Wedding Traditions in Spain

Spanish weddings impress you with the fairytale gowns and the couple standing on the castle top. However, there are many rituals and traditions involved in these weddings. Wedding traditions in Spain reflect the rich culture and heritage of the country. There is more in Spain than the beautiful landscape.

About wedding traditions in Spain

Wedding traditions in Spain begins once the bride’s father accepts the bridegroom’s proposal of marriage. The pre-marriage ceremonies play an important role in wedding traditions in Spain. The first gift that comes from the groom to his bride is 13 coins that she carries with her even on the day of the ceremony.

Spanish traditional wedding

Wedding traditions in Spain have come of interest even to the foreigners. Traditional weddings like in many countries have come to be replaced by contemporary plans. Now you see the bride walk in beautiful silk gown in the Spain churches. Earlier, the girl would wear a black dress. In many regions of Spain, there are many other kinds of dresses and gowns worn by the bride.

In Andalucia region of Spain, the tradition is of wearing a gown in flamenco style. Girls from the region choose to wear during national festivals and dance carnivals as well. Authentic Spanish wedding wears is made from the black silk fabric. Undoubtedly, it is the most elegant part of the wedding traditions. The lace mantilla on the bride’s head and the hair held up by to large combs gives a chic look. The veil covers the back portion of the head and considered “God’s protection”.

Wedding attire traditions in Spain

While many customs have changed in many regions over time, wedding means more than celebration for many households. Here, the would-be bride embroiders the shirt that her groom is supposed to wear on the big day. This was turned into ritual to highlight her sewing and threading skills. Yet another story behind this gesture is that it gives a personal touch to the present.

The lovely look and design of the wedding flowers is a great concern for the bride. In traditional Spain weddings, the orange flowers are in vogue. The orange blossoms are symbol of happiness, good luck, and prosperity. In modern day marriage though, mix of white and other seasonal flowers are also popular. Flowers are tucked together on the hair covered by the veil.

Reception takes place after exchange of wedding vows. It is customary for the groom to give cigars to the male guests and family members. It is considered an important wedding gesture. The bride makes hairpins for her friends to wear on the hair. Single colored flower is also distributed to maintain the decorum.

Wedding feast traditions in Spain

Attend a Spanish wedding to savor the exquisite seafood dishes. Paella is delicious seafood served with wine. In snacks, you will have cookies, cake, fruit, and almonds.

Few other traditions in Spain

Exchange of 13 gold coins in a special purse or box between the groom and bride is another significant wedding tradition in Spain. Usually, this custom is observed before the ceremony. These coins blessed by the officiating priest are considered to represent Jesus Christ and his apostles along with the lifetime commitment of the groom to support his bride throughout. The coins carry both a religious and practical connotation.

Dancing at a Wedding Reception in Spain is another significant wedding tradition that is followed in Spain. During the celebration, guests and attendees of the ceremony dance a "sequidillas manchegas" and present the newly-weds with different gifts. Usually, guests who get to dance with the bride presents her with money however, at times pieces of groom’s tie or the bride’s garter are even auctioned for good luck.

As per Spanish wedding traditions, the newly-weds in most parts of the country are greeted with firecrackers as soon as they come out from the church. With the start of the reception, the fun and festivity of the celebration continues until night followed by dining and dancing.

It is customary in Spain for the bride to offer pins with flower motifs to unmarried women along with throwing off the bouquet backward to the women next to marry. The girls in their attire further tie these pins upside down with the hope of it getting lost. This idea signifies the indication of the next person to marry.

During the ceremony, the bride and the groom exchange rings. Usually, catholic ceremonies in Spain continue for an hour with the assistants even taking the communion while the civil ceremonies directed by the town major are much shorter.