Many also join local Facebook groups to seek recommendations and advice from others who have personal experience of getting married in Spain. 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! At a Spanish wedding reception, it is not uncommon for a big wedding party. Captivating Spanish Wedding Traditions 1. Which Spanish Wedding Traditions Will You Try? Cutting of the grooms tie. Given a two person saw, the tradition is meant to symbolize how the couple will work together as they face obstacles in their marriage. WebDay Three of Arun & Zarnas Hindu Wedding in Spain, Photography Ed Pereira As huge, lively celebrations, with extensive family and guests, its important that the planning must incorporate all the traditions and intricacies at the heart of an Indian wedding in order for it to be truly authentic. This is probably the most common reason why Spanish brides choose to wear black on their wedding day, as it is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. While they dont throw the bouquet, they do use something interesting to cut the cake. 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. Whether youre planning a destination Spanish wedding or youre a guest, enjoy the cultural change and get into the spirit of things. If youre intrigued, read this quick guide to find out which traditions you may come across at a traditional Spanish wedding. Traditionally, Spanish brides often wear a black wedding dress at their weddings. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The rings symbolize Jesus and the apostles and the priest blesses them. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In Spain, theres a traditional Castillian wedding folk dance called sequidillas manchegas. During this dance, wedding guests pay the bride to dance and, at some weddings, may bid on her garter. The couple holds hands while they cut their cake together. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. There are many traditions and customs associated with Spanish weddings, which can be both fun and fascinating to learn about. 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). As you can see, Spanish wedding traditions are rooted in the history of their culture. Wedding ring and Engagement Ring. Spain is known for its vibrant and unique Spanish cultural traditions, and nowhere is this more evident than in Spanish wedding traditions. Wedding traditions and customs in Spain. Cultural differences: 15 Spanish weddings curiosities Destination Wedding Guest Gifts: Are They Necessary? I love orange blossoms so much that I named my company after them! Gerberas are often associated with happiness and joy. Same Surnames 5. 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. However, there is one tradition that is common across many cultures the tradition of using coins in a wedding. As the couple leaves the ceremony, guests line up outside to throw dried rice or rose petals. These have been historically given to the bride from the groom as a symbol of his commitment to the marriage. 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. To initiate the dance, the wedding guests pay the bride. After the wedding, their wedding ring (typically a solid gold band) is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. This is often seen as a sign of respect and appreciation for the brides family. During this dance, wedding guests pay the bride to dance and, at some weddings, may bid on her garter. Traditions in Spain However, just bear in mind that you may have to wait up to six weeks for the appointment date. 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). Confetti Time 6. A mantilla is a lace or silk veil that covers the brides head and shoulders. In Spain it is traditional for the newlyweds to cut the wedding cake with a small sword, symbolising their first act together as married couple. Kids are welcome at Spanish weddings. Which hand for Wedding ring in Spain? Paella, and seafood in general, is a big part of Spanish culture and is commonly served at large gatherings like weddings. Saturday: 10:00AM 2:00PM. The padrinos functions as a substitute to the flower girls, bridesmaids and the best man. The marriage must be registered with the civil authorities and performed by a licensed marriage officer. But its good to know where these traditions originate. 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. Terms of Use One of the most beloved Spanish wedding traditions is the cutting of the grooms tie. 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). Spanish Wedding Ceremony Traditions No Wedding Party. wedding traditions However, a civil partnership doesnt grant them the same rights or financial benefits as a civil marriage. If youre planning to tie the knot in Spain, heres what you need to know about how weddings are celebrated there. There are many different ways to do this, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. The meaning of the coins varies a bit from culture to culture but, in general, they symbolize good fortune for the marriage ahead. What types of marriages are possible in Spain? Its traditional to take a gift or give an envelope with money inside to thank the bride and groom for your invitation. If you arent Spanish, then you may need to obtain this from your home countrys Embassy or Consulate. The seguidillas manchegas is a traditional Spanish folk dance that has been performed since the 16th century. 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 believe throwing rice or rose petals symbolizes prosperity and fertility, while others believe its meant to ward off evil spirits. Second, many couples choose to have their parents stand up with them at the ceremony. The marriage can then go ahead. 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.