| c weddings bring together the dignity of Catholic mass | | | | coins, she signifies she will be faithful to her future |
| with Latin traditions of music and celebration. Consider | | | | husband and will use their provision wisely. The number |
| incorporating these traditions to your wedding for an | | | | of coins is said to represent Christ and his 12 disciples. |
| experience you and your guests will cherish for years! | | | | Another important part of the ceremony is El Lazo. |
| Early in the engagement, Hispanic couples will choose | | | | Members of the wedding party, often the Madrina and |
| a sponsor couple known as the Madrina and Padrino. | | | | Padrino, are responsible for tying a rosary, long rope or |
| This couple will help pay for the wedding and guide the | | | | piece of satin around the couple. The rope is wrapped |
| newlyweds through their first years of marriage. The | | | | in a figure eight around the couple’s neck or |
| Madrina and Padrino often have special roles in the | | | | waist to symbolize the love that the bride and groom |
| wedding ceremony, which can include walking the bride | | | | share. It also shows how the couple equally shares |
| down the aisle or providing a pillow on which the bride | | | | responsibility for the success of the marriage. |
| and groom can kneel. Generally, the sponsor couple | | | | The reception can include a number of fun traditions |
| has been important in the life of the bride and the | | | | as well. The couple’s first dance is generally |
| groom. | | | | held with their guests forming a heart around them on |
| When shopping for a traditional gown, the bride should | | | | the dance floor. Later, family and guests can |
| look for a slim dress over which she can wear a | | | | participate in the money dance. This is a unique way to |
| jacket and a mantilla veil. The veil is triangular in shape | | | | give the bride and groom a healthy start to their new |
| and features lace edging. Ideally, the bride will wear a | | | | lives together. During a designated dance, guests will |
| gown that has been passed down through her family | | | | pin money on the bride and groom to dance with them. |
| for generations. Under the dress, brides often wear | | | | Just be sure to have a money bag on hand to collect |
| yellow, blue and red undergarments. These colors | | | | the cash after the dance is over! |
| promote abundance of money, food and passion in the | | | | When planning your reception food, look for items that |
| couple’s life. Remember when choosing bridal | | | | are traditional to the Hispanic culture. Empanadas, rice, |
| jewelry — Hispanic brides do not wear pearls | | | | beans, paella, fried plantains and arroz con pollo are all |
| as they signify the future tears and grief in a marriage. | | | | excellent choices that are sure to please your guests. |
| To be very traditional, you could opt for a black dress. | | | | Often the wedding cake is a fruitcake that is soaked in |
| In Spain, brides often wear black on their wedding day | | | | rum. If you would like to have a white tiered cake |
| to signify their devotion to their future husband until | | | | instead, consider choosing from one of many Hispanic |
| death. | | | | wedding cake toppers available. |
| Traditions in the ceremony originate in Spain and are a | | | | One of the most important ways to share your |
| special part of the day. At a designated time, the | | | | traditions with your guests is to explain them! For some |
| groom will give the bride 13 coins as a pledge of his | | | | of you guests, this could be their first Hispanic wedding |
| support and sign of trust. When the bride accepts the | | | | ceremony. |