Updated at: 04-11-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Discussion about bridal, groomal, and guest dress at a wedding. The proper way to behave during a Mexican wedding will be discussed as well, along with some tips on what to dress.

Interested in learning what to wear to different types of weddings? Check visit our site to learn more about appropriate attire for a church ceremony.

What is a Wedding in Mexico Like?

A Traditional Wedding in Mexico

It is traditional for a Mexican wedding to take place in the local church during a full mass, and the majority of Mexican families follow this tradition. The service will include traditional prayers and sacraments as well as elements of Mexican culture. To serve as godparents in a traditional Mexican wedding, the bride and groom typically ask another married couple. They hope to continue this loving and committed relationship for the rest of their lives. During the ceremony, the padrinos traditionally wear a large rosary known as a lazo around their necks. In addition to the ring exchange, vows, and the presentation of 13 gold coins in honor of Christ and his disciples, other rituals at a traditional Mexican wedding include the following.

Mexican Wedding Reception

A reception is arranged in the couple’s honor to celebrate the occasion, and many of their closest friends and relatives attend. Popular Mexican wedding dishes include enchiladas, tacos, sirloin, and roasted vegetables. Depending on the venue, you can serve seafood at a coastal wedding or other traditional regional dishes for a Mexican wedding. There will be dancing after the lunch. There’s a money dance during Mexican weddings, where visitors pin money on the newlyweds to dance with them, giving them a little something extra to take with them on their honeymoon in Mexico. Many of these gatherings will continue into the early hours of the morning.

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Best Wedding Destinations in Mexico

Couples from all across Mexico and the world go to Mexico for their dream beach wedding. The coastline is lined with stunning beaches and five-star resorts, all of which offer all-inclusive wedding packages. Not only do they have expert wedding planners and convenient facilities, but their gourmet restaurants also provide some of the best Mexican fare for the reception. Your destination wedding in Mexico will allow you and your guests to kick back and have fun in the days leading up to the big day. When it comes time to tie the knot, couples from other nations have the option of a formal legal ceremony, a more traditional Catholic service, or a short and sweet symbolic wedding.

For many Mexicans, a wedding is a joyous occasion that unites extended family and friends in celebration of the happy couple. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Mexico or attending a traditional ceremony there, familiarizing yourself with the local traditions will help you feel more at ease.

What To Wear To A Mexican Wedding And Attire Ideas

Bride

The bride may choose to wear an indigenous-style Huipil dress. She can also don colorful, embroidered garments reminiscent of traditional Mexican fashion.

There is a clear Spanish influence on several traditional Mexican wedding attire. A flamenco or salsa wedding calls for a dress with layers of ruffles, paired with a bolero and a mantilla veil.

Jewellery is a must for a Mexican wedding. The bride might add some sparkle to her bridal ensemble with some beautiful jewelry.

Groom

The bride and groom at a Mexican wedding wear their finest attire. Grooms in Mexico typically wear black linen pants and a white blouse called a guayabera.

What sets this linen shirt apart from others is its four front pockets and two vertical pleats. The groom typically wears this blouse with a bolero and cowboy boots.

A tuxedo or formal black suit is acceptable attire for the groom at a Mexican wedding.

Guests

The wedding party in a traditional Mexican ceremony will dress uniformly. It means that the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen’s ties are all identical in this situation.

The wedding wouldn’t be complete without the flower girls and ring bearers. What, though, should you, as a guest, bring to a Mexican nuptial feast?

Wedding guests in Mexico traditionally wear clothes suitable for a religious service. The shoulders can be covered by draping a shawl over a less-than-modest top.

Men are welcome to dress formally in suits and slacks. It’s best to double-check the dress code if you have any doubts.

Is It Ok To Wear Red To A Mexican Wedding?

Like other Mexican festivals, a wedding in Mexico is not afraid to use bold colors, notably red. It’s not out of the question for wedding party attire to feature touches of crimson embroidery and lace.

Many brides like to wear red for their wedding since it is seen as a symbol of love and lust. As a visitor at a Mexican wedding, crimson is acceptable so long as it doesn’t steal the spotlight from the bride and husband.

Remember the wedding etiquette of avoiding stealing the spotlight from the happy couple, and especially the bride. If you don’t want to stand out too much, it’s best to either find out the dress code from the bride or choose a deeper shade of red.

To make their wedding truly unique, some couples opt for nontraditional ceremonies. Let’s take the question of what to wear to a wedding on Halloween as an illustration.

Can You Wear A Black Dress To A Mexican Wedding?

Black is appropriate attire for a traditional Mexican wedding. Black dresses or suits and ties are appropriate attire for a church wedding.

If, on the other hand, the ceremony will take place during the day, you might want to consider wearing a more colorful ensemble. Dressing in bright, bold Mexican colors is highly recommended.

In many societies, black is a symbol of mourning and death. Some brides even opt for an all-black look for their nuptials.

What Is The Tradition For Mexican Weddings?

Los Padrinos y Madrinas

The bridegroom and bridesmaid are free to choose their own parents as witnesses at the wedding. They act similarly to a godparent and typically provide financial assistance for various components of the wedding, such as the purchase of a Bible, the provision of a celebrant for the mass, and the provision of lodging for the bridal party. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the minimum or maximum amount of padrinos or madrinas that must be present at a Quinceaera. What a wonderful honor and opportunity! People who are requested to serve as wedding sponsors are typically role models in terms of faith, love, and dedication that the happy couple hopes to emulate in their own union.

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Church Ceremony

One of the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church, marriage joins the other three major sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and reconciliation. Since the church is considered the house of God and a place of worship, Catholics believe that this sacrament should only be administered there. Marriage, as Father Ryan puts it, “includes God’s presence” and is thus “not only between two individuals.” It’s a prayer, hence it’s most likely to be found in a religious building. All or part of the ceremony could be held in Spanish, depending on the wishes of the bride and groom. Father Ryan says that even if the couple only speaks English amongst themselves, they may still like to have the ceremony conducted in Spanish for their extended family members. Each set of parents often walks their child down the aisle at a wedding. In Mexican tradition, a marriage is considered official only if both parents walk their child down the aisle.

Mass

In Mexico, couples exchange vows during a mass that is otherwise identical to the weekly Sunday liturgy. We’ll get into the specifics of two of these rituals—the exchange of consent (or vows) and the nuptial blessing—in a bit more depth below.

Kneeling Pillows

Throughout the ceremony, the couple and their guests will pause at various points to bow their heads in prayer. White, lace-embellished knee cushions are a traditional gift from the bride’s and groom’s parents at the wedding. The couple can use the pillows as mementos of their wedding night.

According to Father Ryan, the exchange of consent and the subsequent reading from the Bible is the most meaningful aspect of the ritual. At the conclusion of the traditional ritual, the pastor will exchange vows with the couple. In front of God and the congregation, the couple makes an unbreakable oath to love each other for the rest of their lives.

Ring Exchange

The ring exchange represents the couple’s commitment to one another and their shared love of one another.

Las Arras Matrimoniales (Marriage Coins)

The arra is a traditional present from parents consisting of 13 gold pieces kept in a beautiful gold box. During the ceremony, the pastor presents his new wife with these 13 coins as a symbol of their union. As a picture of Jesus and his 12 apostles, this Mexican custom symbolizes the groom’s commitment to the bride and the importance of the couple’s relationship with God. ‘The coins are a reminder to the couple that their treasure is now one, and they will share in all that they have together,’ Father Ryan adds. They are also reminded to aid people who are less fortunate than they are by the message.

Liturgy of the Eucharist (Communion)

The newlyweds put their faith in God’s provision and care with this “first dinner” together. Although non-Catholics are not allowed to receive Holy Communion, they may receive a blessing from Father Ryan by crossing their arms in front of their chests as they approach the altar, as he instructed.

El Lazo (Wedding Lasso)

In the el lazo ritual, the newlyweds are symbolically united by being bound together with a lasso. The lasso might be anything from a large rosary to a length of silk cord. The couple is officially recognized by God as one once the padrinos and madrinas place the lazo over them. Father Ryan says the lasso symbolizes the couple’s commitment to working together as husband and wife.

The Nuptial Blessing

The Nuptial Blessing, a prayer for the couple, will be said when the ceremony comes to a close. In this prayer, the couple is united as “one flesh.” The priest prays for the couple’s long life together, asking God to shield them from harm and keep them faithful to one another.

Presentation of the Bouquet

Many newlyweds in Mexico pray to the Virgin Mary by placing the bouquet from the bride’s bouquet into her hands. He explains that in order to get their prayers answered as a couple, Father Ryan and Mary are going to pray together. A second bouquet is prepared in preparation for the bride to use in photographs and at the reception.

La Callejoneada (Wedding Parade)

The celebration continues with a parade known as La Callejoneada following the nuptials. The upbeat music of mariachis makes callejoneada reminiscent of the Second Line at a New Orleans wedding. Guests are escorted from the ceremony to the reception in this festive procession, which also serves to set the mood for the rest of the evening’s dancing and revelry.

Wedding Reception

Wedding celebrations in Mexico are unlike any other you’ve ever attended. Delicious food and energetic mariachi music keep the party going all night (and often into the morning). The traditional Mexican wedding menu includes dishes like tacos, tamales, pig carnitas, chiles rellenos (stuffed poblano peppers), enchiladas mole, and more. There will be a selection of meats, salsas, and dipping sauces.

The bar at a typical Mexican wedding is open all night, and guests can help themselves to everything from tequila and beer to margaritas and other cocktails. You’ll undoubtedly hear the traditional Spanish toast, “Arriba (to the sky), al centre (to the center), pa’ dentro!” at some point during your travels. Some Mexican weddings may provide non-alcoholic aguas frescas, a sweetened water beverage with added flavors, for children and other guests who don’t consume alcohol. One of the most well-known traditional flavors is horchata, which combines rice and cinnamon. Other common flavors include tamarind, lime, and sandia (watermelon).

It’s safe to assume that there will be an entire table devoted to Mexicans’ favorite sweets: cakes, chocolates, and cookies. Mexican desserts such as tres leches cake, flan, polvorones (wedding biscuits), buuelos (fried fritters), and pan dulce may be served in addition to the traditional wedding cake (sweet bread).

Special Dances

A chair arch is created by the couples, and the guests dance through it while holding hands and listening to La Vibora de La Mar. (the Sea Snake Dance). The difficulty of keeping the snake formation as the tempo of the music increases is obvious.

Guests “pay” for a dance with the bride or groom by pinning dollar notes to themselves; the custom is traditionally reserved for men. Large Mexican weddings make it difficult for guests to spend quality time with the newlyweds.

La Tornaboda (After Party)

After the major celebration, sometimes the next day, there is a smaller gathering called a tornaboda for family and close friends. If they get together again the next day, they’ll use this opportunity to exchange gifts. The significance of family in Mexican culture makes this a time for the newlyweds’ closest friends and relatives to share in their delight and celebrate their union.

Mexican Wedding Reception Traditions for Food

Tacos, tamales, pig carnitas, and other delicious delicacies are often served during Mexican wedding festivities. The menu will feature a variety of meats and sauces, among other things.

The bar menu will likely feature a variety of regional Mexican brews and tequilas, in addition to a selection of classic and creative margaritas. Non-alcoholic beverages can be provided, such as tamarind and lime flavored waters.

Cookies called polvorones are a staple at Mexican weddings. But Cardenas counters that the widespread recognition of Mexican wedding pastries is incorrect. In addition to traditional wedding cake and pies, buuelos and pan dulce are sometimes included on the dessert table.

Mariachi Band

A mariachi band is a common element in Mexican weddings. Couples who want original music at their wedding or other special event can hire one of these musicians.

Lasso Ritual

The newlyweds in a Mexican family will often be surrounded with a lasso made of rosary beads or a string of beads, which is a cultural tradition. Cardenas explains that this ritual represents “the pair becoming one unit.”

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Catholic Mass Wedding Ceremony

Marriage vows in Mexico are typically said during a Catholic ceremony. A priest will preside over the ceremony and provide a blessing to the couple after they have exchanged rings and said their wedding vows. During the Catholic wedding liturgy, the Eucharistic ceremony, often known as communion, is performed. Wedding guests who aren’t Catholic are asked to refrain from taking part in this ritual.

FAQs

What should I wear to a Mexican wedding?

Visitors are requested to wear clothing suitable for a religious service. Men should wear a collared shirt and suit or slacks, while ladies should wear anything that covers their shoulders, like a dress or a jacket. There is no need for formal attire at a reception.

How long is a Mexican wedding?

During the ceremony, a traditional Catholic liturgy is used, which often lasts for an hour.

Should I bring a gift?

The happy couple would appreciate any gift from the registry or a check sent in the mail from those who are unable to attend the wedding.

Are Mexican weddings ever performed on Sundays?

“most priests prefer not to have weddings on Sunday because of the regularly planned Mass,” says Father Ryan. A light of hope is that some churches will not schedule marriages during Advent and Lent. As Father Ryan explains, this time of year is one of simplicity and preparation, so weddings should reflect that.

Who typically pays for the wedding in Mexico?

Historically, the bride and groom’s parents have covered most of the wedding costs. Nowadays in Mexico, everyone from the parents to the newlywed couple is expected to chip in to help with the bills. Before things go too far along in the planning phase, it’s important for everyone involved in the wedding to have an open conversation about expectations.

What is a traditional Mexican wedding gift?

Instead of a kneeling pillow and prayer book from sponsors, visitors should only offer the happy couple gifts from their wedding registry or money.

Conclusion

You now have it! We now know that the traditional wedding garb of Mexico is rooted in the country’s ancient past and incorporates Spanish elements.

Dress appropriately, as weddings in Mexico typically take place in the church. Consider the wedding’s start and end times as well as the required clothes while making your selection.