Spanish Weddings Have Very Colorful Events Filled With Customs

In any country, wedding traditions are greatly influenced by the cultural heritage of that nation. Spanish weddings too, have very colorful events filled with customs and traditions. There have been many changes with time but yet, it has managed to keep the traditions intact. A person who has witnessed Spanish weddings is bound to be entranced by the exclusive wedding customs.

The wedding traditions differ with each area due to the fact that different regions have their own unique traditions. Here are some common Spanish wedding traditions.

Gold Coins: According to a unique custom of Spanish wedding traditions, the groom presents thirteen Arras or gold coins to the bride in a special box. These coins are blessed from the priest that represents Jesus and the twelve Apostles. The groom exchanges these coins that symbolizes his commitment towards his bride and a promise to support her financially as well as in other terms. Later on, these coins are preserved as family heritage.

Wedding Rings: As usual, in all weddings the bride and the exchange wedding rings. In Spain, the wedding ring is worn by the couples on the right hand.

Orange Blossoms: The important part of Spanish wedding traditions is choosing the wedding flowers. Although, many brides tend to choose white flowers, the brides in Spain prefer orange blossoms for decoration. The orange blossoms have marvelous fragrance and they represent joy and happiness for the couple. They also symbolize fertility.

Bridal Gown: Traditional Spanish wedding dresses are very detailed. Usually in Spanish weddings, brides prefer to wear black dresses made of silk, accompanied by beautiful lace mantilla veil. The other materials used for making gowns are taffeta, organza chiffon, tulle, etc. Also, wedding gowns are designed by beautiful diamante, beading and exquisite embroideries. For the ceremony, the bride embroiders a shirt for the groom, which he wears during the wedding. Spanish bride wears a popular type of bridal jewelry known as earrings with pizazz.

Bridal Escort: In Spanish wedding traditions, the bride's father accompanies as escort and makes sure that the groom does not see the bride. The groom is escorted by his mother to the church for the wedding.

Wedding Ceremony: Usually, 200 to 300 guests are expected in a Spanish wedding. Spanish wedding ceremonies are held in the early evening and the celebrations go on till early hours of the next morning. Once the couple exchanges their wedding vows, they are wrapped with a rosary. This ceremony is known as Lasso. It is a mark of protection and is sacred for the union.

Wedding Dance: Spanish wedding ceremony is incomplete without the traditional dance named sequidillas manchegas by couples and the guests. It is also common practice to have a live band perform at the wedding.

Wedding Dinner: The wedding dinner is pretty late in Spanish weddings where delicious Spanish foods are served. Sea food is served as main course in Spanish weddings and it also includes local delicacies such as paella. A rich wedding cake, filled with almonds and fruits is served as dessert. Also, sangria and local wines are served till you are full.

Wedding Reception: Once the newly married couple comes out from the church, loud firecrackers are burst. It is a delight to watch firecrackers at the wedding celebration. Also, flower petals and rice is traditionally used in Spanish weddings. At the wedding reception in traditional Spanish weddings, the table is set for 6 members only i.e. the groom, the bride and their parents. Unlike other wedding ceremonies, there are no wedding speeches given in Spanish weddings.

Another custom in Spanish wedding traditions is known as banquete de bodas (wedding reception/ feast), where the couples move to each table, distributing personally to each guest, a basket with small wedding favors. The men are offered a cigar or a mini-bottle of wine and the women are usually offered something that smells good. And later, it is the turn of guests to hand over the wedding gift to the newly wedded couples that is money in envelopes known as sobres.

Another custom still practiced in Spanish weddings is that the groom's friends cut the groom's tie into pieces and auction it off for good luck. The bride, on the other hand, tosses out her bouquet to the unmarried women and it is believed that whoever catches it, is soon to get married. The bride also gives small pins, to be worn upside down, to unmarried ladies during the ceremony. According to Spanish wedding customs, it is believed that if the pin is lost during the reception, the lady is to get married soon.

If you are thinking about tying the knot, then I am sure this article will help you to make the right choice. You will have the most exciting time of your life by getting married the Spanish way. So, what are you waiting for, start planning for your dream wedding in traditional Spanish style.