Mexico is a gorgeous destination with a vibrant culture with deep-rooted traditions, vibrant energy and a strong sense of family (familia). A Mexican wedding isn’t simply two people exchanging vows, it is a grand religious celebration that blends Catholic influences with Spanish and indigenous customs. The church is often beautifully decorated and iconic mariachi music is played during mass. This creates a joyful one-of-a-kind experience filled with faith, family, friends, and love. Many of these traditions date back hundreds of years and continue to be honored by couples today.
If you are planning a destination wedding in Mexico, this guide will inspire you to understand and embrace the rich culture that the locals value and sprinkle some of their timeless traditions into your special day. Say, “Si,” to a Mexican wedding tradition.
The Heart of a Traditional Mexican Wedding
Faith is important to the people of Mexico, with Catholic religious symbolism playing a common role in Mexican weddings. While you may prefer more modern elements on your special day, the wedding structure remains deeply tied to faith and family. Let’s take a closer look at the significant aspects of a traditional wedding in Mexico so you might decide to make one of their heartfelt rituals part of your wedding day celebration.
The Role of the Catholic Church in Mexican Weddings
Catholicism is a common religion in Mexico with the Catholic Church providing the setting for wedding ceremonies. The ornate statues of the Virgin Mary, saints, colorful stained-glass windows, wooden pews, artwork of Jesus, and long aisles are the perfect surroundings for the bride and groom to wed. To many Mexican families, marriage is considered one of the seven sacraments and getting married in the church is part of a long, happy marriage.
Mexican weddings take place within a mass, which is similar to the mass that takes place every Sunday, but with the addition of marriage rituals. Those rituals include the exchange of consent or vows and the nuptial blessing. The ceremony can be performed in Spanish, English, or a combination of both languages. Both couples’ parents traditionally accompany them down the aisle to show their approval and consent to their new union.
The Meaning of El Lazo (The Wedding Lasso)
One of the most beautiful unity rituals in a Mexican wedding is El Lazo also called the wedding lasso. A large rosary, silk cord, or floral garland is placed around the couple’s shoulders in a figure-eight shape. The lasso beautifully symbolizes joining two lives into one creating an eternal bond. This tradition represents unity, love, and the unbreakable commitment of marriage. The couple takes the lasso home with them as a constant reminder of their love and commitment to one another.
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The Significance of Las Arras Matrimoniales (The Wedding Coins)
During the wedding ceremony, the groom presents the bride with Las Arras Matrimoniales. Matrimoniales are 13 special gold coins that are blessed by the priest. The coins, or arras, symbolize the 13 virtues needed for a happy marriage. They also symbolize their commitment to always provide financially for their family. This heartfelt ritual also has religious symbolism related to Jesus and his disciples. The bride accepts the coins from her groom symbolizing trust and commitment to their financial future. The coins are carefully kept in a decorative box as a cherished heirloom.
Family and Community in Mexican Weddings
Mexican weddings are much more than a union between two people. They are festive, vibrant celebrations that bring family, friends and entire communities together. Weddings are highly honored in the Mexican culture as they are a new beginning that brings happiness to everyone in the couples’ lives. The emphasis on strong families is reflected in long-lasting ceremonial traditions.
The Role of Los Pardrinos y Madrinas (Godparents & Sponsors)
Mexican weddings involve the couple selecting los pardrinos y madrinas, who are part of the wedding ceremony. They are like the couple’s godparents and are usually very close to the couple’s families. Their role is to financially sponsor portions of the wedding, including wedding attire, the wedding lasso, or the wedding coins. In some cases, they take care of the entire reception or honeymoon, as their wedding gift. In Mexico, It is a beloved honor to be asked to play this role. It is a heartfelt and warm gift of love and devotion.
La Pedida: Seeking the Father’s Blessing
Before the couple gets engaged, the groom and his family formally ask the bride’s father for her hand in marriage. Known as La Pedida, or “the proposal,” this heartwarming tradition is a special moment that brings both families together to welcome and celebrate the future marriage. It also strengthens the two families’ friendship and growing bond. The two families become like one and will always support their children’s life together.
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Mexican Wedding Festivities: Music, Dance, and Food
Once the religious ceremony is over, it’s time to leave the church for a grand celebration! Mexican wedding parades and receptions are lively, incredible parties with an atmosphere filled with music, dancing and incredible regional food, beverages and desserts. These festive occasions usually last hours into the night, some continuing into the next day. Take a look at some fun traditions that you can easily add to your wedding for an unforgettable experience.
The Wedding Parade: La Callejoneada
Everyone loves a parade, especially a wedding parade! La Callejoneada is a festive parade that goes from the ceremony to the reception. A mariachi band leads the way, playing loud, lively music while guests follow along dancing and singing along the streets. This tradition sets the exhilarating mood for a fun-filled party at the reception venue.
Mariachi Music
Mexico is known for its amazing music and traditional songs. No Mexican wedding is complete without a mariachi band and music. These iconic bands dress in colorful attire and play sacred hymns during the religious ceremony. After they leave the church, they are known for playing lively folk dance tunes during the parade and reception. The band consists of brass and string instruments and is revered for its festive sounds and singing that livens up any crowd.
Traditional Mexican Wedding Food and Drinks
One of the grandest features of a Mexican wedding is the fabulous food. Traditional Mexican weddings showcase the traditional, sweet, spicy and savory food and beverages. The abundance of food and drinks reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. Popular dishes include tasty tacos, tamales, chiles rellenos, tacos al pastor, mole poblano, pork carnitas, and a variety of salsas, guacamole, and sauces. Dessert is Tres leches cake, a decadent and delicious creation, and flan, a sweet treat.
Most weddings will serve traditional beverages and cocktails like refreshing aquas frescas, a refreshing fruit-infused beverage. Traditional flavors are horchata (rice and cinnamon) and sandia (watermelon. For adults, margaritas infused with tequila and sprinkled with sea salt and lime juice are usually served.
Unique Wedding Dances: Vibora de la Mar & The Money Dance
Mexican wedding receptions feature fun and interactive dances to get everyone engaged in the celebration. It is also a way to bring the two families and groups of friends together. Relationships and bonds are created right on the dance floor thanks to these long-lasting rituals. Two stand out and are common in most Mexican wedding receptions. The Vibora de la Mar, translated as a sea snake dance, is all about the ups and downs in marriage. The bride and groom stand on chairs while the guests hold hands and weave along the dance floor. The couple uses a veil to create an arch while the guests bump into them and try to make them fall off the chairs.
Another favorite dance is the Money Dance. It is a fun-filled and intimate traditional dance where guests pin money onto the bride and groom as they dance. The ladies usually pay to dance with the groom and the men usually pay to dance with the bride, but everyone is invited to spend a special moment with the newlyweds right on the dance floor. The money dance is a symbol of financial blessings and helps them pay for the wedding, honeymoon, and to begin their new life together.
Incorporating Mexican Wedding Traditions Into Your Destination Wedding
If you are planning a destination wedding in Mexico, it’s fun to add touches of the country’s cherished traditions to your special day and make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s easier than you think. Whether you incorporate Mexican decorations for a festive flair, are inspired by Las Arras Matrimoniales coin tradition, or allow your guests to indulge in Mexican fare, the ideas are as endless as your imagination.
- Have a mariachi band perform during your ceremony and reception.
- Incorporate El Lazo and treasure the lasso as a decorative accent back home.
- Decorate your event with vibrant Mexican décor like papel picado (decorative paper banners) and colorful flowers.
- Serve traditional cuisine like tacos, mole, and tres leches cake.
- Plan a Callejoneada to kick off your reception with a festive wedding parade full of music and dancing.
It’s easy to create a wedding that is uniquely you by beautifully blending Mexican traditions and modern elegance into the picture.
Say “Sí” to a Destination Wedding in Mexico
What are weddings like in Mexico? A Mexican wedding is more than just an event, it’s a vibrant celebration of love, culture, and family. Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of the traditions, the lively festivities, or the breathtaking landscapes, Mexico is the perfect spot to say “I do.” And when you incorporate touches of rich traditions, colorful decor, lively music and delicious food, you have a recipe for a beautifully designed destination wedding.
Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. We have helped hundreds of happy couples plan a wonderful, unforgettable wedding, including a Mexican destination celebration. From selecting the perfect venue to incorporating meaningful traditions, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Fill out our wedding planning form today, and let’s start designing the perfect Mexican destination wedding! “Viva el amor!”
