A Mexican Wedding: Traditions And Customs

Mexican weddings are a beautiful blend of ancient traditions and new trends, with each celebration being unique to the couple. The vibrant culture of Mexico is reflected in the festivities, which include close family and friends, ethnic food, music, and religious customs. Here's an introduction to some of the fascinating traditions you might encounter at a Mexican wedding:

- Los Padrinos y Madrinas: The wedding sponsors, who are chosen for their special relationship with the couple, play an important role in the ceremony. They may be assigned specific duties, such as wrapping the wedding lasso or carrying the arras (wedding coins).

- Las Arras Matrimoniales: This tradition involves the groom presenting the bride with 13 gold coins, symbolising his trust and financial commitment to her. The coins are blessed by the priest during the ceremony.

- El Lazo: A wedding lasso, often made of flowers and rosary beads, is placed around the couple's shoulders to symbolise their unity and everlasting love.

- La Tornaboda: This is the after-party, a smaller gathering with close family and friends that takes place after the larger reception.

- The Money Dance: Guests participate in this dance by pinning money on the couple or throwing it on the dance floor. This is a fun way to wish the couple luck and provide them with financial support for their new life together.

- Lanzar el Ramo: The bride tosses the bouquet to the single ladies, with the catcher believed to be the next to marry.

- Tirar la Liga: Similar to the garter toss in Western weddings, the groom removes the bride's garter, and the catcher is predicted to be the next to marry.

- La Vibora de la Mar: The wedding guests sing and dance in a circle, forming a sea snake around the couple, bringing joy and blessings.

Sponsors or 'Padrinos'

Sponsors, or Padrinos, are an important part of Mexican weddings. They are chosen because of their special relationship with the couple and are often close friends, grandparents, godparents, or other relatives who are seen as good role models for a successful marriage. They are usually people who have watched the bride or groom grow up and are considered a great honour to be chosen.

Padrinos are there to offer advice and guidance to the couple as they enter into marriage, acting as wedding guardian angels. They also contribute financially to the wedding, paying for certain aspects of the ceremony and celebration. They may also host an engagement party or bridal shower. The couple can choose as many padrinos as they like, and they can also divide up responsibilities and costs.

Padrinos are involved in the wedding ritual and are often assigned specific duties, such as wrapping the wedding lasso around the couple, carrying the arras (13 gold coins), or presenting gifts to the couple, the bride, the groom, the Virgin Mary, or the priest during the ceremony. They may also walk in the processional after the couple's parents, stand next to the maid of honour and best man, or sit in the first pew.

Padrinos are expected to attend and participate in the ceremony and it is frowned upon if they do not, as it is a great honour to be asked. They should also be acknowledged in the wedding programme and during the reception toasts, and it is customary to give them a thank-you gift.

Wedding Lasso

The wedding lasso, or el lazo, is a Mexican wedding tradition that symbolises everlasting love and unity. The lasso is usually a string of flowers and rosary beads, but can also be a rope, cord, or ribbon. It is placed over the couple's shoulders by either the officiant or los padrinos (godparents) in a figure-eight shape to represent new beginnings. The lasso is left on the couple for the remainder of the ceremony.

The wedding lasso is a unity ritual that is often included in Latino wedding ceremonies, particularly those in the Catholic Church. It is placed over the couple shortly after they have recited their wedding vows. The lasso is a symbol of the couple's everlasting union and their status as one in the eyes of God. The figure-eight shape also represents the mathematical symbol for infinity, with no beginning and no end.

The wedding lasso is typically provided by los padrinos de lazo, or lasso godparents. They are usually a married couple that the soon-to-be newlyweds see as role models in marriage. The godparents purchase the lasso and give it to the couple as a wedding gift. The lasso is often kept by the couple as a memento and displayed in their home.

The wedding lasso ceremony is usually accompanied by a prayer or blessing. The priest or officiant may say:

> "Let the union of binding together this rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary be an inspiration to you both. Remember the holiness necessary to preserve your new family can only be obtained by mutual sacrifice and love."

The wedding lasso is a beautiful and symbolic ritual that is steeped in Mexican and Catholic tradition. It is a meaningful way for couples to honour their heritage and signify their commitment to each other, their community, and God.

Wedding Money Dance

The money dance, or "Baile del Billete", is a Mexican wedding tradition that arrived in Mexico via Spain. It is also common in Latin America and the Philippines. The dance is said to symbolise wishing the couple luck in their marriage.

For this tradition, guests at the wedding reception have bills ready to pin on the couple in exchange for a dance. The money is usually pinned to the bride's dress and the groom's suit. However, some couples and their families may choose to collect the money in other ways, such as throwing it on the dance floor or designating someone to collect the cash so as not to ruin the wedding attire. The money collected by the newlyweds is used for their honeymoon or to set up their new home.

The money dance is a cultural tradition at many wedding receptions across multiple cultures, including Poland, Greece, Nigeria, the Philippines, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Portugal, Cuba, Eastern Europe, and the United States. The dance is meant to help establish the couple in their new life together or to show how much they are loved and appreciated.

La Tornaboda (after-party)

La Tornaboda, or the after-party, is a smaller gathering that takes place after the larger wedding reception, or the next day, and is exclusive to family and close friends. This tradition began in Mexican communities where weddings were open to everyone, so a reception could be attended by hundreds of people. La Tornaboda allows couples to celebrate with their nearest and dearest after the bigger fiesta is done. It is a chance for the newlyweds to relax and enjoy the company of their closest friends and family in a more intimate setting.

La Tornaboda is a time-honoured tradition in Mexico, where weddings are a community affair, and the celebrations are known to go on well into the night, and sometimes even into the next day. The after-party is a way to extend the festivities and create an intimate farewell, giving the couple a chance to relive their favourite moments from the wedding.

The food served at La Tornaboda is typically more casual than the wedding reception, with dishes such as chilaquiles, menudo (in the north of Mexico), tacos and pozole. The party usually takes place early in the morning, while guests are still dancing, so that everyone can get a good meal and rest their feet.

La Tornaboda is also a time for the couple to open their wedding gifts, surrounded by their loved ones. It is a chance for the couple to connect with their guests on a deeper level and strengthen their bonds as a community.

The Reception

There are several special dances that guests can participate in throughout the evening. The first is the money dance, where guests "pay" for a dance with the bride or groom by pinning dollars on their attire. This is a chance for guests to have some one-on-one time with the newlyweds and extend their best wishes. Another traditional dance is La Vibora de La Mar (the Sea Snake Dance), where the bride and groom stand on chairs opposite each other and form an arch. Guests then pass through the arch while holding hands and dancing, without breaking the snake formation as the music gets faster.

The food served at the reception is a highlight, with a variety of traditional Mexican dishes on offer. The menu typically includes tacos, tamales, pork carnitas, chiles rellenos (stuffed poblano peppers), enchiladas mole, and more. There is also a wide variety of sauces, meats, and salsas to choose from. For drinks, guests can expect an open bar with Mexican beers, tequila, and margaritas. Non-alcoholic options include aguas frescas, a sweet flavoured water beverage, with traditional flavours such as horchata (rice and cinnamon), tamarind, limon (lime), and sandía (watermelon).

Dessert is also a treat, with traditional Mexican wedding cake, tres leches cake, flan, polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies), buñuelos (fried fritters), and pan dulce (sweet bread) on offer.

Frequently asked questions