Spin-off to Latina Brides: Wedding Traditions, Songs, etc.

Hola!

I thought I would start this thread so it will be easier to find the information, since the other latina thread is 14 pages long..lol

This is what I found so far:

Latin America:
Pairs of padrinos and madrinos assist with every part of the wedding ceremony and wedding reception for Latin American couples. They promise financial and spiritual aid, each pair assuming responsibility for a different part of the wedding observance, including the wedding site, wedding songs, wedding flowers, and even the wedding invitations.

Mexican Wedding Traditions article

The Lasso: also used in other Latin American countries but I got it from the Mexican Article

As part of the ceremony to symbolize unity, a large loop of rosary beads or a lasso (cord) is placed in a figure eight shape around the necks of the couple after they have exchanged their vows. It also is beautiful when made of entwined orange blossoms (which symbolize fertility and happiness). A double rosary lasso may also be given by one set of the parents and may be blessed with holy water three times in honor of the trinity.

A special person/couple places the lasso around the shoulders of the bride and groom, groom's shoulder's first. The lasso may also be tied around their wrists. The couple wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service. (The loop is symbolic of their love which should bind the couple together everyday as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives.)

At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by either the couple which placed the lasso on the couple, or the priest. The lasso is given to the Bride as a momento of her becoming the mistress of the groom's heart and home.

Most weddings will use the mariachis at the end of the ceremony as a part of the recessional.

The reception is always family oriented and festive. Everyone is presumed to be invited.

For the bridal couple's first dance, guests will gather in a heart-shaped ring at the reception around the couple. Salsa, merengue and the flamenco guitar music may add a Latin flare to the reception.

Favors could be wedding cookies wrapped in tulle, Spanish fans, note cards of Mexican painters, or pieces of pottery could be given.

Since many of us are Catholic, here is an article on the traditions used for the mass

Catholic Traditions

Latin Wedding Music Sample can be found here
Linky

Cuban Wedding Traditions

Puerto Rican Wedding Traditions


A book you might want to buy

Another Latino wedding article

Not really a tradition but just an FYI:

Spanish wedding invitations

Oh and a funny poem, most latina's will understand...

My Big Fat Latino Wedding

Nobody has invitations, only maps.

Family orders the invitations 3 months in advance and mails them out a day before, then calls 'No entiendo porque no te ha llegado' (I don't understand why you did not receive the invitation).

An average of 12 people attend per invitation.

Latinos never RSVP!!!

No one goes to church for the wedding, but everyone goes to the reception.

All the centerpieces are gone, and the reception has just Started.

Everyone's kids are running around crazy and all you want to do Is throw a bottle at them.

La comida (the food) has rice and beans and macaroni salad.

People are taking food plates home, 'para mañana' (for tomorrow).

People are taking huge pieces of cake home and telling others 'alla hay mas' (there is more).

One of the relatives is drunk and hugging everyone telling them 'te quiero mucho' (I want you badly).

The dollar dance lasts over an hour with the same tune, and that's only with relatives.

There are seven bridesmaids. And seven sets of 'padrinos' (groomsmen).

Everyone wants to be a 'madrina' (godmother) for your wedding.

The cake was made by 'la senora que hace los bizcochos' (the sponage cake ladies) instead of the bakery.

The wedding ends at midnight 'en el hall' (in the hall) but ends at 6:00 a.m. At the bride's house

BUMPING for the morning crew

Just wanted to add I'll be doing the lasso ceremony (central american custom) and I'll also be doing the 13 arras. Let me see if I can find the explanation.


ETP -
The madrina de arras holds the 13 coins the bridegroom presents to the bride. The coins, or arrhea, was a Roman custom of breaking gold or silver, one half to be kept by the woman and the other half by the man, as a pledge of marriage.

The groom gives the bride thirteen gold coins as a symbol of his unquestionable trust and confidence. He pledges that he places all of his goods into her care and safekeeping. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence.

The custom of the coins originated in Spain. Thirteen gold coins (arras) are given to the bride by the bridegroom, signifying he will support her. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, this represents the brides dowry and holds good wishes for prosperity. These coins become a part of their family heirloom.

The number 12 represents Christ and his 12 apostles. The coins are presented to the priest by a friend or relative (usually the purchaser). The priest then blesses the coins and hands them to the bride who places them in the groom's cupped hands at the beginning of the ceremony. The coins are then placed on a tray and handed to an assistant to be held until later in the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony the box and coins are given to the priest who places the coins in the box and hands them to the groom.

The groom will then pour the coins into the bride's cupped hands and places the box on top. This represent his giving her control as his mistress of all his worldly goods. (Sometimes their hands are tied with a ribbon for this portion of the ceremony.)

This is great, should we also introduce ourselves?