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Spanish Wedding TraditionsFor a Spanish twist, have a vibrant wedding with old world elegance. Passionate, colourful, rich in culture, Spain has it all and their weddings are no exception. Incorporate a few, or all of these traditions to create your own Latin wedding day fiesta. Marrying in Spain - Under Spanish Law, two foreigners may only marry in Spain if one of the parties is a legal resident. Before the Wedding - Traditionally, the groom gives the bride’s father a watch after his proposal is accepted. - The groom gives the bride a gift of 13 coins (las arras), which symbolizes his commitment to support her.The bride carries the coins to the wedding ceremony to be blessed by the priest. Wedding Attire - Traditionally, the bride wears a black silk wedding dress with a black lace veil, but today most brides wear white. The groom wears an embroidered shirt, handmade by his future wife. - The veil is part of the wedding dress and symbolizes God’s protection. - The flowers are usually Orange Blossom’s (azahares) – they represent happiness and fulfillment. Wedding Ceremony - Traditionally, the ceremony is held in the evening. - Godparent-sponsors (padrinos) are chosen to guide the couple through their married life. - There is no best man, groomsmen, ushers, bridesmaids, flower girls, etc. - A cord (el lazo) ceremony symbolizes that marriage is for life. The couple is wrapped with a cord into the shape of a rosary. This is done after the vows or at the reception. - As the couple leave church they are greeted with firecrackers. Reception - Spanish people don’t have speeches at all at the reception. - The head table is for six people – the bride, groom and both sets of parents. - Traditionally, music of Spanish and Latin origin along with folk dance is played by a “Mariachis band”. - Guests dance a “seguidillas manchegas” or money dance with the bride or groom. The dance is to symbolize prosperity and financial security for the newlyweds. Food/Drink - A fiesta of seafood’s including Paella, a delicious seafood rice stew; Sangria, red wine punch; Bizcochitos, rich spicy cut-out cookies and sponge cake with fruit and almonds. - The wedding cake is cut by the couple, who must give each other a piece to eat, symbolizing their shared future. Favours - Cigars for men, a scented gift for women. - The bride also hands out a pin to unmarried ladies who wear them upside down. The hope is the pin is lost during the reception, which indicates the lady will soon marry. Back to Wedding Traditions Wedding Ideas by TheRingBearer.ca |
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