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. Kids are welcome at Spanish weddings. Some believe throwing rice or rose petals symbolizes prosperity and fertility, while others believe its meant to ward off evil spirits. While some of these traditions are slowly changing, they still provide a glimpse into the culture and customs of Spain. 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. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. If youre invited to a wedding in Spain, go! At the reception, the head table is traditionally set for six: the bride, the groom, and their parents. 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. We hope you come back soon and we wish you a great day. The ceremony itself is typically short and simple, with the couple exchanging vows in front of friends and family. 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. These are typically close family members or friends who act as mentors and support throughout the wedding planning process. One popular tradition is the Aranzada. The black gown symbolises lifelong devotion and commitment to ones spouse for Spanish brides who see it as a physical representation of the phrase until death do us part.. When it comes to your wedding party, you might be wondering what the proper etiquette is in choosing who should stand up with you and your partner. And before the bride makes her big entrance, the mother of the groom escorts him up the aisle. Wedding The traditional wedding dance is called the Sequidillas Manchegas. Traditional 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. Traditionally, the brides father gives her away to the groom. Another Spanish wedding tradition is for the brides garter to be auctioned off during the reception to one of her guests. Below are some things to consider when planning your big day: Civil marriages are effective immediately following the ceremony and the official who conducted it will register the marriage with the Civil Registry. The bride and groom use a sword, not a knife, to cut through the cake. Whatever the size of your Spanish wedding, you will always need to gather and submit some documents beforehand. The orange blossom represents purity, happiness, and sweetness, so its no surprise that this is how the godfather chooses to present his goddaughter on her wedding day. These include: While arrangements for a civil wedding can vary across the autonomous communities, it typically takes from 30 days to four months. Whether youre planning a destination Spanish wedding or youre a guest, enjoy the cultural change and get into the spirit of things. Next to the orange blossom, typical flowers you find at Spanish weddings are roses, lilies, orchids and gerberas. Spanish Wedding Traditions 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. Sociologist Alfonso Perez-Agote believes that the ongoing economic crisis and a shift from the traditional family unit to a more secular definition are largely behind this trend. The Wedding Party 3. Wedding planning in Spain: step by step Step one: Apply for a marriage license Step two: Attend the interview Step three: Plan your wedding! Some of the customs are similar, such as throwing rice, but others are less familiar. The bride's padrino is traditionally her father, and the groom's padrino is his mother. One of the most important aspects of a Spanish wedding is the food. Orange blossoms symbolise good luck in Spain and are often used as decorations at weddings. WebIn Spain, theres a traditional Castillian wedding folk dance called sequidillas manchegas.. In the United States, its not uncommon for kids to be excluded from wedding festivitiesbut in Spain, family is an important part of a wedding, and children are expected to take part. Both applicants must attend separate interviews at the town hall and answer a variety of questions. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Similarly, a rose is often placed in the brides hair as a symbol of love and purity. 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). Sentimental wedding traditions and customs were written for lovers of culture and romance. Another Spanish wedding tradition comes after the bride and groom say their vows. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. One of the most well-known Spanish wedding traditions is the 'Fiesta de la Paloma'. A common Spanish wedding tradition used to be that the grooms close friends would take his tie, cut it up, and sell the pieces to the guests to raise some extra money for the couple. To share some local flare, you may want to include some Spanish traditions in your ceremony. They are given to thank the guests for attending and can be anything from candies to small gifts. After the first slice is cut, the newlyweds will feed each other a piece of cake. Spanish wedding cakes arent as fancy as the 12 tier cakes you find in the US. They also incorporated imagery elements of good luck, prosperity and fertility. wedding traditions Fun for Kids 9. If youre planning to tie the knot in Spain, heres what you need to know about how weddings are celebrated there. There are also no flower girls or best men. The architecture is a perfect blend of modern and old world, the people are full of love and passionate energy, and the smell of orange blossoms wafts through the streets. Give sweet favours The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Interestingly, marriage doesnt seem to be a priority for same-sex couples either. The Spanish seguidillas manchegas remains a popular wedding dance, although it has evolved into a money dance, performed in Spain and around the world. The bride and groom often make a wedding toast to each other during the reception. Nevertheless, both partners must be registered at the same address. Spanish wedding traditions are rich in history and tradition. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. You're guaranteed to have a good time. Make sure your dream day goes off without a hitch by using lingoking for all your translation needs. Normally it is the bride who should wear these things. If youre planning a wedding, you may want to consider incorporating coins into your ceremony. | Thirdly, there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen. Women wear the wedding ring on their right hand while they wear the engagement ring on their left hand. California Consumer Privacy Act. One of the most popular Spanish wedding traditions is the custom of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold. A country steeped in tradition like Spain has beautiful wedding traditions. You typically wont find bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding in Spain. It is entirely up to the individual couple to choose the placement of their rings that feels most comfortable for them. In Spain its a tradition to throw the bouquet to a group of guests and whoever catches it will be the next to get married. It all depends on the particular circumstances and the wishes of the families involved. In Spain, there's a traditional wedding dance called "sequidillas manchegas." Not only is this a great way to celebrate the beginning of your married life together, but it also gives you plenty of time to explore the beautiful country of Spain and all its rich culture and history. After the wedding, you will receive a marriage certificate and a Libro de Familia (family book) from the Spanish Ministry of Justice. In some cultures, the coins are even seen as a good luck charm. There are many traditions and customs associated with Spanish weddings, which can be both fun and fascinating to learn about. Many brides in Spain wear black silk wedding dresses for their ceremonies. The woman who catches the bouquet is said to be the next one to marry. What are some wedding traditions in Spain? The other materials used for making gowns are taffeta, organza chiffon, tulle, etc. 4. Which Spanish Wedding Traditions Will You Try? Getting Paid for Your Honeymoon 11. The grooms family would step in to help out. This helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the wedding and makes it more family-friendly overall. In the Catholic religion, the number 13 is representative of Jesus and his twelve apostles. Spanish 3. In Spanish weddings, couples have a godmother and godfather standing by their side. Wikipedia Hi there! So if youre wondering why Spanish brides wear black, the answer is that there is no one answer. One popular tradition is the Aranzada. But have you heard of the Spanish custom of handing out pins to unmarried women? Traditions in Spain A Spanish translation must also be attached. Normally in this tradition, the grooms best man buys the groom his tie, which symbolises good fortune and luck. Do Spanish people wear wedding rings on their right hand? They are in the brides bouquet, on the wedding cake, or even scattered around the reception venue. The sole function of these traditional figures is to accompany the bride and groom and (usually) sign as witnesses to the marriage. Adress Plaza de los Califas s/n, CentroComercial El Zoco, Crdoba 14005, Espaa, Monday to Friday: Weddings in Spain are known for their delicious tapas and paella, so be sure to make room for plenty of food! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. However, this is not always the case. This symbolizes both fertility and prosperity for the newlyweds. Elevated above the Mediterranean, Finca Cortesin strikes the perfect harmony between Andalusian tradition and contemporary luxury. The godfather typically attaches a poem to the bouquet before handing it over to the bride. 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. The contents of paella vary but primarily consist of mixed seafood, rice, and vegetables. The bride also gives corsages or pins to her close female friends, and the singles friends wear them upside down. When it comes to wedding traditions, there are many that vary depending on culture. At the reception, both sets of parents sit with the bride and groom at a head table for 6. A Traditional Spanish Wedding 2. 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. Today, Spain remains one of the most LGBT+ friendly countries in the world and offers a diverse and welcoming scene for all. Traditionally, Spanish brides often wear a black wedding dress at their weddings. However, like everything else, the number of guests really Rice, rice, baby Traditionally, when the newly married couple leave the church, guests throw rice at them to symbolise fertility. The Libro de familia is an essential document in Spain and is considered the official record of the family. After the wedding ceremony, there is usually a celebration with food, drink, and music. When women in Spain become engaged, they wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their left hand. Spain is a country with a rich culture and history, and its weddings are reflective of this. The wedding ceremonies in Spain generally begin around 6-7 p.m. in order to avoid the hottest part of the day. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. WebIn Spanish weddings, brides prefer to wear black dresses made of silk, accompanied by beautiful lace mantilla veil. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They're also symbolic of fertility. From sorting paperwork and creating a budget to choosing a venue and more, we outline everything you need to know about Spanish weddings. This is a nice way to honor their support throughout their lives together. In Seville, youll find the best Flamenco dancers who can teach you how to perform this traditional dance. It is a tradition Not seeing the bride. 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). Find out how we can turn your wedding into a fun fiesta. The countrys Catholic roots have created a lasting impact on Spanish culture, including its wedding traditions. 13 Spanish Wedding Traditions and Rituals. Puerto Rican Wedding Traditions 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. These days, the tradition of using coins in a wedding is more about symbolism than anything else. A traditional Spanish wedding usually follows Catholic traditions. Each bride has her own reasons for choosing this color, and there is no single reason that is universally accepted. One is that historically, the brides family was not always able to afford to pay for the wedding. Theyre encouraged to attend! Wedding Traditions Usamos cookies para asegurar que te damos la mejor experiencia en nuestra web. They are single and not married; note, if you have registered your civil union and want to get married: you must dissolve the civil relationship before you get married. Luckily, this guide is here to explain all the steps you need to take to arrange a Spanish wedding, including the following: Tying the knot in the beautiful Spanish sun? However, some couples still prefer to stick with tradition and wait until they see each other at the altar. In fact, according to figures released by Spains National Statistics Institute (INE), religious wedding ceremonies are at a historical low, accounting for only 22% of the total marriages in 2016. If you arent Spanish, then you may need to obtain this from your home countrys Embassy or Consulate. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Traditional Spanish wedding rituals to include But the way they cut the cake may surprise you. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. In Spain, newlyweds are entitled to 15 days of paid leave from work after their wedding. Now the couple will cut their wedding cake together with a ceremonial sword. Spain is a country with a rich culture and history, and its weddings are reflective of this. But now many couples opt for something more personal. However, it is becoming more common for couples to do a first look before the ceremony. Do Spanish brides wear black? 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. Normally only the first piece of the cake is cut, and then they are the first to eat the cake. During this dance, wedding guests pay the bride to dance and, at some weddings, may bid on her garter. Since orange trees are so prevalent in Spain, it's no surprise that the orange blossom is the traditional Spanish wedding flower. At the reception, both sets of parents sit with the bride and groom at a head table for 6. One tradition is the brides garter toss. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. After the ceremony, the party really kicks off, with music and dancing lasting long into the night. The godparents also help out and prevent the couple from seeing each other before the wedding. Their chosen godparents have typically known them their entire lives. Paella originated in Spain and is cooked on an open flame in a large, flat frying pan. In Spain, women wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their left hand, while the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. 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. Order online 24/7 and take some of the stress out of your big day with lingoking. 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 coins are usually carried in a specially made bag or container and gifted to the bride during the ceremony. Another tradition still observed in Spanish weddings is the giving of las areas (gold coins). Lilies represent purity and innocence, while orchids are seen as a symbol of exoticness. 1. In Spain, it is generally considered to be customary to wear wedding rings on the left hand. 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. 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. 8 wedding traditions in Spain that you 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. My name is Carol Thompson. When Spanish women get engaged, they wear their engagement ring on the left hands ring finger. It is not uncommon for a kids table at the reception or for the couple to hire a babysitter to watch the children during the ceremony. 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. Meanwhile, the charming Vinuelas Castle is conveniently located just a stones throw from Madrid, and Belmonte Castle in Cuenca looks like its straight out of a fairytale. That said, generally speaking, anyone in Spain can register a civil partnershipprovided that they meet the following requirements: The legal requirements for registering your marriage in Spain depend on your civil status, your nationality, and the region that you live in. Traditional Spanish bodas or weddings usually follow the Catholic tradition and may have at least 200 guests. Therefore, you will need to check the precise requirements with your autonomous community. Although many brides today opt to wear white, the Spanish wedding custom is that brides wear a black, silk dress. The white petals represent purity, and since orange trees flower and bear fruit at the same time, they represent happiness and fulfillment. The groom also wears his wedding band on the right hand, rather than the left. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. The Sequidillas Manchegas is a Spanish folk dance that is often seen as a traditional wedding dance. Its a great dish for sharing with a big group! During the 1500s and 1600s, Spain rose as a significant colonial power in Latin America. The veil is edged with intricate lace and is called a mantilla. The money earned by the couple during the dance is The incredible smell of orange blossoms is also a sign of good luck and happiness. in Spain 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. Theyre also symbolic of fertility. However, the majority of Spanish couples prefer to have their marriage ceremony close to home so that close friends and family can easily attend. In college, I was lucky to spend a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. However, with the cost of weddings increasing over the years, more and more couples are splitting the cost of the wedding. 9 Spanish Wedding Traditions We Love Here are some favorites. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The dance was first written about in poems dating back to the 15th century. During this dance, the guests pay the bride to dance, and may even bid on her garter. There are many traditions associated with weddings, from who pays for the wedding to who is allowed to attend. The ring is one of the most significant parts of getting married in Spain. Paella originated in Spain and is cooked on an open flame in a large, flat frying pan. Essentially, there are two types of weddings in Spain, as follows: Couples can legally get married in Spain in a ceremony without a religious aspect. If one of them loses theirs, it means they are next in line for marriage! And now you know all about Spanish wedding traditions, youll be ready for anything. Some even choose their parents to take on this role. Traditionally, Spanish weddings are large and lavish affairs, with families and friends coming together to celebrate the couples big day. This is a special lasso that is used to capture the bride and grooms wedding rings during the ceremony. Its no secret that Spanish wedding traditions are a big deal. Youre guaranteed to have a good time. Instead of a humble knife, they use a huge sword instead! 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. In the typical wedding in Spain, it is the job of the brides father to keep her hidden before the ceremony and walk her down the aisle. Indeed, theaverage age at marriage in Spainis 39.5 years for men and 36.7 years for women, one of the highest in the EU. This is shown by the countrys declining marriage rate and the increasing age of men and women at first marriage. That said, to qualify for marriage in Spain, both parties must be at least 18 years old. Below are some of the most common ones. With its vibrant culture and delicious food, Spain is the perfect place to have a wedding that you and your guests will never forget. During this dance, wedding guests pay the bride to dance and, at some weddings, may bid on her garter. The last Spanish wedding tradition we discuss is the head table at a Spanish wedding reserved for the bride, groom, and their parents. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The sword symbolizes strength, courage, protection, and power. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to why Spanish brides wear black on their wedding day. Orange Blossom Special Events is my way of always remembering the beauty and smell of fresh orange blossoms and the blessings they represent. To take the stress out of organizing their big day, some couples choose to hire a wedding planner. Either way, its a fun tradition that allows guests to interact with the bride and groom before theyve officially left the ceremony site. After the wedding, their wedding ring (typically a solid gold band) is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. It is said to bring good luck to the newlyweds. The veil is made of intricate lace and is called a mantilla. The favors are presented during the meal or at the end of the reception. The marriage must be registered with the civil authorities and performed by a licensed marriage officer. Originally, the seguidillas manchegas was a courtship dance performed by two dancers. To say the city left an impression on me would be an understatement. Therefore, make sure you leave enough time to plan your wedding, based on the timelines outlined below. While there are many traditional Spanish wedding customs in Spain, many of these traditions extend to Latin America and the US. If the guest loses the pin during the party, it means that she will soon find a husband. They also used to wear a veil every day after the wedding. 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. Planning your Spanish wedding may take some time to arrange in terms of gathering and submitting all the required paperwork. It is updated with each new addition to the family and is used as proof of marriage, birth, and death. The seguidillas manchegas is a traditional Spanish folk dance that has been performed since the 16th century. The meaning of the coins varies a bit from culture to culture but, in general, they symbolize good fortune for the marriage ahead. 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. Although we often associate wedding dresses with the color white and the purity it implies, it 3. As the couple leaves the ceremony, guests line up outside to throw dried rice or rose petals.