Cajun Wedding Theme

A Cajun themed wedding is also called a 'charivari'. This practice originated in France as a celebration for newlyweds. A charivari typically involves loud music, noises and the beating of drums. It was thought in pagan times that such noises drove away evil spirits and brought good luck to the newlyweds. This tradition has laregly influenced present-day Mardi Gras festivities. The charivari tradition is also a major influence in the practice of tying cans to the vehicle of the newlyweds; that practice originated in Cajun weddings as a means to chase away evil spirits, not simply just to draw attention to the wedding party.

For a Cajun themed wedding, you must think New Orleans. These weddings are all about having a good time. Cajun weddings are very informal. A traditional Cajun wedding focuses primarily on the reception. Dancing and celebrating is the main focus. The dance floor is cleared for the bride and groom. As the band starts, the bride and groom begin by slowly walking around the room hand-in-hand. Gradually, guests begin to follow the couple around the dance floor until eventually everyone is following them. When this march concludes, the couple dances alone in the middle while the guests watch. Following this dance, traditionally the couple will dance with their parents. Once this is done, all guests are free to dance.

To get a dance with the bride at a Cajun themed wedding, it is customary to pin money to the bride's veil. Most Cajun weddings are not complete without a little hazing. Traditionally, if the groom or bride has an older sibling who is not yet married, that sibling must dance with a mop while everyone watches. This is a lighthearted way of hazing them for not getting married before their younger sibling.

No Cajun wedding would be complete without traditional Cajun dishes. Typically, this food is homemade. Cajun families would never think to call a caterer when they can make the food themselves. Traditional Cajun wedding dishes include gumbo, boiled seafood and roasted pork. Boiled vegetables like corn on the cob and new potatoes are also commonplace. Finally, Cajun weddings do things a little differently in regards to the cake. Rather than having one traditional wedding cake, Cajun themed weddings have two cakes. One cake is a white cake served by the newlyweds. However, there is also a chocolate cake that is cut and served by the godfather of the groom.