Spain is a country rich in culture and tradition, and its weddings are no exception. Having lived in this beautiful region for some time now, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how these timeless customs bring richness to a wedding celebration. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding here in Spain or looking to incorporate a touch of Spanish elegance into your day, these traditions can add meaning and a sense of connection to your ceremony and reception.
Spain is a country full of traditions and a rich cultural heritage. Here are some of my favourite wedding traditions:
In Spain, it’s traditional for women to wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their left hand when they become engaged. After the wedding ceremony, however, the wedding ring - a classic gold band in most cases - is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. Unlike in the UK, Spanish brides don’t stack their wedding and engagement rings on the same finger. This unique custom is just one of many fascinating Spanish wedding traditions that make weddings in Spain so special.
- Wedding Dress and Veil
Many Spanish brides today choose to wear white, however, the Spanish tradition is that the bride wears a black silk dress. This signifies the bride’s commitment and devotion to her groom – hence the wedding vow ‘until death do us part’. Brides may choose to wear black today as a nod to the tradition or as a shift away from the white wedding.
Like the black dress, a black wedding veil, or mantilla, which is made of intricate lace, is frequently worn. This tradition dates to the 17th Century when Spanish women wore a mantilla every day. The tradition went out of favour and is now more frequently worn on special occasions, such as a wedding.
- ‘Unmarried’ Pins!
In a UK wedding, the bride tosses her bouquet to her bridesmaids and the one who catches it is the next to get married. The tradition in Spain is for the bride to give each unmarried woman at her wedding a pin to wear upside down, should they lose it during the ceremony or reception, they’re the next to get married.
- Change of Surname
Spanish women seem to have long names, often double barrelled. This is because of the tradition of keeping their mother’s maiden name and then adding their father’s last name plus the surname of their groom is still used. It denotes the bringing together the two families,
- Cutting the Groom’s Tie
This is where the groom’s friends cut off small pieces of the tie. It signifies cutting ties with his bachelorhood. The pieces are then sold or auctioned off and the money raised is given to the couple so that they start their married life financially supported.
- Cutting the Cake
A wedding tradition that many couples uphold in other countries, in Spain, the cake is traditionally cut using a sword. This sword symbolises strength, courage, protection and power. The couples hold the sword together to cut is representing solidarity in marriage.
Here in Spain the bride’s godfather presents her with the bouquet. Here in the Valencia region, we have many orange groves, and their blossom gives off a delicate fragrance. Orange blossom is frequently used in BOUQUETS and represents purity, happiness and sweetness.
The godfather also traditionally attaches a poem that he, or someone in attendance at the wedding, has written.
- Seguidilla Manchega, or the Money Dance!
A traditional folk-dance originating from La Mancha region of Spain. It is a lively and symbolic dance where guests pay to dance with the bride, therefore, contributing to their future. Some versions also include bidding on the bride’s garter. This custom focusses on the celebratory spirit of Spanish weddings, bringing together music, dance and goodwill, to support the couple’s journey into married life.
- The Arras Tradition of Exchanging Coins
The Arras tradition is a meaningful part of Spanish Catholic weddings, symbolising prosperity and mutual commitment. During the ceremony, the groom presents the bride with 13 gold coins, known as arras, which are blessed by the priest. These coins represent Christ and the 12 apostles, and their exchange signifies the couple's shared responsibility for their home and future. This is a custom that blends both religious and cultural meaning, adding richness to the wedding ceremony and reflecting the couple’s unity in both faith and marriage.
- Honeymoon Leave – Who’d Have Thought It!
Honeymoon leave is still a tradition in Spain. Newlyweds are entitled to 15 days of paid leave from work following their wedding. This leave is guaranteed by labour law and provides couples with time to celebrate and enjoy their first days of marriage without financial worries. It’s a meaningful benefit and a reflection of how Spain values the importance of family and new beginnings.
- The Traditional Role of the Padrinos
Padrinos is a touching Spanish wedding tradition where the bride’s parents select special godparents, known as padrinos, who play an integral role in the wedding. These padrinos not only give a set of 13 coins (arras) to the groom, symbolizing his ability to provide for his bride, but they also often take on responsibilities for financial contributions towards the wedding and other ceremonial aspects. The tradition reflects the importance of family and community in Spanish culture, with the padrinos symbolically passing on their wealth and wisdom to the newlyweds, creating a rich, parental bond that emphasises the couple's commitment to each other.
In summary, Spanish wedding traditions like Padrinos, the Arras, and others, bring a unique richness and cultural insight to a wedding day. They offer not just a glimpse into the country’s history but also serve to create lasting memories for both the couple and their guests. By incorporating these meaningful customs, you can add a distinctive flair and cultural dimension to your own wedding. To explore more about how Spanish traditions can enhance your wedding, VISIT MY WEBSITE, here you can book a chat and also get a free wedding guide.