In the Catholic religion, the number 13 is representative of Jesus and his twelve apostles. Others believe that black is a symbol of power and elegance, and that Spanish brides choose to wear it as a way to show off their sophistication and glamour. Some of the most common that you might see in a traditional Spanish wedding are: Orange blossoms: this traditional flower is used by many Spanish brides because it symbolizes happiness and fulfilment. Second, many couples choose to have their parents stand up with them at the ceremony. Spanish wedding traditions, Another Spanish wedding traditions that may differ from back home is that Spanish women wear their wedding ring, One of the best Spanish wedding traditions youll have total envy for is the time off they receive for their honeymoon. However, a civil partnership doesnt grant them the same rights or financial benefits as a civil marriage. This is a special wine that is served during the ceremony, and is said to bring good luck to the newlyweds. Still others believe that black is simply a practical color that is flattering on all skin tones and can be worn in any season. After the ceremony, guests throw rose petals at the newlywed couple as they leave the church or other venue where they were married. Once the 10 days are up, you can call to arrange an appointment for the interview process. Gerberas are often associated with happiness and joy. Give sweet favours Long form birth certificate, notarized and translated into Spanish, Valid passport and at least four copies to be used when you apply for the, Spanish Town Hall Registration Certificate (. Although many brides today opt to wear white, the Spanish wedding custom is that brides wear a black, silk dress. These include: While arrangements for a civil wedding can vary across the autonomous communities, it typically takes from 30 days to four months. The urbanization of Spain, along with the influx of immigrants and migration of Spaniards to other countries, have also sparked a shift. This poem can be written by him or by another person in attendance at the ceremony. The legal requirements for getting married in Spain, Additional documents for a Catholic wedding, Step four: Register your marriage certificate, Popular Spanish wedding traditions and customs, Discover the top 10 LGBT+ friendly countries for expats, Spains National Statistics Institute (INE), Read more about wedding ring traditions around the world, They are over 18 years old or are an emancipated minor (16 and above). What they do have are padrinos, usually the father of the bride and the mother of the groom. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is known as a certificate of no impediment (Certificado de No Impedimento). Also, wedding gowns are designed by beautiful diamante, beading and exquisite embroideries. Sentimental wedding traditions and customs were written for lovers of culture and romance. A civil wedding can take place atthe Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil), District Court (Juzgado), or in the town hall where it will be performed by the Mayor or a delegated Councillor. Couples have entertainers for children during the reception, and children are often given special gifts by the bride and groom. Another reason is that the grooms family typically has more wealth and resources than the brides family, so it is seen as more appropriate for them to pay for the wedding. Some couples even hire an entertainer to look after them. It is usually the children of the family or the children of close friends who carry the arras to the altar. Unlike in other countries, at weddings in Spain the bride and groom sit at the head table at the banquet, sometimes together with their closest relatives. In Spanish culture, it is typically the grooms family who pays for the wedding. Its one of the most popular places to visit in Europe. So, do Spanish people wear wedding rings on their right hand? Youve probably heard of the tradition of catching the bouquet, where unmarried women try to catch a large bunch of flowers tossed by the bride at her wedding. The brides Padrino is traditionally her father, and the grooms Padrino is his mother. A third tradition is the cutting of the cake. How Much Does A Luxury Honeymoon Really Cost. While the legal requirements for getting married in Spain vary depending on the type of ceremony you wish to have, all couples must first apply for a certificategrantingpermission to marry(Certificado de Capacidad Matrimonial) at their local Civil Registry Office. In college, I was lucky to spend a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. Usamos cookies para asegurar que te damos la mejor experiencia en nuestra web. Another Spanish wedding traditions is to cut the grooms tie or brides garter up into pieces and sell to the guests. The couple will receive the book after the honeymoon at their local register office when they deliver their marriage certificate. Legal, business, and accounting solutions in Spain. After the wedding ceremony, the couple break a glass vase the number of fragments indicating the number of married years ahead. Are you ready? This is thought to bring good luck to the couple. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Normally in this tradition, the grooms best man buys the groom his tie, which symbolises good fortune and luck. To make it stronger, use upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom cut the cake together and share a slice. Make it your official wedding dance to incorporate an authentic Spanish tradition to your elopement in Spain. This symbolizes the fathers blessing of the marriage. But have you heard of the Spanish custom of handing out pins to unmarried women? After the wedding ceremony, there is usually a celebration with food, drink, and music. They are in the brides bouquet, on the wedding cake, or even scattered around the reception venue. That said, to qualify for marriage in Spain, both parties must be at least 18 years old. You may now (all) kiss the bride. Which Spanish Wedding Either way, its a fun tradition that allows guests to interact with the bride and groom before theyve officially left the ceremony site. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The favors are presented during the meal or at the end of the reception. As the title suggests, this is usually done at weddings as it is a symbol of good luck. The godfather will present the bride with her bouquet, which is typically made of orange blossoms and other white flowers. The money earned by the couple during the dance is Wedding ceremonies in Spain typically involve a lot of symbolism and tradition. Nowadays, the bride and groom tend to give more personal gifts theyve picked out themselves, far from the typical cigar or bottle of wine. This contains stamped copies of the marriage, the birth of children, and so on. As in many countries it is a tradition that the groom does not see the brides dress until the day of the wedding, it is also a tradition that the bride and groom do not see each other the day before the wedding, as it is said to be bad luck on the special day. Today, its common for weddings to be held either in the morning or in the afternoon. Also known as a civil union or Pareja de Hecho (in Spanish), this is a legal union between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life, but who are not married. The dance symbolises the couples new life together, and it is also seen as a way to wish the couple good luck and happiness. We are passionate about everything related to the weddings and entertainment world and enjoy every minute that we share our music with all of you. Arrangements for a Catholic wedding in Spain normally take 30 to 50 days. Although many brides today opt to wear white, the tradition in Spain is that brides wear a black, silk dress. Theyre encouraged to attend! After the grooms tie has been cut, the friend will sell the tie to a wedding guest to raise money for the couple. Prepare yourself for some quirky traditions From throwing rice at the newly married couple as they leave the church, to cutting up the groom's tie, sharing 13 gold coins or having the bride arrive in a carriage dragged along by oxen (if it's in Castilla y Len), there are plenty of unique regional wedding traditions across Spain which can cause jaws to WebAnother Spanish wedding tradition is that the wedding ring is worn on the right hand and that surnames dont change after marriage. Step four: Register your marriage certificate The cost of a Spanish wedding Administrative fees Venue costs Additional costs Top wedding locations in Spain Popular Spanish wedding traditions Here we will look at some of the most common wedding traditions in Spain. The ceremony itself is typically short and simple, with the couple exchanging vows in front of friends and family. At the reception, both sets of parents sit with the bride and groom at a head table for 6. It is a tradition from ancient times, where it was customary to give a sum of money or goods to close a deal. Banquete de Bodas/Convite (Wedding Feast/Reception). You typically wont find bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding in Spain. It is not uncommon for the bride and groom to have one or more padrinos (godparents) at a wedding in Spain. The other materials used for making gowns are taffeta, organza chiffon, tulle, etc. In college, I was lucky to spend a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. 10 wedding traditions in Spain The exchange of arras. Statistics from 2021 also show that couples in Spain are waiting until later in life to tie the knot when compared to other European countries. At a Spanish wedding, you may notice that their names dont change after marriage. Orange blossoms symbolise good luck in Spain and are often used as decorations at weddings. There are many traditions and customs that make these weddings unique and memorable, and everyone who attends is sure to have a wonderful time. The Rings The wedding band is a big part of a wedding and holds a lot of importance in Spanish culture. With Spanish weddings, you handle this a bit differently than in other cultures. WebIn Spanish weddings, brides prefer to wear black dresses made of silk, accompanied by beautiful lace mantilla veil. Traditionally, Spanish weddings are large and lavish affairs, with families and friends coming together to celebrate the couples big day. The goal is for the guests to have a good time and celebrate the new marriage. You can place coins in the brides and grooms flowers, have them drop coins in a wishing well, or even scatter coins across the dance floor. Today, Spain remains one of the most LGBT+ friendly countries in the world and offers a diverse and welcoming scene for all. Today, a bride might choose to wear black as a nod to the tradition or to break out of the white wedding dress mold. While some of these traditions are slowly changing, they still provide a glimpse into the culture and customs of Spain. Privacy Policy The marriage must be registered with the civil authorities and performed by a licensed marriage officer. Interestingly, marriage doesnt seem to be a priority for same-sex couples either. After the ceremony, guests will throw rice over the couple as they leave the church or reception venue. In Spanish Catholic weddings, similar to Catholic weddings around the world, the bride and groom share 13 coins known as arras or unity coins. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Thirdly, there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen. If you plan a religious or secular wedding, you could incorporate many Spanish wedding traditions into your ceremony. Here is a breakdown of wedding costs and fees to consider: Note: Venue hire can be up to 1,000 cheaper off-season, and you could save 20% to 40% by having a midweek wedding. Common across all Latin cultures, the reception is viewed as an all-night-long dance party where guests can drink, mingle, and However, some couples still prefer to stick with tradition and wait until they see each other at the altar. The veil is edged with intricate lace and is called a mantilla. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. But now many couples opt for something more personal. The amount of guests ranges from a small reception with close friends and family to big gatherings with 200+ guests. Much of Spains population follows the Roman Catholic faith, and most weddings follow religious traditions. In Spain, newlyweds are entitled to 15 days of paid leave from work after their wedding. If you plan on marrying in Spain, maybe due to the Spanish climate, adding one of these traditions to your dream wedding will surely make it even more special. Weddings are one of the most important types of celebrations in Spain. If you need to translate your documents, there are a number of online platforms you can use to find the right translator for you. The bride and groom cut the wedding cake together during the reception. In the past, most weddings began in the afternoon and lasted all night and into the next morning. Orange blossom is the traditional Spanish wedding flower and this custom came to Spain from the East during the Crusades. Its traditional to take a gift or give an envelope with money inside to thank the bride and groom for your invitation. Which hand for Wedding ring in Spain? Whether youre planning a Spanish wedding, or you are simply attending one, you might like to have an insight into what you are going to experience. The money raised from this auction will go towards helping them start their life together as husband and wife. A typical variant of the dance originates from the Spanish region of La Mancha. The coins can represent the new couples wealth and prosperity, as well as their new life together. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 1. However, there is one tradition that is common across many cultures the tradition of using coins in a wedding. The celebratory dance is also known as the money dance. Same Surnames 5. So check my reviews out and let me know what you think. Of the thirteen coins, twelve refer to the months of the year (ingold) and the last one (platinum) is to be shared with the neediest people. My greatest memory from living in Seville is the smell of orange trees around every corner. Wedding in Spain: interesting traditions and characteristics Every nation has its deep traditions and customs in the main spheres of life. However, like everything else, the number of guests really depends on the couple getting married. One of the traditional customs in Spanish Catholic weddings is for the bride and groom to share 13 coins known as arras or unity coins, which represent their commitment to sharing the goods they have and will have in their future together. This is a stew-like dish that is made with meat, vegetables, and rice. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The first last name is from the father, and the second is from the mother. The godfather typically attaches a poem to the bouquet before handing it over to the bride. If you're invited to a wedding in Spain, go! The Hotel Palacio Villapans in Seville and the imposing Peralada Castle in Girona are also popular options. This also applies to such important event as wedding. It is updated with each new addition to the family and is used as proof of marriage, birth, and death. One of the most important aspects of a Spanish wedding is the food. This money all goes towards their new life together. It also symbolized their submission to God, their husbands, and their community. The following 13 Spanish wedding traditions should give you an idea of what its like to get married in these parts of the world. The peineta is a comb worn by Spanish brides, which typically sits atop the brides veil. One of the most popular Spanish wedding traditions is the custom of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold. Whoever catches it is said to be next in line to get married. The bride and groom often make a wedding toast to each other during the reception. Order online 24/7 and take some of the stress out of your big day with lingoking. After marriage, this remains the same. Its a great dish for sharing with a big group! Marriage traditions in Spain Cutting the Cake with a Sword The tradition involves the newlywed couple using a sword to cut the first slice of their wedding cake. However, it will all be worth it when you are exchanging your vows in a beautiful castle near Madrid or a private villa in Sevilla. The bride and groom use a sword, not a knife, to cut through the cake. This celebration takes place Arras are 13 coins that the bride and groom exchange at the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, they used to hand out cigars to men and a pin to women. This is often done in private with just the photographer present. Do Spanish brides wear black? One is that historically, the brides family was not always able to afford to pay for the wedding. This act represents her hope that she and her partner will never face a time in their married life wherein they cannot afford their basic needs. Now the couple will cut their wedding cake together with a ceremonial sword. Roses symbolise love, passion, and beauty. To say the city left an impression on me would be an understatement. To initiate the dance, the wedding guests pay the bride. If you wish to have a Catholic wedding in Spain, then you will also need to provide proof of your religious background, such as certificates of baptism and a letter from the parish priest. In Spain, women also keep their engagement ring on their left hand but wear their wedding ring on their right hand. If youre planning a wedding in Spain, be sure to incorporate some of these traditions into your celebration. And thats itNo flower girls, no page boys, no maid of honour, and no best man! Contributed by Brooke Avishay, the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Special Events, a premier wedding planning production and design company located in Los Angeles. They can demonstrate a minimum period of joint cohabitation. Destination Wedding Guest Gifts: Are They Necessary? It is a tradition Not seeing the bride. 18 Wedding Traditions in Spain You Want to Know About 1. This is a special lasso that is used to capture the bride and grooms wedding rings during the ceremony. For religious weddings, all non-nationals also need to send some specific documents to the Bishop of the diocese to receive special permission to marry. One traditional Spanish wedding dish is Puchero. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. As a result, couples nowadays face less social pressure to marry quickly and can instead take more time to find the right partner, develop their careers, and save money for the future. 3. In general, Spanish brides do wear black on their wedding day, but there are a number of different reasons for this.