Are you going to a Mexican wedding? Maybe you’re marrying a Mexican? Want to know what actually happens at a typical Mexican Wedding? Out guide to wedding traditions in Mexico gives you the facts & information you want to know.
The wedding ceremony, the most special occasion in one’s life is desired to be the most memorable, cherished and joyful experience which is the beginning of a life together with one’s partner that will hopefully provide the occasion to allow them to live happily thereafter. Every culture has certain traditions and customs which are religiously followed and the most enjoyable part of the whole event. In the following paragraphs you will find brief overviews of different wedding traditions followed in Mexican cultures:
Mexican Wedding Attire
The Bride mostly wears a mantilla veil, or a slim dress with a bolero jacket, or even a Flamenco-style dress with ruffles at the hem. The groom may wear a matadorian outfit – a bolero jacket with tight fitting pants, or, a Mexican Wedding shirt with loose, drawstring pants.
Wedding Food and Music
Traditional Mexican foods include spicy rice, beans, tortilla dishes whose main ingredients are chicken and beef. A cold drink Sangria is served which is made from red or white wine mixed with brandy, sugar, fruit juice and soda water. To add a Latin flavor to the reception, salsa, merengue and flamenco guitar music is played live to the guests.
Thirteen Gold Coins
The groom gives the bride thirteen gold coins as a symbol of his unquestionable trust and confidence placed in her as his beloved wife and gives the responsibility of all of his material to her. The acceptance on her part assures him back of her total love and dedication in looking after him, his possessions and her unconditional love.
The coins (arras) signify that the groom will always support her and the number 13 represents Christ and his 12 apostles. The groom puts the coins into the bride’s cupped hands and places the box on top.
Wedding Expenses
Both families are involved in planning the wedding and help with all the expenses. Traditionally the sponsors of the wedding provide money for the wedding costs, or pay for something specific for the ceremony or the party which follows.
Mexican Wedding Lazo
A lazo is a large rosary, a ribbon or a decorated cord that is symbolically draped around the necks or shoulders of the bride and the groom. It is first placed around the groom’s neck or shoulders. It affirms their union and their commitment to always be together side-by-side. The couple wears the lasso throughout the service and at the end of the ceremony; the lasso is removed and is given to the Bride as a keepsake.
Mexican Wedding Money Dance
Money Dance is a popular tradition across all weddings where male guests “pay” to dance with the bride. However the guests are expected to be generous when “paying” since the money collected is to be used by the newly weds on their honeymoon and for setting a household.
Mexican Wedding Colors
The bride is authorized to choose the wedding colors and they dominate. Every thing including cake, site, attire and also the bridal path are reflective of the wedding color thus creating a sense of harmony throughout the event.
Ancient Wedding Traditions
In ancient times, weddings were held in the bride’s yard or house. The groom traveled by horse to the bride’s house and after the wedding ceremony took his wife in a cart to his parents’ house to live.
