Tropical Wedding Reception Ideas?

My fiance is from the Caribbean and I would like to have a tropical theme for our reception. Does anyone have any ideas on what I could use for centerpieces or other decorations?
Posted by Cheri; updated 02/03/02

Reply

Put gold fish with colored marbles in the bottom. You can also have beach balls for favors. You can get these personalized. Hope this helps!
Posted by Jennifer; updated 02/13/02

Reply

Hi,

I used this site for my wedding and they provided excellent service:

Http://www.partyinnovationsonline.com

Good Luck!
Posted by Denise; updated 02/17/02

Reply

I`m doing a beach theme. Hopefully some of these ideas will help. For some of the tables we`re doing something with seashells. You can get them really cheap at www.shellhorizons.com. Either do a clear bowl with seashells surrounding a candle or do a conch shell with your flowers in it. Also you could do something with coconut halves by filling them with shells. On some of our tables we`re using bright colored straw hats. And on others we`re spray painting wine bottles with "sand" paint and filling them with tropical flowers(silk) and these palm-looking leaves.
Posted by Michelle; updated 02/17/02

Reply

Also, I`ve gotten colored fish nets that I`m going to put starfish on to hang on things for decoration. I`m also going to put the fish nets on some of the tables.
Posted by Michelle; updated 02/17/02

Reply

Hi, I am getting married in florida without our families and having reception/video of marriage in july. Our friends are also having a beach theme and I don`t want to copy their ideas. They are going overboard with the theme and I would like a little of florida at our reception. Does anyone have ideas for my reception, simple yet not thought of?
Posted by Karrie; updated 04/12/03

Reply

For wedding favors, maybe wrap gold fish crakers in blue tuffle?
Posted by Kari; updated 04/13/03

Reply

For a tropical wedding, I am having hawaiian vests made to go with the guys tuxes. My centerpieces will be pineapples and citrus fruits. Add a splash of Blue Curaco to the champagne for an ocean-looking toast. Use flower leis as pew markers instead of bows.
Posted by Karen; updated 04/25/03

Reply

We got married on the beach in St. John, USVI. One of the things we did that everybody loved was have a steel band playing while we were taking our pictures. We also put leis on all the guests and decorated our rice bags with seashells. Hope this is of some help. Anyway, have fun with it.
Posted by Alice; updated 04/30/03

Reply

Ok...advance warning...this is really weird. But, as I wrote in a different message...There`s this woman in SD that sells carribean hermit crabs as pets. I know it sounds weird, but they are really cool. I was going to give it as a gift. Good for kids.
Posted by jennie; updated 05/21/03

Reply

Ok...advance warning...this is really weird. But, as I wrote in a different message...There`s this woman in SD that sells carribean hermit crabs as pets. (i have a beach theme too)I know it sounds weird, but they are really cool. They are in small aquariums, I asked her to make me one that was half blue sand, half brown. The hermit crabs are small and in beautiful shells. They are really healthy, she`s really into them. They make great pets.I was going to give it as a gifts. My friends already know I`m pretty non-traditional .good for kids. It sounds strange, I know! It`s the newest fad here.
Posted by jennie; updated 05/21/03

Reply

Not to be a downer or anything, but giving a crab to people who may or may not take care of it - sure the kids`ll want it, until they get bored of it and it becomes a nuisance - not really fair to the crab.....it does sound cool,but not too practical
Posted by kiki; updated 05/23/03

Reply

I know it sounds impractical...but the bridesmaids I have are into doing things like taking care of plants, pets, etc. So it`s perfect for them (I`m getting a couple too;0) I just thought they were unique idea to share...but it is good advice...give them to people who will take care of them!
Posted by jennie; updated 05/23/03

Reply

YOU CAN HAVE RICE AND PEA AND CURRY CHICKEN OR OXTAIL EMAIL NEWLADY FOR MORE DETAIL AND MORE WEST.INDIES IDEA.
Posted by liz; updated 06/12/03

Reply

Might as well go all out.

For centerpieces, you can get table-top tiki torches that I think would be perfect. I`ve seen them in Michael`s craft stores or on theknot.com. They`re also great because they keep the bugs away if you burn citronella oil in them. Or you can always just carve out a watermelon and fill it with fruit and then you have an edible centerpiece.

You can also make gel candles with shells at the bottom for favors. Or just give everyone a lei to wear....that is more fun and festive.

I love the idea of a steel drum band....that does the job all by itself.....we heard of one long after we had already settled everything with our DJ.....but if you`re in the same boat or if you can`t afford the band, there`s no reason why your DJ can`t find some carribean music CDs and put them on.

Having your caterer make a caribbean meal is also great, like jerked chicken or something similar.

As for a bar, you can make it available without breaking the bank....have them serve one particular tropical drink you like, or something with Jamaican Rum if you are going to Jamaica for your honeymoon. But those paper umbrellas to stick in the drinks.

You can`t go wrong with decorating like crazy with white christmas lights. (twinkle lights) they are always romantic no matter what the theme. A lot of crepe streamers seem in order for a tropical fiesta, and if you can`t afford tropical flowers, then try wild-flowers.

Good luck!!
Posted by Amy; updated 06/19/03

Reply

I am also having a tropical theme for my wedding and for centerpeices i am using 1 foot palm trees that sit on clear stands. You can get them at alot of party stores. I also have hanging palm trees, pineapples, leis, and a large fish net that has 10 paper fish in it. I`m also planning on getting large paper umbrellas for my bridesmaids because they are going to be in grass skirts and tank tops. Congradulations and good luck.
Posted by Jessica; updated 08/17/03

Reply

I dont have time to write ideas right now but were are having a tropical wedding too... Feel free to email me at plc79@cox.net and ill give u some ideas we are using. Bye !
Posted by Patty; updated 12/30/03

Reply

Hi!
I am getting married in Jamaica on Memorial Day. We want to have a tropical / margaritaville / Jimmy Buffet anything goes kind of reception. We will be serving Cheeseburgers ( Cheeseburgers in Paradise) and I am getting palm fronds from plant friends to make a tikki lounge. I am also gonna ask that everyone dress in tropical shirts / shorts... That is as far as I have gotten... Anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks in advance:) Have a great day!
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer; updated 03/05/04

Reply

Saw this at a house party....create a Palm Tree fruit buffet. Start with 4 or 5 whole pineapples. Cut off top and bottom and skewer stacked on top of each other to create the trunk (probably with a wood dowel or pvc with a strong base). Arrange palm fronds using florists wire, out of top pineapple to complete tree. Arrange fruit in sections like the spokes of a wheel out from the base of the "tree". You`ll have to figure out the details like what to put the fruit in, but it`s an idea!
Posted by Pammie J; updated 04/13/10

Reply

I have some great ideas for beach theme wedding or parties. I strung seashells to make a shell garland using sand dollars and starfish. You can hang it any where and it looks so pretty and beachy. Take a look at how I used it to decorate a golf cart and a Christmas tree at http://www.iloveshelling.com/blog/2010/11/27/seashell-christmas/. Http://www.iLoveShelling.com
Posted by iLoveShelling; updated 12/29/10