About Mexican Wedding Traditions
Mexican weddings are full of life, fun, and most importantly, family! Some couples may want to incorporate some aspects of their culture into their big day. This article will provide tips for those looking to honor these traditions into their Mexican wedding. Without further ado, let’s get into the details.
The Bride’s Dress
Typically, the groom pays for the bride’s wedding dress. He’s supposed to give the money to the bride’s family to make the attire themselves. The traditional Mexican wedding dress incorporates elements of traditional Spanish attires. The most notable inspiration being the gypsy dress, which has its origins in Seville, Spain.
Today, the traditional Mexican wedding dress has evolved. Brides often go for a variety of styles. However, most brides will add subtle Mexican elements. For example, a bride can wear a modern wedding dress and then make it traditional by wearing a Mantilla as a veil. A Mantilla typically has more lace than your standard bride’s veil.
Los Padrinos | Mexican Wedding Sponsors
Los Padrinos is the official term for sponsors at a Mexican Wedding. The sponsors are typically handpicked by the bride and groom. To be chosen to be a Padrino is a huge honor in Mexican Tradition.
There are two types of sponsors: role models and gift-giving ones. If the sponsors want, they can be both. The role model sponsors are usually a married couple with some experience in relationships. They are highly respected by both the bride and groom. Role model sponsors act as witnesses to the marriage ceremony and often participate in one way or another during mass. The gift-giving sponsors cover some of the wedding expenses such as florals or the DJ.
Church Wedding
Mexican wedding ceremonies are traditionally held in the Catholic church. Most Mexican families practice Catholicism and believe in the holy sacrament. For many, getting married in the presence of god is extremely important to the family. It’s one of the 7 most important rituals for Catholics. It is believed by getting married in a church, God has accepted your union.
Also, both sets of parents can walk their child down the aisle. In this case, it’s not just the bride that walks down the aisle with their parents. The groom’s parents should also walk their son down the aisle as a sign that they accept the union.
Wedding Coins
This is perhaps one of the most interesting Mexican wedding traditions. Las arras matriomoniales or wedding coins signify the groom’s wealth. These coins have to be thirteen in number – to signify the 12 disciples and Jesus himself. After the exchange of vows, the groom will give his bride the wedding coins in a decorated box. This act symbolizes trust between the man and the woman. It shows that the groom has confidence in his spouse so much so that he gives her his wealth for safekeeping.
Wedding Lasso
This can be made from rosary beads or a string of flowers. It is worn by both the bride and groom to signify their mutual support for each other. The wedding sponsors can put the lasso on the couple. First, they have to put it on the bride’s shoulders and then the groom’s, forming the number eight. The couple should wear the lasso during the entire mass period. From there, the priest will remove it.
Mariachi Band
Mariachi bands are a staple during cocktail hour or dinner time at Mexican Weddings. They sing folklore songs that are reminiscent of Mexican traditions. The songs favor both the young and the old.
Traditional Mexican Wedding Cakes
Unlike western weddings where the bride and groom have a big tiered cake waiting for them at the reception, the traditional Mexican wedding cake is a little bit different. Instead of having one cake, the table hosts several confectioneries. Polvorones or the traditional Mexican wedding cake has to be part of that display. Polvorones are more like cookies instead of cakes, but they have a long tradition in Mexican weddings. Other cakes included in the wedding are tres leches or milk cake and the fruit cake.
The Money Dance
During the reception, guests give the newly-weds money to dance with them. If a male guest wants to dance with the bride, they’ll pin a dollar bill to the dress and ask for a dance. The same goes for female guests. They have to pin dollar bills to the groom’s suit before asking for a dance. It’s a perfect excuse to give money to the newly-weds.
Mexican Weddings aren’t the only time you’ll actually witness the money dance! This is also a common tradition in Filipino Weddings. Click here to learn more about Filipino Wedding Traditions.
In conclusion, traditional weddings are fun and enlightening. They create the perfect opportunity for you to learn about ancient traditions. If you wanted some tips on hosting a traditional Mexican wedding, you can use the ones listed above.
Check Out More Mexican Weddings
- Odila & Vicente | Mission Inn Riverside
- Alejandra & Gerardo | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
- Jennifer & Angel | Bagramian Hall Montebello
- Mandy & Miguel | Mission Inn Riverside
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