The Traditions of a Spanish Wedding

Spanish wedding traditions have long been a staple in Western European culture. Although they may have slightly changed over the years, some wedding traditions are still practiced today. If a person is attending a Spanish wedding, what are some traditions he or she should expect to see?

Orange Blossoms
Although more brides are using a combination of rose garlands and/or white flowers in their wedding ceremonies, the orange blossom still remains a favorite decoration. The orange blossom, signifying a life of happiness and fulfillment for the couple, is often used in bouquets, wreathes or tiaras.

Coins
One Spanish tradition that has survived is the presentation of thirteen coins from the groom to the bride. The coins, usually presented in a special bag, box or tray, symbolize the groom's commitment to his new bride and his vow to support her. The bride carries the coins which are then blessed by the minister during the ceremony. Afterwards, the coins are kept as part of the family's heritage.

Bridal Escort
The role of the bride's father during his daughter's wedding is to insure the groom does not see the bride until the wedding. He then escorts the bride to the church and to the ceremony. There is also a tradition for the groom. He is expected to walk down the aisle with this mother.

Bridal Gown
In recent years, Spanish brides have increasingly opted to wear white silk dresses during the wedding ceremony. A truly traditional Spanish bride's wedding gown will be quite different. Although the gown may be made of silk, the color of the dress and the accompanying lace veil will be black. The bride will also take time to embroider a shirt for the groom to wear during the ceremony.

Ceremony
A Spanish custom that is still upheld today is the time of day that the wedding ceremony takes place. The majority of weddings take place in the early evening hours.

Lasso
Some brides and grooms opt not to take part of the lasso portion of their ceremony. This time honored tradition commences during the minister's prayer after the bride and groom has said their vows. A rosary is wrapped around the couple to insure the protection of the union.

Wedding Rings
As with most cultures, the wedding rings are a significant part of the ceremony as well as a symbol of the union between the bride and groom. Although some people may be accustomed to wearing wedding rings on the ring finger of the left hand, Spanish wedding traditions are different. The bride and groom wear wedding rings on the right hand.

Festivities
A Spanish wedding reception is filled with festivities. It is not uncommon to have a Mariachi band and/or lively Latin or Spanish music playing. Dancing is also expected. The Sequidillas Manchegas is the traditional dance performed during the reception.

Food
The use of a groom's cake may be gaining popularity, but there are older traditions used during the wedding reception. Wedding cookies flavored with almond and different spices are a favorite delicacy. A meal of seafood and/or the native dish paella is not uncommon to see at a Spanish wedding reception. Local wines and sangria are also popular. The wedding cake is usually filled with a variety of local fruits and almonds.

Party Favors
The bride and groom usually give their guests a variety of different party favors. Men attending the festivities can expect celebratory cigars during the event. The bride, on the other hand, not only tosses her bouquet but will give small pins to be worn upside down by unmarried ladies during the festivities. The Spanish tradition believes if the pin is lost during the reception; the lady who loses it will be the next in line to marry.

A Spanish wedding is a festive event filled with traditions. A person attending a ceremony and the reception afterwards will be intrigued by the unique customs.