How to Decorate for a Cuban-Themed Wedding

Cuba is an exotic, sultry and sexy locale. For a couple seeking an exhilarating wedding reception that reflects the passion of their relationship, a Cuban-themed wedding may be a good option. With its fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean culture, Cuba provides a variety of inspirations for food, music and wedding party attire. Decorations are the finishing touch that will make the illusion of a Cuban adventure complete for wedding guests.

Instructions

1

Decorate with Cuban colors. Use the red, white and blue of the Cuban flag for your linens and floral centerpieces. Purchase strings of Cuban flags and hang them around the room to make the color scheme connection clear to guests. If red, white and blue feels too patriotic, draw color scheme inspiration for your linens, lighting and flowers from a vintage Cuba travel poster. The poster can then be displayed prominently at the reception.

2

Gather an assortment of bongos, congas, maracas, and claves and use them as table centerpieces to focus the reception on Cuban music. As the reception gets swinging, guests may enjoy playing the instruments and they can do double-duty by serving as both decorations and favors.

3

Focus on Cuba's exports. Cuba is known for its coffee, cigars and bananas, so use those items for inspiration. Place votive candles in demitasse coffee cups and sprinkle the tables with coffee beans. Use banana leaves as chargers for your place settings or stack banana bunches as centerpieces.

4

Use Cuba's landscape as inspiration. Cuba is known for its azure seas and colorful tropical flowers. Accent blue table linens with sand-filled vases and shells to give the wedding reception a beach feel and then add floral centerpieces inspired by Cuba's lush foliage. Palms, orchids and butterfly jasmine are just some of the plants that can be used as centerpieces to give your reception an island feel.

5

Decorate with images of Cuban tourist destinations. Blow up photographs of landmarks like El Morro, the Plaza de la Catedral and El Capitolio and hang them around the reception venue or use them as centerpieces. A variety of styles of Cuban maps can also be used as decorations and may inspire an overall color scheme.