Spanish Wedding Traditions

Passionate, colourful, rich in culture, Spain has it all and their weddings are no exception.

Marrying in Spain Under Spanish Law, two foreigners may only marry in Spain if one of the parties is a

legal resident.  

- Traditionally, the groom gives the bride’s father a watch after his proposal is accepted.

He also gives to the bride a gift of 13 coins ,which symbolizes his commitment to support her.

The bride carries the coins to the wedding ceremony to be blessed by the priest.  

From tradition , the bride wears a black silk wedding dress with a black lace veil, but today most brides

wear white. The groom wears an embroidered shirt, handmade by his future wife. The veil is part of the

wedding dress and symbolizes God’s protection.

- The flowers are usually Orange Blossom’s  – they represent happiness and fulfillment.  

Most often , the ceremony is held in the evening.

- Godparent-sponsors are chosen to guide the couple through their married life.

Alos there is no best man, groomsmen, ushers or bridesmaids.

- A cord ceremony symbolizes that marriage is for life. After the couple leave church they are greeted with

firecrackers.  

The music of Spanish and Latin origin along with folk dance is played by a “Mariachis band”.

- Guests dance a “seguidillas manchegas” or money dance with the bride or groom. The dance is to

symbolize prosperity and financial security for the newlyweds.

The food is composed of fiesta of seafood’s including Paella, a delicious seafood rice stew; Sangria, red

wine punch; Bizcochitos, rich spicy cut-out cookies and sponge cake with fruit and almonds.

- The wedding cake is cut by the couple, who must give each other a piece to eat, symbolizing their

shared future.