Spain offers an extensive range of options for couples seeking an exceptional and unforgettable wedding experience, whether they choose to have a church wedding among orange trees or a civil ceremony in a historic setting.
Beautiful Spanish wedding traditions portray a story that spans centuries, creating a memorable occasion for the bride, groom, and all guests. The history, beauty, and vibrant culture of Spain are wonderfully combined throughout a wedding, resulting in the blending of many traditions.
From large Spanish weddings to the fine nuances of a traditional ceremony, every detail contributes to a remarkable journey. In this exploration of Spanish wedding tradition, we are going to focus on the lovely details that lead to what makes a Spanish wedding special and memorable.
spain wedding traditions
Spanish Catholic Weddings and Cultural Differences
Take a Look Into the Spanish Wedding Traditions
With their elegant wedding dresses and intricate lace, Spanish brides exude elegance. The dress is carefully completed with tiny white petals, which are typically roses and symbolize purity and grace. This sophisticated combination creates a work of art that takes your breath away and delights people.
The aroma of rose petals follows the bride down the aisle, giving the scene an air of ethereal beauty. At the end of the celebration, when the married couple leaves the ceremony, guests gather outside to throw dried rice.
Spanish brides are incredibly attractive and unique because, apart from aesthetics as a special reflection of symbolism, white petals complement the bride's journey to a new chapter of devotion, commitment, and eternal love.
Exchanging wedding rings is a special ceremony in Spanish weddings. The groom's promise is reflected by placing an engagement ring on the bride's ring finger, meaning it symbolizes the start of a lifelong partnership. This deeply rooted tradition of wedding bands in Spanish culture portrays the bond of unity, love, and the eternal nature of a romantic connection.
Spanish women have specific ways of expressing their devotion with this symbolic jewelry. After exchanging vows and formally becoming husband and wife, the Spanish bride places the engagement ring on the finger of her right hand while bringing a new addition to her left hand - a wedding ring, commonly a beautiful gold band. This atypical tradition distinguishes Spain from many other cultures, where it is common to place two rings on the finger of the left hand after marriage.
Wedding Day in the Traditional Spanish Way
Most Spanish weddings follow a traditional ceremony, which includes going and marrying in a church. The wedding ceremony itself is a joyful experience for everyone who shows up, with the bride and groom catching the most of the attention. The stunning backdrop of the church, enormous and majestic walls, and neo-gothic style compose a perfect setting for the union of two souls.
In Spain, a wedding ceremony is a passionate, thrilling occasion. Following the exchange of vows, the reception afterward is filled with great food, nice music, and dynamic dancing that will leave everyone with fond memories.
Arras Matrimoniales or gold coins
Spanish wedding traditions extend beyond the ceremony itself, with different rituals that add depth and meaning to the occasion. Brides are frequently gifted with thirteen coins, known as the unity coins, which represent Jesus and the twelve Apostles.
Typically, the groom presents and gives this sum of money, which is meaningful since it indicates both happiness and wealth for the spouses. This traditional ceremony embodies the groom's promise to support his bride and their future family.
Traditional activities at a Spanish wedding usually involve the close friends of the groom. These friends perform an important role in every stage of the wedding, from presenting the mark of unity coins to the wedding favors and sustaining the bride's magnificent lace details, with precision and care.
Traditional Spanish Weddings: The Role of Orange Blossom
Orange blossoms, a popular decoration for Spanish weddings, have profound symbolic meaning. These aromatic flowers, which symbolize both fertility and purity, are included in many areas of the ceremony. From bridal bouquets to floral arrangements, this special flower gives a pleasant and subtle scent to every union.
Their presence complements the exchanging of engagement rings, traditional wedding dances, and unity events, creating a connecting storyline that portrays the journey of love, commitment, and cultural heritage.
Spanish Traditions Beyond the Ceremony
Traditions associated with the ceremony and the reception are part of what makes a Spanish wedding special. Guests line up to wish the newlyweds well, each holding a small present or envelope to support the couple in the future and express their best wishes.
The dynamic, well-known Spanish music enriches the intimate ambiance of such gatherings, which bring Spanish culture to life whether it's a large celebration or an intimate gathering.
There is No Wedding Party
The absence of bridesmaids and groomsmen at the wedding is one of the key differences between Spanish wedding traditions. Instead of choosing friends as bridesmaids or groomsmen, the bride and groom prefer to have a padrino play an important role in their wedding ceremony.
The couple carefully selects the padrinos, who are often close family members such as aunts and uncles. The Padrino plays an important role in Spanish religious ceremonies, especially in Christian traditions. Their presence is considered essential because it gives a spiritual dimension to the relationship.
Groom's Friends in Action
The groom's tie, which was thoughtfully chosen in vivid colors, represents the future couple's journey in tones of passion, love, and dedication. As the ceremony goes on, the groom's close friends lighten the mood and embody the spirit of joy and friendship by adding some fun to the celebration.
With a playful sparkle in their eyes and a pair of scissors in hand, they move towards the groom, prepared to cut off a portion of the tie. This symbolism is not intended to be destructive, but rather to share a bit of the celebration with people around you.
Santa Clara Eggs
You might think, eggs? What does it have to do with a Spanish wedding? Well, in Spain there is this belief, that if you bring eggs to Santa Clara convent, they will pray for the weather to be nice and sunny.
The Santa Clara nuns usually bake Spanish sweets that they sell in their convents, so in exchange for 12 eggs, for them to cook, they will pray for beautiful weather on your wedding day. This is something the bride or her mums do the same week of the wedding.
Sequidillas Manchegas: A Traditional Spanish Wedding Dance
This traditional wedding dance is an authentic portrayal of a traditional Spanish wedding. The bride and groom join the wedding party on the dance floor while traditional Spanish music plays. Secuidillas Manchegas provides guests from abroad and locally with a genuine insight into the heart of a traditional Spanish wedding.
To have a dance with the bride, the groomsmen have to pay for the opportunity. In many weddings, there is even a competitive battle for the bride's garter, which is a lighthearted and symbolic act that brings some humor into the event.
How Do You Fit Within The Overall Story?
The Beauty of Spanish Brides
Importance of the Wedding Ring
We covered a lot of fascinating information about Spanish wedding practices and Catholic traditions in our previous post. We encourage you to consider hosting your wedding in Spain if you like the idea of doing without a classic white dress, flower girls, and page boys and want to experiment with something new on this special day.
If you enjoyed what you read, even if you are not from this region, our team of wedding planners will be delighted to assist you in creating the perfect wedding with traditional elements. Whether you envision a small reception or a large celebration, we will be here to help you.
