadlee and me after the ceremony.

I went to my third Haitian wedding on Saturday. Every one that I have attended has been different, so I have yet to fully understand what a traditional Haitian wedding is like. I guess they are all different, depending on the couple, much like in Canada. I do have a few observations though.

Haitian brides look either bored or terrified during the ceremony – it seems like they would rather be anywhere else but at their own wedding.

There must be at least one choir at every wedding.

People dress up in their finest clothes – the shinier the better.

Bride and Groom during the ceremony.

There must be at least one Celine Dion song played during the ceremony – in French or English. Yesterday they played “All By Myself” – which I found a bit funny, since it was a wedding. But of course, no one else clued into that – it was a Celine Dion song and it had a nice melody!

The photographer will do anything to get a good shot of the couple – meaning they will stand at the front, blocking everyone else’s view during most of the ceremony.

The bride, groom, and their attendants get to sit in fancy chairs on the platform for the ceremony. They only stand up when it’s time to say the vows and exchange rings.

Weddings are usually in French – to show that you are intellectual – even though many of the guests aren’t able to speak French.

Haitians don’t like to linger at the reception – they eat their food and get out! I think it mostly has to do with the fact that its getting dark by that time and many people will have to walk or take public transport to get home.

Tampico is the drink of choice for any festive occasion.