Some brides also opt to wear white to represent purity and virginity. In other words, they dont stack both rings on the ring finger of the lefthand as we typically do in the United States. Affiliate Disclaimer Some even choose their parents to take on this role. Spain is a country with a rich culture and history, and its weddings are reflective of this. In Spanish Catholic weddings, similar to Catholic weddings around the world, the bride and groom share 13 coins known as arras or unity coins. 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. The Hotel Palacio Villapans in Seville and the imposing Peralada Castle in Girona are also popular options. The first last name is from the father, and the second is from the mother. In a Spanish wedding reception, the head table is composed of 2. 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. It is not uncommon for the bride and groom to have one or more padrinos (godparents) at a wedding in Spain. The contents of paella vary but primarily consist of mixed seafood, rice, and vegetables. The wedding band is a big part of a wedding and holds a lot of importance in Spanish culture. Wedding traditions and customs in Spain. Similar to the black dress, Spanish brides traditionally wear a black wedding veil. The only exception is if the bride or groom is from a different culture. During the meal, the bride and groom or a person theyve designated will often go from table to table, giving the guests detalles or wedding favors to remember the day by. Spanish weddings are a fun and festive way to celebrate love and marriage. One popular tradition is the Aranzada. Wedding favours are not as common in Spain as in other countries, but they are still given out at some weddings. This can take up to four weeks to process, so you should aim to send all your documents to the church at least two months before your wedding date. 8 wedding traditions in Spain that you The dance was first written about in poems dating back to the 15th century. The veil is made of intricate lace and is called a mantilla. After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom cut the cake together and share a slice. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. wedding traditions The friends of the bride would do the same with her wedding garter. 13. Wed Buddy, the internets #1 resource for all things wedding. Nowadays, the bride and groom tend to give more personal gifts theyve picked out themselves, far from the typical cigar or bottle of wine. We hope you enjoyed reading the unique Spanish wedding traditions that exist. During this dance, wedding guests pay the bride to dance and, at some weddings, may bid on her garter. At the reception, both sets of parents sit with the bride and groom at a head table for 6. 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. It is said to bring good luck to the newlyweds. Were not saying you have to take all this literallyespecially if youre not Catholic! Civil partnerships are recorded in the Civil Registry two or three weeks after the notary constitutes and registers the union. The bride and groom use a sword, not a knife, to cut through the cake. The coins are usually carried in a specially made bag or container and gifted to the bride during the ceremony. By law, every person has two surnames (one from your father, and one from your mother), but there are exceptions. If they lose the pin during the ceremony or reception, tradition says theyre next to be married! The amount of guests ranges from a small reception with close friends and family to big gatherings with 200+ guests. And now you know all about Spanish wedding traditions, youll be ready for anything. According to statistics, the marriage rate between men and women in Spain has been gradually declining in recent decades; there were 3.12 marriages per 1,000 inhabitants in 2021, a far cry from the rate of 7.14 seen in 1977. Despite being a largely Catholic country,couples in Spain have also moved away from traditional religious weddings in recent years. These are given to the bride by the groom to symbolise his love and commitment. One popular tradition is the Aranzada. This also applies to such important event as wedding. To initiate the dance, the wedding guests pay the bride. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The rings symbolize Jesus and the apostles and the priest blesses them. Si continas usando este sitio, asumiremos que ests de acuerdo con ello. Hi there! This is known as a certificate of no impediment (Certificado de No Impedimento). | This is shown by the countrys declining marriage rate and the increasing age of men and women at first marriage. 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. Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue! Spain is known for its romantic wedding traditions. 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. This is a special wine that is served during the ceremony, and is said to bring good luck to the newlyweds. There are a number of reasons why couples might choose to wear their wedding rings on their right hand. The Libro de familiar means family book, and in the case of children, their birth will also be registered in this book. At a traditional Spanish wedding, arrangements for bridesmaids and groomsmen are quite different. It is a tradition Not seeing the bride. So, using coins in a wedding was a way to symbolize the new couples financial stability. Despite strong opposition from the Catholic authorities, 66% of the Spanish population voted in favor of the law in 2005. A total of 13 coins representing Jesus and his 12 apostles are typically given, and they are often inscribed with the couples names and the wedding date. The godfather will present the bride with her bouquet, which is typically made of orange blossoms and other white flowers. The purpose of this gesture is to show solidarity between them after they are married; it also represents their union together as one family unit. However, naturally, the cost of your Spanish wedding will depend on a number of factors such as the type of ceremony you wish to have, the location, and the size of the guest list. 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. You may feel used to the same old traditions back home, but Spanish wedding traditions are a little different. The Wedding Party 3. Similarly, a rose is often placed in the brides hair as a symbol of love and purity. Spanish weddings: getting married in Spain as an expat. So if youre wondering why Spanish brides wear black, the answer is that there is no one answer. Starting in the 17th century, it was common for women in Spain to wear a veil, or mantilla, every day. To make it stronger, use upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Remarkably, this rose to 75% after the passing of the law. Couples have entertainers for children during the reception, and children are often given special gifts by the bride and groom. Which Spanish Wedding Traditions Will You Try? While some of these traditions are slowly changing, they still provide a glimpse into the culture and customs of Spain. Once the 10 days are up, you can call to arrange an appointment for the interview process. It does not store any personal data. Following a religious wedding, you will need to deliver the marriage papers to your local Civil Registry Office within one week in order to legalize them. You typically won't find bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding in Spain. Semana Grande, Great Week, Aste Nagusia (that's Basque, by the way)whatever you call it, it's one of the most important traditional festivals in northern Spain. Next to the orange blossom, typical flowers you find at Spanish weddings are roses, lilies, orchids and gerberas. Many also join local Facebook groups to seek recommendations and advice from others who have personal experience of getting married in Spain. The favors are presented during the meal or at the end of the reception. This is in line with the trend of Westernisation throughout Spain. The celebration can last for several days, and typically includes a fair amount of drinking and dancing. This is partly due to the close social ties in Spanish society, as well as the economy. married in Spain Fortunately, Spain is brimming with romantic locations in which to host your dream 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. Wedding Traditions The coins can represent the new couples wealth and prosperity, as well as their new life together. They can demonstrate a minimum period of joint cohabitation. Common across all Latin cultures, the reception is viewed as an all-night-long dance party where guests can drink, mingle, and Youre bringing two families together as one unit. Unlike UK newlyweds, Spanish married people generally wear their bands on the right hand (on the left only in a few regions). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Finca Cortesin, Casares. 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. One major way that Spanish wedding traditions differ from other cultures is that there are no Orange Blossoms. A typical custom is to throw rice or rose petals as the couple exits the place where the ceremony has taken place, but many traditions have changed over time. Spain is world-famous for its vibrant and colorful culture, and its weddings are no exception. Here is a look at some of the most common traditions: Traditionally, the brides family pays for the wedding. In many Spanish weddings, the first time the bride and groom see each other on the day of the wedding is when they walk down the aisle. It is very common for a woman to keep her surname after getting married in Spain, and this contrasts with the tradition in other countries where the woman takes her husbands last name. Orange Blossom Special Events is my way of always remembering the beauty and smell of fresh orange blossoms and the blessings they represent. A typical variant of the dance originates from the Spanish region of La Mancha. A legendary celebration unique to the Basque Country, this massive festival takes place every August in one of the region's Sentimental Wedding Traditions From Around the World. Typically, Spanish weddings dont have bridesmaids or groomsmen; theres no Best Man or Maid of Honor. The coins are often placed in a special bag or box and are typically given to the bride during the ceremony. After the wedding Both spouses keep their names after getting married Maiden names dont exist in Spain. Today, a bride might choose to wear black as a nod to the tradition or to break out of the white wedding dress mold. Traditional Spanish bodas or weddings usually follow the Catholic tradition and may have at least 200 guests. Planning your Spanish wedding may take some time to arrange in terms of gathering and submitting all the required paperwork. Therefore, the reception also begins quite late and it extends well into the next day. Similar to the black dress, Spanish brides traditionally wear a black wedding veil. Bye Bye Tie 7. To share some local flare, you may want to include some Spanish traditions in your ceremony. While the grooms family is typically responsible for the wedding expenses, there is no hard and fast rule. The head table of six is a way to symbolise the union of the two families, and it is seen as a way to show respect to the elders. Instead, the event is more of a family affair. If you're invited to a wedding in Spain, go! All Rights Reserved The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The contents of paella vary but primarily consist of mixed seafood, rice, and vegetables. Whoever catches it is said to be next in line to get married. And they keep that name their entire life, even when they get married. In the Catholic religion, the number 13 is representative of Jesus and his twelve apostles. The average cost of a wedding in Spain stood at 22,000 in 2021. Its one of the most popular places to visit in Europe. The architecture is a perfect blend of the modern and old world, the people are full of love and passionate energy, and the smell of orange blossoms wafts through the streets. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If youre planning to tie the knot in Spain, heres what you need to know about how weddings are celebrated there. WebAnother Spanish wedding tradition is that the wedding ring is worn on the right hand and that surnames dont change after marriage. At the reception, both sets of parents sit with the bride and groom at a head table for 6. These have been historically given to the bride from the groom as a symbol of his commitment to the marriage. Many brides in Spain wear black silk wedding dresses for their ceremonies. When women in Spain become engaged, they wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their left hand. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to why Spanish brides wear black on their wedding day. During the banquet, the bride and groom walk around the tables giving small gifts to the guests, which are usually figurines as a souvenir of their attendance at the celebration. In Spain, women also keep their engagement ring on their left hand but wear their wedding ring on their right hand. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2023 Calle Habana. 13 Spanish Wedding Traditions and Rituals. The celebratory dance is also known as the money dance. The padrinos functions as a substitute to the flower girls, bridesmaids and the best man. This means that your new spouse can take off from work for a solid two weeks without having to worry about missing any paychecksand its all thanks to the government! To take the stress out of organizing their big day, some couples choose to hire a wedding planner. These cookies do not store any personal information. Wedding traditions and customs in Spain. In college, I was lucky to spend a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. If you arent Spanish, then you may need to obtain this from your home countrys Embassy or Consulate. A Traditional Spanish Wedding 2. 3. Traditionally, the brides father gives her away to the groom. They're also symbolic of fertility. Spanish Wedding Ceremony Traditions No Wedding Party. A third tradition is the cutting of the cake. 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. Similarly, a rose is often placed in the brides hair as a symbol of love and purity. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Alternatively, some couples might prefer to wear their rings on their right hand in order to show their allegiance to their country of origin. While some brides may still choose to wear black, it is becoming more and more common for them to opt for a white dress instead. Often, the bride hands out pieces of cake to each guest in attendance, who would then offer her good wishes for her future happiness in marriage. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Why Italian Weddings & Honeymoons In The Alps Are So Magical, Our Favorite Italian Destinations For Summer 2021 Weddings, Las Ventanas al Paraso, A Rosewood Resort, Susurros del Corazn, Auberge Resorts Collection, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Wedaways: Your Wedding & Honeymoon Travel Solution, Destination Wedding Styled Shoots: What They Are and Why We Do Them. But what do the 13 coins in a wedding mean? The couple will also need to provide proof that they are legally allowed to get married. Table of Contentshide 1. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Recently, Spain has seen a trend for greener wedding venues and locally sourced produce as couples are looking to lower their carbon footprint. Some of the most iconic venues are the Atzaro hotel in Ibiza and the Son Brull Hotel & Spa (formerly a 12th-century monastery) in Majorca. Kids are welcome at Spanish weddings. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. One of the most well-known Spanish wedding traditions is the Fiesta de la Paloma. It can be arranged by a notary or by applying for registration in your local Registry of Unmarried Stable Partnerships (Registro de Parejas de Hecho). Second, many couples choose to have their parents stand up with them at the ceremony. Lilies represent purity and innocence, while orchids are seen as a symbol of exoticness. Traditions in Spain In some cases, the brides family may contribute to the cost of the wedding, but the grooms family is typically responsible for the majority of the expenses. Each bride has her own reasons for choosing this color, and there is no single reason that is universally accepted. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. To get married in Spain, you will typically need to have the following documentation: Note: All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and have an official seal, the Certificate of Apostille of the Hague (apostilla de la Haya). Here are some favorites. You may also need to provide a Freedom to Marry letter from your parish priest, which indicates that you have fulfilled the premarital course requirements. If you are having a religious wedding, the church administrators might wish to take care of this application process on your behalf, so you should check with your local diocese beforehand. Youre guaranteed to have a good time. In Spanish culture, it is typically the grooms family who pays for the wedding. This includes the cost of the wedding ceremony and reception. If you plan a religious or secular wedding, you could incorporate many Spanish wedding traditions into your ceremony. Wedding bands for men and women are simple gold bands with no stones or other embellishments. A country steeped in history like Spain has beautiful wedding customs & traditions. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Instead, the bride and groom are attended to by Padrinos, or godparents, whose job it is to keep the bride and groom from seeing each other before the wedding. Here youll find information and useful resources from our small team of wedding experts. You will also need one of your two witnesses (with ID) to accompany you. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These rings are meant to symbolize the couples commitment to each other. This tradition is a double surname because it combines two names. However, this is not always the case. After the wedding ceremony, the couple break a glass vase the number of fragments indicating the number of married years ahead. The sole function of these traditional figures is to accompany the bride and groom and (usually) sign as witnesses to the marriage. Read more about the meaning of flowers around the world. If youre getting married in Spain, youll need to know about seguidillas manchegas. One is that historically, the brides family was not always able to afford to pay for the wedding. WebIn Spanish weddings, brides prefer to wear black dresses made of silk, accompanied by beautiful lace mantilla veil. The brides Padrino is traditionally her father, and the grooms Padrino is his mother. Spanish Wedding Traditions Also during this walk they take photos with the guests, and the guests take the opportunity to give them envelopes with money or any other small gift for the bride and groom. If one of them loses theirs, it means they are next in line for marriage! 1989 - 2023 Ideal Education Group S.L. If youre planning a wedding in Spain, here are some of the traditions you can expect. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But in recent times, the brides wears white wedding gown. I love orange blossoms so much that I named my company after them! Spain is famous for its Normally only the first piece of the cake is cut, and then they are the first to eat the cake. Still others believe that black is simply a practical color that is flattering on all skin tones and can be worn in any season. With Spanish weddings, you handle this a bit differently than in other cultures. You can compare up to 3 properties at one time. So while there is no traditional bouquet toss, newly-weds in Spain do use a sword to cut the cake and most Spanish weddings have some very colourful events filled with customs and traditions. Wedding WebTraditionally, in Spain and Latin America, it is made up of thirteen gold coins [1] [3] presented in an ornate box or chest; in the Philippines, it is in an ornate basket or pouch. As that practice fell out of favor, wearing a mantilla was reserved exclusively for special occasions, such as weddings. Spanish The ceremony itself is typically short and simple, with the couple exchanging vows in front of friends and family. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Spanish wedding traditions are rich in history and tradition. As part of our wedding traditions of the world series, keep reading to discover the Cake-Slicing. Each bride has her own reasons for choosing this color, and its a personal choice that is unique to each individual. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Therefore, you will need to check the precise requirements with your autonomous community. Lets eat, drink and get married! Another tradition still observed in Spanish weddings is the giving of las areas (gold coins). This is in contrast to the white dresses that are often worn in other countries. Indeed, marriage is no longer a prerequisite for couples in Spain. 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. The south and east of the country are the most reliable when it comes to beautiful weather. A country steeped in tradition like Spain has beautiful wedding traditions. Indian Wedding in Spain Today, more and more people are opting for a civil ceremony and a small convite or reception with family and close friends. In the Catholic religion, the number 13 is representative of Jesus and his twelve apostles. This toast is a way to express their love and appreciation for each other. This is done to symbolize cutting off ties to his bachelorhood and welcoming him into a new life with his bride. Spain is known for its vibrant and unique Spanish cultural traditions, and nowhere is this more evident than in Spanish wedding traditions. Shrimp Paella, a traditional Spanish wedding food (Credit: Intimate Weddings), Orange Blossoms, traditional Spanish wedding flowers, (Credit: SF Gate), Brides in Spain wear black dresses and veils (Credit: Etsy), environmentally friendly wedding, environmentally friendly wedding tips, eco friendly wedding tips, eco friendly wedding planning, small wedding, microwedding, covid wedding, wedding ideas. Wedding traditions in Spain vary from other cultures, and they are also changing with the times. 18 Wedding Traditions in Spain You Want to Know About, https://www.spaindesk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Wedding-traditions-in-Spain.jpg, https://www.spaindesk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/31-05-2021-Spaindesk-Logo-1.png, All rights reserverd Copyright - SpainDesk. There are many traditions and customs that make these weddings unique and memorable, and everyone who attends is sure to have a wonderful time. Originally, the seguidillas manchegas was a courtship dance performed by two dancers. It is a tradition from ancient times, where it was customary to give a sum of money or goods to close a deal. This celebration takes place After the grooms tie has been cut, the friend will sell the tie to a wedding guest to raise money for the couple. Instead, the bride and groom are attended to by Padrinos, or godparents, whose job it is to keep the bride and groom from seeing each other before the wedding. That said, to qualify for marriage in Spain, both parties must be at least 18 years old. In Catholic Spanish weddings, the groom presents the bride with 13 gold coins (arras) in an ornate box for good luck. If you liked it, do not hesitate to share it on social networks with the buttons you will find below to reach more people, we also invite you to leave your comment. This is said to bring them fertility and good luck in their marriage. For Spaniards, orange blossoms represent joy and happiness for the newly married couple. In fact, since same-sex marriage (matrimonio igualitario) was legalized in Spain in 2005, the number of annual nuptials between same-sex couples has remained fairly stable; with 5,108 weddings taking place in 2019, compared to 4,313 in 2006. Women wear the wedding ring on their right hand while they wear the engagement ring on their left hand. Whether youre planning a destination Spanish wedding or youre a guest, enjoy the cultural change and get into the spirit of things. You're guaranteed to have a good time. Wedding The money earned by the couple during the dance is used to set up their new home together. Spanish wedding traditions Although many brides today opt to wear white, the tradition in Spain is that brides wear a black, silk dress. Wikipedia Civil partnerships are regulated at a regional level in Spain. Wedding parties can enjoy exclusive use of Finca Cortesin located in Spains Andalucia / Finca Cortesin.