Instead, the event is more of a family affair. 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. Some people believe that Spanish brides wear black because it is a traditionally somber color that represents sadness and loss. 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. In Spain, there's a traditional wedding dance called "sequidillas manchegas." Similar to other European countries, attitudes towards marriage are changing in Spain, as society continues to move away from traditional ideals to more modern ways of living. This document certifies that the couple has married. Prepare yourself for some quirky traditions From throwing rice at the newly married couple as they leave the church, to cutting up the groom's tie, sharing 13 gold coins or having the bride arrive in a carriage dragged along by oxen (if it's in Castilla y Len), there are plenty of unique regional wedding traditions across Spain which can cause jaws to One is that historically, the brides family was not always able to afford to pay for the wedding. 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. The wedding band is a big part of a wedding and holds a lot of importance in Spanish culture. This is in contrast to many other cultures, where the engagement ring is worn on the right hand, and the wedding ring is moved over to the left hand after the wedding or stacked on the same finger. The coins are often placed in a special bag or box and are typically given to the bride during the ceremony. If youre invited to a wedding in Spain, go! Often, the reception will go on until the early hours of the morning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. At leastone of the two members of the couple must be registered in the autonomous communitywhere the union will be registered. They are in the brides bouquet, on the wedding cake, or even scattered around the reception venue. After the wedding ceremony, the bride tosses her bouquet over her shoulder. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 3. After the wedding, their wedding ring (typically a solid gold band) is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. As the title suggests, this is usually done at weddings as it is a symbol of good luck. Note; this can vary between autonomous communities; for example, in Madrid, couples must have lived together for 12 months, whereas in Catalonia and Aragon, no minimum period is required. Wedding planning in Spain: step by step Step one: Apply for a marriage license Step two: Attend the interview Step three: Plan your wedding! But did you know that the country also has some pretty awesome honeymoon leave laws? When the bride leaves the room its traditional for all the women to line up to kiss the groom. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I love orange blossoms so much that I named my company after them! 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? Spanish wedding cakes arent as fancy as the 12 tier cakes you find in the US. Serenading the Bride-to-Be Youve probably heard of the tradition of catching the bouquet, where unmarried women try to catch a large bunch of flowers tossed by the bride at her wedding. Spain is world-famous for its vibrant and colorful culture, and its weddings are no exception. This custom is said to bring good luck to the newlyweds. Traditionally, Spanish weddings are large and lavish affairs, with families and friends coming together to celebrate the couples big day. The marriage can then go ahead. Some brides also opt to wear white to represent purity and virginity. A traditional Spanish bridal dress includes a lace headdress called a mantilla, which the mother of the bride will have embroidered for or bequeathed to her daughter. If you need to translate your documents, there are a number of online platforms you can use to find the right translator for you. Starting in the 17th century, it was common for women in Spain to wear a veil, or mantilla, every day. 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). The following 13 Spanish wedding traditions should give you an idea of what its like to get married in these parts of the world. Until recent years, and even today you still see it at some weddings, men were handed a cigar and women were given a little gift such as a pin to wear, but that custom has changed over the years. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Spain in 2005, guaranteeing identical rights to all married couples regardless of sexual orientation. A Spanish translation must also be attached. Some brides are also sharing floral arrangements between their different wedding parties at the same venues. The meaning of the coins varies a bit from culture to culture, but, in general, they symbolize good fortune for the marriage ahead. A Traditional Spanish Wedding 2. It is entirely up to the individual couple to choose the placement of their rings that feels most comfortable for them. Normally only the first piece of the cake is cut, and then they are the first to eat the cake. Traditional Spanish bodas or weddings usually follow the Catholic tradition and may have at least 200 guests. They're also symbolic of fertility. Si continas usando este sitio, asumiremos que ests de acuerdo con ello. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you are thinking of celebrating your wedding in Spain and you are curious to see what kind of traditions Spaniards carry out when getting married,here they are. Civil partnerships are recorded in the Civil Registry two or three weeks after the notary constitutes and registers the union. During the banquetedebodasorconvite(wedding feast/reception), its very common for the guests to go up to the head table to give the couple a gift as a thank you for being invited to their wedding. During some Spanish weddings today, the groom's friends will take scissors and chop up his tie, then sell the pieces to guests to raise more money for the couple. This tradition comes from the days when most people were married young, and didnt have a lot of money saved up. Privacy Policy Orange blossom is the traditional Spanish wedding flower and this custom came to Spain from the East during the Crusades. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. During this dance, wedding guests pay the bride to dance and, at some weddings, may bid on her garter. The favors are presented during the meal or at the end of the reception. Many couples arrange activities and prizes at the kids table to keep them preoccupied throughout the party. If youre intrigued, read this quick guide to find out which traditions you may come across at a traditional Spanish wedding. At the reception, both sets of parents sit with the bride and groom at a head table for 6. The bride gives each unmarried woman a pin to wear upside down before the festivities begin. When Spanish women get engaged, they wear their engagement ring on the left hands ring finger. Some believe throwing rice or rose petals symbolizes prosperity and fertility, while others believe its meant to ward off evil spirits. The color represents commitmentand it is also a reminder of death and the finality of marriage. While they dont throw the bouquet, they do use something interesting to cut the cake. 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. With Spanish weddings, you handle this a bit differently than in other cultures. 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. 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. This symbolizes both fertility and prosperity for the newlyweds. Similarly, a rose is often placed in the brides hair as a symbol of love and purity. Spain is famous for its Arras are 13 coins that the bride and groom exchange at the wedding ceremony. Thirdly, there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen. 10 wedding traditions in Spain The exchange of arras. In Spanish culture, it is typically the grooms family who pays for the wedding. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. WebWeddings are one of the most important types of celebrations in Spain. As that practice fell out of favor, wearing a mantilla was reserved exclusively for special occasions, such as weddings. As the couple leaves the ceremony, guests line up outside to throw dried rice or rose petals. It is common for weddings in Spain that take place in an indoor venue for guests to wait for the newly married couple at the door to throw rice at them, as a symbol of good luck. 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. The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, for instance, enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine each year. It is usually served with bread and a salad, and is a hearty meal that is sure to satisfy. Spain is known for its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage. Although many brides today opt to wear white, the Spanish wedding custom is that brides wear a black, silk dress. Its traditional to take a gift or give an envelope with money inside to thank the bride and groom for your invitation. That said, to qualify for marriage in Spain, both parties must be at least 18 years old. One long-standing tradition that still continues in Spain is the gifting of Las Arras or gold coins to the couple. They also incorporated imagery elements of good luck, prosperity and fertility. This includes the cost of the wedding ceremony and reception. | To initiate the dance, the wedding guests pay the bride. 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. Typically, Spanish weddings dont have bridesmaids or groomsmen; theres no Best Man or Maid of Honor. 10:00AM 2:00PM and 5:00PM 9:00PM | Traditionally, Spanish brides used to wear a black silk dress, although nowadays, white is far more common. Expect at least 200 guests at traditional bodas. They, in turn, hand out small wedding favours to their guests. 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! 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. Now the couple will cut their wedding cake together with a ceremonial sword. Make it your official wedding dance to incorporate an authentic Spanish tradition to your elopement in Spain. Its a great dish for sharing with a big group! Some couples prefer to wear their rings on their left hand, while others choose to wear them on their right hand. However, some couples still prefer to stick with tradition and wait until they see each other at the altar. However, this is not always the case. As you can see, Spanish wedding traditions are rooted in the history of their culture. One of the most well-known Spanish wedding traditions is the Fiesta de la Paloma. The sole function of these traditional figures is to accompany the bride and groom and (usually) sign as witnesses to the marriage. We appreciate your time and hope we have helped you with this tips about spanish wedding traditions. Despite being a largely Catholic country,couples in Spain have also moved away from traditional religious weddings in recent years. Surely this is a fun Spanish wedding traditions that you will want to try! Catholic priests established the tradition of covering the shoulders with a mantilla in the 1500s to keep women modest during Mass. 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. Indeed, marriage is no longer a prerequisite for couples in Spain. Spanish weddings: getting married in Spain as an expat. As a result, the total cost can range anywhere between 12,000 and 32,000. Weddings are one of the most important types of celebrations in Spain. Arrangements for a Catholic wedding in Spain normally take 30 to 50 days. Despite strong opposition from the Catholic authorities, 66% of the Spanish population voted in favor of the law in 2005. Spain culture influenced these wedding dresses. 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. 13. Whether youre planning a destination Spanish wedding or youre a guest, enjoy the cultural change and get into the spirit of things. Spain is known for its vibrant and unique Spanish cultural traditions, and nowhere is this more evident than in Spanish wedding traditions. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For Catholic brides in Spain, the black signifies the brides commitment and devotion to her groom until death do us part. Today, a bride might choose to wear black as a nod to the tradition or to break out of the white wedding dress mold. If one of them loses theirs, it means they are next in line for marriage! Therefore, you will need to check the precise requirements with your autonomous community. There are a few reasons for this tradition. The Hotel Palacio Villapans in Seville and the imposing Peralada Castle in Girona are also popular options. Read more about the meaning of flowers around the world. For example, it might be more convenient for the husband to wear his ring on his right hand, as this is the hand he uses to shake hands. They are given to thank the guests for attending and can be anything from candies to small gifts. Next to the orange blossom, typical flowers you find at Spanish weddings are roses, lilies, orchids and gerberas. What they do have are padrinos, usually the father of the bride and the mother of the groom. My name is Carol Thompson. But in recent times, the brides wears white wedding gown. The bride and groom use a sword, not a knife, to cut through the cake. 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. This tradition is a beautiful way to honor both sides of your family; it demonstrates that marriage doesnt mean youre giving up who you were before. The grooms friend usually performs this task with a pair of scissors. The bureaucracy involved will also vary depending on the type of ceremony you have and where you have it. The celebratory dance is also known as the money dance. Gerberas are often associated with happiness and joy. This is done to symbolize cutting off ties to his bachelorhood and welcoming him into a new life with his bride. Some couples even hire an entertainer to look after them. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. The book is a treasured item for Spanish families and is often passed down from generation to generation. The Libro de familiar means family book, and in the case of children, their birth will also be registered in this book. A civil wedding can take place atthe Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil), District Court (Juzgado), or in the town hall where it will be performed by the Mayor or a delegated Councillor. The veil is made of intricate lace and is called a mantilla. Planning your Spanish wedding may take some time to arrange in terms of gathering and submitting all the required paperwork. It is said to bring good luck to the newlyweds. After the wedding, the bride will usually keep them as a memento. Below are some of the most common ones. My greatest memory from living in Seville is the smell of orange trees around every corner. At a Spanish wedding reception, it is not uncommon for a big wedding party. 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. Many brides in Spain wear black silk wedding dresses for their ceremonies. After the wedding, you will receive a marriage certificate and a Libro de Familia (family book) from the Spanish Ministry of Justice. Its a question that has sparked a lot of debate in recent years, with many people wondering why Spanish brides would choose to wear such a somber color on their big day. Spanish wedding traditions are rich in history and tradition. Saturday: 10:00AM 2:00PM. Remarkably, this rose to 75% after the passing of the law. After the wedding ceremony, the couple break a glass vase the number of fragments indicating the number of married years ahead. Theyre encouraged to attend! The coins can represent the new couples wealth and prosperity, as well as their new life together. 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. After the ceremony, their wedding ring is worn on the right hands ring finger. Youre guaranteed to have a good time. 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. Spain is a country with a rich culture and history, and its weddings are reflective of this. Another tradition is the throwing of rice at the newlyweds. [1] [3] After being blessed by a priest, they are given or presented by the groom to the bride .