Mexican Wedding TraditionsMexican wedding traditions are rich in meaningful customs which date back to the ancient Aztecs. By incorporating cultural traditions to honor their families heritage, couples can personalize their wedding day. THE ENGAGEMENT In some regions of Mexico, an engagement can last for four years. So, there is a tradition of giving a promise ring to the bride before the engagement ring is given. The promise ring can be given up to a year before the engagement ring is given. Mexican culture is very family oriented. So, when planning the wedding everyone participates. Even in making up the invitation list, both sets of parents are involved. There is an old Mexican tradition for guests to receive two identical invitations, one from the bride's family and one from the groom's family. A Mexican wedding tradition is for all of the attendants to be listed on the invitation with their special role in the wedding noted. Information about the reception and dance are printed on the invitation or included as a separate card. As a guest at a Mexican wedding, you must bring the entire invitation to gain admittance. THE CEREMONY The bride's attendants are called "godparents" and offer advice and often financial support for the wedding. The godparents roles may include:
White roses are the choice of bridal flowers. Even the wedding cars are decorated with white paper flowers and colored ribbons that match the wedding colors chosen by the bride. A traditional Mexican bride will carry a rosary and Bible. The Bible is presented to the couple by the godparents and will have their names and wedding date embossed on the front. The Bible is usually decorated in creamy satin and lace. The groom presents the 13 arras to the bride one at a time as a symbol that what belongs to him now belongs to her. After the vows the godparents drape a lazo around the couple in a figure eight to symbolize that the couple is now united as one. The lazo is two rosaries joined together with a cross. It is another Mexican wedding tradition, to toss red beads at the newlyweds as they leave the church. This is suppose to bring them good luck and prosperity. THE RECEPTION The Mexican wedding celebration may last all night, and the couple stays until the end. The reception is a sit-down meal. The bride and groom sit at their own table.
(For Mexican wedding food ideas, click here.) Money dances are common during Mexican wedding receptions. The groomsmen will take the grooms shoes and pass them around so that people can fill them with money while they toss the groom in the air. For entertainment, there are wedding pinatas filled with little favors for the guests.
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