Lauren PetersonMexico’s rich culture and history offer an abundance of beautiful wedding traditions to incorporate into your special day. From the music to the attire and customs, Mexican weddings are full of vibrant rituals that can make your celebration uniquely memorable. These traditions, rooted in Catholicism and Mexican heritage, are shared by many Latin American countries. Whether it’s a meaningful unity ceremony or a lively dance, Mexican wedding traditions help create an atmosphere of love, celebration, and community. This guide covers 20 of these customs to inspire your own romantic Mexican-style wedding.
1. Wear Mexican Wedding Attire
In Mexico, the wedding attire often combines modern Western styles with traditional elements. For brides, the huipil is a popular choice, particularly in central Mexico. This dress, similar to a tunic, is made from cotton or wool and varies in length and decoration, depending on the formality of the event. It’s perfect for a traditional touch while maintaining comfort. Grooms often opt for a guayabera, a light and breathable shirt, made of linen or silk, ideal for warm climates. If you want something bold, consider a flamenco gown with ruffles, a beautiful Mexican-inspired option for your big day.
2. Adorn the Wedding Lasso
A central part of Catholic Mexican weddings, the wedding lasso, or “el lazo,” symbolizes the union of the bride and groom. After exchanging vows, a rope or cord is placed around the couple by their padrinos (sponsors). This tradition can be performed with a silk cord or a rosary, sometimes adorned with flowers from the bridal bouquet. It’s a beautiful gesture that signifies the couple’s bond. The lasso remains on the bride and groom throughout the ceremony, and many couples keep it as a cherished memento of their wedding, representing their lifelong commitment to one another.
3. Present the Bridal Bouquet to Mary
Incorporating faith into a Mexican wedding, presenting the bridal bouquet to the Virgin Mary is a lovely Catholic tradition. This ritual, which has roots in Europe, is typically done as a gesture of honoring the Virgin Mary and asking for her blessings as the couple begins their married life. Brides often prepare two bouquets, one for the ceremony and another for their wedding photos. This moment of devotion adds a deeply spiritual element to the celebration, reinforcing the couple’s commitment not just to each other but also to their faith and the support of the church.
4. Lead the Wedding Parade
After the ceremony, the wedding parade, or “la callejoneada,” is a lively tradition that takes place in some regions of Mexico. The newlyweds lead a procession of guests to the reception venue, where they are joined by music, singing, and dancing. This festive parade often includes donkeys and puppets, known as mojigangas, that resemble the couple. The celebration is full of joy and camaraderie, bringing all guests together in a fun, memorable way. Though it is most popular in northern and central cities, it’s an unforgettable tradition that brings the wedding to life with energy and cheer.
5. Incorporate a Sea Snake Dance
The Sea Snake Dance, or “la vibora de la mar,” is a beloved Mexican wedding reception tradition. This playful dance involves the newlyweds standing on chairs across from each other, forming an arch. Guests then pass under the arch while holding hands and dancing in a line, trying to maintain the “snake” formation. As the music speeds up, so does the dance, making it a fun and interactive way to celebrate the couple’s new life together. This lively tradition encourages guests to join in and adds a dose of excitement and laughter to the reception.
6. Lift Up The Groom
For a lighthearted and entertaining tradition, the groom is lifted by his male friends during the reception. Known as “el muertito,” the groom is hoisted onto the shoulders of his groomsmen and tossed into the air, symbolizing the beginning of his new life. This fun and energetic activity is often accompanied by playful antics, such as the removal of the groom’s shoes, which may contain small gifts or money from the guests. It’s a celebration of camaraderie and a way to honor the groom while adding a touch of humor and excitement to the event.
7. Switch Gender Roles
“El Baile del Mandilon” is a humorous tradition that turns traditional gender roles upside down. In this playful dance, the groom is dressed in an apron and tasked with household chores, such as holding a wooden spoon or broom, while the bride takes on a more masculine role, wearing a cowboy hat and pretending to boss him around. This light-hearted dance represents the equality between the bride and groom, emphasizing the partnership they will share in marriage. It’s a fun and memorable way to break from tradition and showcase the mutual respect and balance in the relationship.
8. Include a Pinata
One of the more playful and festive Mexican wedding traditions is the pinata. Traditionally, it is filled with treats and small gifts for guests to enjoy. Couples may break the pinata together during the reception, often replacing the garter toss with this lively activity. The pinata is a symbol of abundance and good fortune, and breaking it open is a fun and symbolic way to welcome a new chapter in the couple’s life. With options for creative fillings, such as mini bottles of liquor or bridal lingerie, it’s a custom that brings joy and excitement to the celebration.
9. Throw a Flower Bouquet
The bouquet toss, or “lanzar el ramo,” is a tradition that transcends cultural boundaries. During this part of the Mexican wedding, the bride tosses her bouquet to a crowd of single women, signaling that the next in line for marriage will be the one who catches it. Similar to American weddings, this tradition is accompanied by music and excitement. After the bouquet is tossed, the woman who catches it is expected to dance with the man who catches the groom’s garter, continuing the fun and anticipation for the next wedding in the group.
10. Play Mexican Music
Mexican music plays a key role in setting the mood for a traditional Mexican wedding. Classic songs like “Amorcito Corazon” by Pedro Infante or “Contigo” by Calibre 50 are perfect for a first dance, helping to create a romantic atmosphere. “Hermoso Carino” by Vicente Fernandez is another popular tune that can be played to set a nostalgic and heartfelt tone. With its rich melodies and emotional lyrics, Mexican music adds depth and warmth to the celebration, making it a memorable soundtrack for the couple’s big day and inspiring guests to join in the festivities.
11. Hire Mariachis
No Mexican wedding is complete without the sound of mariachis. These traditional musicians, who specialize in a lively blend of string instruments and trumpets, are a staple at Mexican weddings. They add an authentic touch to the ceremony and reception, performing hymns, love songs, and festive tunes. Mariachi bands often accompany the couple during key moments, such as the exchange of vows or during the wedding mass. Their music fills the air with joy and passion, creating an atmosphere of celebration and connection, and ensuring the wedding is filled with unforgettable sounds and memories.
12. Serve Mexican Food
Mexican cuisine is known for its rich flavors and variety, and it plays a vital role in the wedding celebration. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican dishes, consider serving taquitos, gorditas, or the traditional menudo soup. Taquitos, rolled tacos filled with refried beans, chicken, and chiles, make for delicious appetizers, while gorditas, made from maize dough and stuffed with various fillings, are a crowd favorite. For dessert, don’t miss the opportunity to serve Tres Leches cake, a sweet and moist treat that guests will love. These dishes bring the flavors of Mexico to your wedding, making it a true culinary experience.
13. Host an After-Party
The after-party, known as “la tornaboda,” is an essential part of the Mexican wedding celebration. It typically takes place right after the main reception or the following day, offering an intimate setting for close family and friends to continue the festivities. During this time, the newlyweds can open gifts, enjoy more food and drink, and spend quality time with their loved ones. The relaxed, personal atmosphere of the after-party provides an opportunity to reflect on the day’s events and create lasting memories with those closest to you, adding a heartfelt conclusion to the wedding celebration.
14. The Wedding Mass
In many Mexican weddings, a Catholic Mass is an integral part of the ceremony. The wedding mass offers an opportunity for the couple to receive the sacrament of marriage, with the priest blessing them and their union. This sacred ceremony usually includes readings from the Bible, hymns, and prayers, creating a deeply spiritual experience. The couple often kneels together at the altar, receiving blessings not only from the priest but also from family members and friends. This tradition reflects the faith-centered nature of many Mexican weddings, ensuring that the marriage is grounded in religious values.
15. The 13 Coins
A symbolic tradition in many Mexican weddings involves the groom giving the bride 13 gold coins, known as “las arras.” This custom is meant to represent the groom’s commitment to supporting his bride financially and emotionally throughout their marriage. The bride accepts the coins as a gesture of trust and mutual responsibility. In some ceremonies, the priest blesses the coins before they are exchanged. The 13 coins also have a religious significance, symbolizing Christ and the 12 apostles, highlighting the spiritual foundation of the union. This tradition underscores the couple’s shared commitment to their future.
16. The Bride’s Vail and Mantilla
In traditional Mexican weddings, the bride often wears a vail or mantilla, a lace headpiece that represents purity and the sanctity of marriage. The vail is typically placed over the bride’s head during the ceremony by a family member or close friend. The mantilla is a symbol of the bride’s connection to her heritage and faith, often worn with a formal wedding gown. This custom adds a touch of elegance and tradition, reminding the bride of her vows and the sacred nature of the commitment she is about to make.
17. The Wedding Toast with “El Vino de la Vida”
A unique and romantic tradition at many Mexican weddings is the sharing of “el vino de la vida,” or “the wine of life.” This symbolic drink is offered to the bride and groom during the ceremony or reception, representing their shared life ahead. As part of the ritual, the couple drinks from a single glass, symbolizing the merging of their lives into one. This tradition is often followed by a toast made by the couple, inviting all their guests to celebrate their love and union. It’s a beautiful and meaningful custom to toast to their future together.
18. The Couple’s First Dance
In Mexican weddings, the couple’s first dance is a highly anticipated moment that showcases the love and connection between them. It often takes place after the ceremony, with guests gathered around to witness this intimate moment. The song chosen for the first dance is often meaningful to the couple, such as a romantic Mexican ballad or a traditional song that reflects their love story. This dance serves as a celebration of the couple’s union and their journey together, providing a memorable and emotional experience for both the newlyweds and their guests.
19. The Family Blessing Ceremony
In many Mexican weddings, the family blessing ceremony holds a significant place. After the couple has exchanged their vows, their parents and other close family members come forward to offer their blessings. This emotional and intimate moment allows the families to express their love, support, and well-wishes for the newlyweds. The family blessing symbolizes the union not only between the couple but also between their families. It reinforces the importance of family in Mexican culture, where marriage is viewed as a bond that extends beyond just the individuals, creating new connections and unity.
20. The Wedding Cake Cutting
The wedding cake cutting is an exciting and beloved tradition at Mexican weddings. After the ceremony and reception, the newlyweds cut the wedding cake together, symbolizing their shared future. In some Mexican weddings, the couple will feed each other the first slice, symbolizing the nourishment and support they will offer each other in marriage. Mexican wedding cakes are often multi-layered and elaborately decorated, sometimes featuring traditional elements or symbols that reflect the couple’s cultural heritage. The cake cutting is not just about dessert, but about sharing the sweetness of the couple’s life ahead.
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